Did you know that February is National Library Lover’s Month? This month that’s all about love is also all about your local library. Are you a library user? It probably comes as no surprise that I am devoted to my local library.
If you’d like to make the most out of this free, local resource, here are a few tips for using the library. It’s full of resources to help you enjoy your reading life.
Take advantage of the holds system
This might be library 101, but in case you’re pretty new to using the library, this is my most important tip. Browsing can be nice, but if there are specific books you’re looking for, it’s not the way to go. Because I check out books for my kids in addition to books for me, I usually go to my library’s website at least every other week and put some books on hold. Then, when they’re ready all I have to do is go pick them up. We all get excited when I come home with a big stack of new (to us) books.
Request new titles early
This goes right along with using the holds system, but timing makes a difference when it comes to library holds. If you’re tired of waiting in long lines for new books, be strategic about requesting them early. At the beginning of the year (or the quarter), look at lists of upcoming book releases, and put holds on the ones that sound interesting. That way you’ll be at the front of the line instead of at the bottom. (If you can’t find it in your library’s system because the publication date is too far away, just ask your librarian and she will likely help you—then you’ll be the first in line!)
Don’t forget about the eLibrary
Remember that the library offers digital eBooks and audiobooks in addition to physical books. If you have an eReader, take advantage of your library’s digital book collection and check out those as you would any other book. Many libraries have a separate catalog for audiobooks, or they have the Libby app which is an easy way to browse and download audiobooks and eBooks from your library’s collection.
This is an area where it’s worth it to do a little digging into how your library works and what’s available. For example, if your kids like listening to audiobooks, some libraries have the option of checking out books that are pre-loaded onto a device that will play the audiobook. Isn’t that convenient?
Schedule regular library visits on a schedule that works for you
Becoming a better library user is all about making library use fit into your life. For me, I check out a mix of physical books and audiobooks, so I stop by my nearest library pretty regularly. If the library has a book available, it usually takes a few days from the time of the hold request for it to be ready at my pick-up location, so I keep that in mind when requesting titles. Think about how often you’d like to bring home new books for you or your family, and then choose a day to visit regularly. Maybe it’s every other Saturday, or every third Tuesday… whatever works for you. Also, you don’t have to visit the location nearest your house—maybe a library branch near your work or near your grocery store is more convenient.
Explore your library’s seasonal events and programming
Libraries usually have a lot of family-friendly events throughout the year, both online and in-person depending on where you live. There are often story times for children, classes and reading groups for adults, and sometimes even live music and speakers. Also, most libraries offer some kind of summer reading program, usually for both kids and adults, and many give away prizes for participating. Summer is a great time to explore all the events and services available at your library.
Stay in the know
If you’re only popping into your local library quickly to check out the books you put on hold, you may not always know all the other amazing events and opportunities they offer. However, most libraries have some kind of newsletter you can sign up for to stay in the know about events and programs. Or, they may have a calendar of events on their website, and you can add events you’d like to attend to your own calendar.
Check out their book sales
Most libraries have book sales a few times a year, where they sell donated and overstocked books. Usually these books sell at super cheap prices, and the proceeds help your local library. They usually have books from a variety of genres and topics on sale, and it’s also a great place to go for children’s books. Keep an eye out in your library’s newsletter or even just at your local location for information about when the next library sale is happening. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed!
I’d love to hear about your library habits and if you have anything to add to my list!
