Don't laugh at the library

Austin_Allegro_2

Don't laugh at the library!

This tip may sound odd, but a lot of people don't seem to realise how good public libraries are.

For instance, several times when I've been reading a library book, people have spotted the plastic cover and dewey decimal index sticker, and sniggered slightly, saying 'oh...it's a library book!'

When I asked one friend why that was funny, he admitted he didn't know why, he said he just thought it was odd that people still used libraries 'when there are so many bookshops around'.

I pointed out that it seemed odder to me to spend £12 on a travel guide (the book I was reading) which would only get used for a week!

macchicken

I love the library! All those books and you dont even have to pay to read them (as long as you remember to return them on time)

m00nie

free internet in the library also..

i hired out a language course from the library aswell

:D:D

Savvy_Sue

And videos for a week at a time rather than one night! And information - lots of it! - on your local area. And staff who know everyone in the area and want to promote local activities.

The one local to work is spanking new and even has a cafe and a computer suite, but that's in a very deprived area.

La_Fenice

Libraries are wonderful!

Helped me to get my degree by getting hold of really obscure books on their request service when the uni library failed.

Also can read the daily newspapers there.

barjam_2

my son uses the library loads(student) he would be well stuck without it! he couldnt afford to buy the books he needs access to

MATH

I've used our local library almost evey week since I was 4 and it offers a really good service. I read a couple of crime paperbacks a week and couldn't afford to buy that many even at discount prices. CD's, Videos, DVD's and internet access are also great. I certainly don't mind paying tax to fund such a useful service.

Jeryth

Yep, heartily agree. Just joined the library as I've only lived here a year and a half, and although I was disappointed at the rather small lending library, the other services are great. Just today I picked up leaflets on free IT courses (for a friend), pension guides, the official Telephone Preference Service and Mail Preference Service, a local place of interest, and a guide to local farm shops. Fab.

Austin_Allegro_2

I suspect a lot of my tax money gets wasted, but the library is well worth it. Some more tips:

Make sure you don't bring books back late - the fines may seem small but after a week or so overdue you can end up practically paying for some books.

You can use all the libraries in your borough, so if your local one isn't much good try another one.

You can also join the library service in the borough you work in.

If you can't find a book you want you can order it through inter library loans (I think so anyway, but you might have to pay for it)

Watch the cost of photocopying in libraries - I've usually found this to be much cheaper in asian newsagents.

MATH

Our local library has had an attached toy library and jigsaw library which are well used. The whole place has just been refurbed with computer suite and cafe area as well

culpepper

We have 2 libraries within walking distance.1 is the county library the other the town library.My kids have belonged since they were babies.We used to borrow the audio tapes to listen to whilst doing other things.
Our library has books on sale for 10p each regardless of condition .
It also has some of the popular teen magazines which pleases my teen daughter who would rather spend her pocket money on other things.
The DVD's are more expensive to borrow than blockbusters however and we only get them for 2 days so we dont use that facility.Both libraries have free internet access but as we have it at home we dont need it.