Over and over again we’re seeing it on our ballots: A millage to keep our community’s library open. Nobody enjoys paying more in taxes, but I know myself, for one, would hate to see a wonderful thing like my library get shut down.
As a mom, I’m already experiencing the benefits of our library for my daughter — we look forward to our weekly story time to meet other little ones (and socialize with other adults), and after, check out books, CDs, DVDs, and more. I love it because it makes me feel connected to my community.
One of my best friends, Sarah, makes her living talking to libraries and assisting in marketing their electronic services and sharing ideas on how to leverage resources in their communities at Gale, Cengage Learning. She helped me come up with this list of great reasons libraries rock as community resources.
1. Free Wi-Fi (without being guilted into buying a cup of coffee). For people who may have cut internet from their bills for financial reasons, 82% of public libraries provide free Wi-Fi. Additionally, the Wi-Fi is great for entrepreneurs, who can also take advantage of the research available, access conference rooms for meetings, and more.
2. Plentiful Programming. Some libraries host cool programs like teaching patrons how use photo editing software, but if your doesn’t, you can always bet on the basic computer skills, book clubs, and kids story time. Some even offer free music concerts. Many libraries also develop programming around teens – perfect for finding sources for their homework, and enjoying special events like poetry slams, movies and gaming sessions.
3. Rad Resources. Most states have a statewide “electronic library” that every library in the state and their communities have access to. Here in Michigan, MeL (Michigan Electronic Library), provides many databases and electronic resources that can be used at any time. For example, MeL provides free access to practice tests for GED, ACT, SAT, ASVAB, and more. MeL also provides free access to thousands of magazines and newspapers from any computer in the state. These resources are WAY better than finding information on the wide open web because the information is guaranteed to be accurate and authoritative.
4. Free eBooks. Are you too techie for an old-fashioned paperback? Many libraries now offer free downloads for iPads, Kindles and the likes. You will need a library card to access these materials, though.
5. Reading = Success. Reading is key to future generations. To me, you can’t deny a child his/her right to read by taking away access to public libraries. Harry Truman once said, “Not all readers are leaders, but all leaders are readers.” And Dr. Suess says, “The more you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”
I couldn’t agree more.
Little K looking around our local library
Read more about libraries in crisis over here at this awesome Huffington Post series.
When was the last time you visited your local library?
Yay! Love this and couldn’t agree more! Going to our library is one of our favorite outings!
My kids love going to the library. We usually go at least once a month.
I love this post! Yes, libraries are so important. With my mom hat on, it’s great to get kids out there reading. With my teacher hat, it’s a great resource but #1 is so huge right now as well. With more and more teachers assigning homework that asks you to use something from the Internet, having a library close with free wi-fi is awesome. When they were going to take Troy’s away – I was worried that it would affect a lot of students who do go there and use the free wi-fi.
This reminds me I should renew my library card one of these days to get into the loop for classes, lectures and other programs if nothing else. I used to have cards back when I was at Wayne State as libraries were good places to study, and different libraries had different (and free) resources. Tim still uses his library card from time to time, but I’m mostly purchasing publications (dead-paper and electronic editions) now.
Thanks for reminding us – libraries rock!
GREAT post! 🙂 Libraries are so underrated, thanks for reminding everyone why they are so awesome! My husband and I love our library. One day, I stopped up at the library to grab some books after work. As I was checking out, guess who I ran into? Yep, my husband. We totally didn’t know the other was going to be there.
We also like to rent DVDs from ours (we usually have to put our names on a waiting list for the hot new releases weeks before they’re released, but we’re in no hurry), and we get CDs and burn/upload them for free.
I love libraries and book stores and things all things like that! I just wish that I had more time to go there.
I could spend hours there looking through all the books!
Area 251 guarantees residence acquisition or refinancing lendings with rate of interest
that may reduce or increase gradually, which enables customers to acquire or re-finance their house at a
lower initial rates of interest.
What a data of un-ambiguity and preserveness
of valuable know-how about unpredicted feelings.
Right here is the perfect website for anyone who wants
to find out about this topic. You understand so much its almost hard to argue with you (not that I personally would want to…HaHa).
You definitely put a fresh spin on a topic that has
been discussed for many years. Excellent stuff, just wonderful!