How To Get the Most Out of Your Library

Libraries are much more than shelves of books. Most of us never realize what valuable things we can get from our libraries– and all for free!

 

The library is like a second home to my family and me. We go there for so many reasons! Obviously to check out delicious books, but that is only one treasure behind those library doors. Here are ten tips for getting the most out of your library resources:

1. School and Self-Study Books

This seems pretty obvious. Go find that book just waiting for you to read it and conquer the world (aka your college admission application) !

The library holds so much potential for bettering your future through extra study! From books about cooking to business management, professional photography to veterinary studies- the library’s got it! I hope to share in another post how my brother got a head start on his college degree this way. 🙂

2. Free Wifi

Hooray! Who doesn’t love free wifi?? When my family dropped our internet for economic reasons, we would drive to the library for wifi connection.

Students- need internet access to do your homework? Internet is expensive; just save with the library!

3. Movies and Music

Stop paying to stream the latest movies, just check them out from the library at no cost! My library has shelves and shelves of dvds and cds. The staff does an amazing job keeping up with the newest releases! I’ve been surprised to find a movie, just recently in theaters, at our library soon after. Time for a frugal weekend at home!

4. Free Classes

Our library always has really cool, free classes going on! So far we have attended two writing and publishing how-tos by a local New York Times bestselling author. Also a series of small business start-up classes taught by business consultants. The library calendar shows TONS of other classes including: writing, music, craft skills, business, drawing, and more!

5. Books to Buy

Really? At a library? Yes. Two words- BOOK SALE! Some libraries have gigantic annual book sales; while others have an area always dedicated to a book sale. Did I mention that we go there every week? And did I further mention that day happens to be when everything in the already-cheap book sale is half off? I promise, this arrangement was purely coincidental. 😀

6. Volunteer Hours

Need to get in some volunteer hours? At my library there are different teen volunteer opportunities — a one time job or more long term jobs. Sounds doable right?

Is your library looking for volunteers? I encourage you to find out!

7. Audio Library

My family has access to multiple online audiobook libraries through our library cards-  fantasticness at zero cost! I love to download an audiobook onto my phone, pop earbuds in, and listen to a novel while cleaning my room. Multi-tasking here we come! 😉

8. Study Rooms

In addition to large tables and cushy chairs situated by electrical outlets, we also have study rooms- bright and airy with glass walls. They each hold up to six people, and can be booked up to two hours a day, twice a week! For a larger group our library offers small conference rooms also by reservation.

9. Scripts/Magazines/Comic Books/Wall Art?!

My library’s rich treasures don’t stop at books and movies- oh no! We can even borrow a script for a play, magazine issues, and comic books! Recently my mom shocked me with the info that I can check out cool posters and copies of famous art to have in my room for a little while. Like, whaat?! Neato! Let’s just say the spectacular and dramatic painting of The Lady of Shalott is currently hanging above my bed. 😀

10. Fun Events!

Libraries host lots of events for kids, teens, adults, and whole families! Things like outdoor movie showings, book clubs, plays by local drama teams and school groups, teen pizza parties, DIY crafts (some pretty cool ones too), music performances, etc. etc. Just a tip though, if you go to see a local pipe and drum corps perform (meaning… BAGPIPES) bring earplugs to dampen the volume a little! 🙂

“The IDEA Center” is a fantastic room my library just opened after lots of exciting mysteriousness and construction work. This room is specifically dedicated to people with ideas. More specifically- people with business ideas! That’s right, our library loves entrepreneurs! Just a few things it includes- computers, entrepreneur/business books, a table for meetings, and- get this… a green screen and a 3D printer! Aaah! S.C.O.R.E (retired business CEOs/executives) comes to the library at set times to offer its help developing business plans. Super valuable opportunity right there for a budding teenprenuer!

Not every library is the same, and mine might be over the top phenomenal; but do you know what free opportunities your library resources offers? I encourage you to find out!

Are you a book piggy like me? Do you think libraries/books are the best things ever? Then here’s a bonus tip: go read these two books I discovered- Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library and The Case of the Case of Mistaken Identity.