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Overturning Libraries’ Bad Rap

Blog | November 18th, 2011

You feel a slight tickle in the back of your throat. The more you try not to think about it, the more unbearable it becomes. You do everything in your power not to cough. The library is so quiet your heartbeat sounds like a marching drum, and you know that a cough would rip through the silence like a fighter jet. Yet, the invisible feather remains relentless, until finally… ARRRRGHH! The cough was unavoidable, and every head turns. The librarian stares at you with contempt, her eyes searing into you from behind red, horn-rimmed glasses…

This is usually the image people get when they think about libraries, and you can probably thank Hollywood for this. To many people, libraries are avoided. They imagine them as uncomfortably quiet cells run by snotty librarians with unnecessary mazes of bookshelves making it impossible to find the one you’re looking for. Dewey Decimal Classification? Really? Don’t judge this book by its cover quite yet. Libraries offer so much more than most people realize. The best part? It’s all usually free. Take advantage of what libraries have to offer and you’ll love the savings you’ll find.

Visit your local bookstore and you’ll see how expensive buying a book you’ll probably only read once can be. Checking books out of the library can save hundreds of dollars very quickly. Many people are unaware, however, that books aren’t the only thing you can borrow. Avoid movie rental stores, entertainment shops and magazine subscriptions by visiting your library’s archive of DVDs, VHS tapes, CDs, audiotapes, video games and magazines. Enjoy a night out at the movies? Many libraries offer projection movie nights, often outdoors in the summer.

For both adults and children, there are often free workshops, including language classes, book clubs and discussion groups. There are also theatrical plays, children’s story time, résumé assistance and live author readings. Presentations on local history as well as community information programs are commonly available. Save money by getting involved in these free forms of education and entertainment.

Gain access to free wireless Internet on your laptop or use the selection of available computers instead of spending unnecessary money on Internet at your home. A wide selection of reference and research material is also available, including textbooks. This provides a huge opportunity to save money for students and their parents. You can also check out conference rooms for meetings of any type.

Every library is different, but they are guaranteed to offer more than books and silence-enforcing librarians. Ask your local library about their event calendar, or search for one online. You are sure to learn that your library can become a hub for all of your education and entertainment needs. Take advantage of the free programs, workshops and rentable items and enjoy knowing that you’re saving money! You might realize that the library isn’t such a terrible place after all.

What free programs are available at your local library? Share your library experiences here!