Taking Advantage of Your Local Library

The comforting feeling that a library brings is indescribable. The rows of bookshelves holding more than just stories to tell. Getting lost within the stacks to find the next companion. Each patron who comes to the library can find knowledge and creativity within the walls of the building.

While the library has been known for holding books of magical stories, there are more than just tales in the building. The library is full of resources and fun activities that many patrons do not know of or take advantage of. Programs such as homework help, writer’s critique, and tai chi often go unnoticed by the community. With the current pandemic, the lack of usage of such has waned furthermore. 

This post is meant as a way to get more individuals interested in libraries. To go out and use all of the resources that are available to them for the price of nothing. Moreover, this post is a reminder for all individuals to know that there is a friendship that can be found at the library. There is a way to temporarily escape reality and feel safe. 

Free Items 

Yes, free books! Along with free audiobooks, free movies, free tv series, free video games, free KitchenAid, free beach tents, and you get the point. 

I am not joking, here at ELCL, we have a collection called Gizmos and Gadgets for all who want to check out a GoPro and use it for the weekend. The cost is one free library card. While you may not be able to keep the items, you are more than welcome to check them out again. 

There is no need to go out and buy a book that you might end up not looking at by the end of it all. Especially when you are tight on money. Books are expensive! Don’t waste your money on something that you may never read again. First, come to the library and check it out for 28 days. If you end up liking the book enough to go and buy it, then please do. However, if you end up disliking the book, then no problems. You can return the book to the library for free!

This ideal is even more so for expensive pieces of equipment, such as a drawing tablet. Patrons can come to the library to test these out before they make any final decisions on items that cannot be tested at a store or when online shopping. 

Electronic Items

This is especially important while we are experiencing this pandemic. As there are patrons who are unable to leave their house. It is also useful for individuals who have little time to come to the lib but still want to read. This is why our electronics library has been such an advantage. 

Books, Audiobooks, Magazines, Movies, Music, you name it. It can all be found in the library's electronic database. With Overdrive, Libby, and Hoopla, reading has never been more accessible. Anyone with an active library card can borrow books from their library, at any time without having to be physically in the building. Therefore, if you had a school project that needed to get done and need a specific book. But it's already 11:30 pm and you are 3, 000 miles away from your library you’re covered! Just hop to the nearest computer, tablet, or phone and go to the digital resources that the library has available for you. 

School help

Since the dawn of time (not really), students have come to the library in some way, shape, or form. Either looking for a book that they can get information from or just looking for a place to study. The library has always been a safe place for students of all ages. As well as great academic resources for the times that it is needed. 

While this may be a community library and not a University library, we still have access to some academic articles. Moreover, some of us know how to write APA and MLA-style papers. If ever in need, the library has access to scholarly articles through the digital resources available. Our library, ELCL, has the Florida Electronic Library available for patrons. Through there, a myriad of academic articles can be found that are recent and peer-reviewed. This is a gold mine for all students in high school and college. Additionally, if there is help needed in trying to build academic writing skills, there are programs at the library that can be of use.
If you thought I was done talking about online resources, guess again. The library has many in-person programming (although not right now due to the circumstances), for test prepping, college advice, writing skills, and a plethora more programs. However, all of these programs and classes are also online for students to access. From a specific subject to a certain hobby, there are over 500 courses in our digital resources. All of them available through Universal Class and all that you need is a library card. 

Programs and online courses are great resources that can be used by many. However, I also understand that some individuals do not prefer online classes or group programs. For this reason, we offer free tutoring by our teen volunteers. This can be a one on one between the tutor and the student for any subject that they need help with. 

Programs 

The library has hosted many creative and fun programs. From children to teenagers, to adults, there is always going to be a program to enjoy. There is also a myriad of programs to learn from. In general, all of our programs encourage reading, creativity, and the pursuit of knowledge in all of our patrons. 

As a library, of course, we will have programs that encourage reading and literacy. Literacy is an important part of life that can improve the existence of many individuals. Unfortunately, there are not that many people that can get engaged in reading. Programs such as book clubs and summer reading programs have made it possible for patrons of all ages to engage in reading. By incorporating rewards and fun activities, that make reading an enjoyable experience. 

Libraries also have programs that can help patrons enhance their skills and create new ones. There is no limit to the knowledge that one can attain. With special programs such as Fiber Arts, S.T.E.A.M., and cooking classes, there is always an opportunity to learn. 

Resources

Public computers, printers, faxing, scanning, need I say more?

    You can find almost anything at the library nowadays.

Connections

From the perspective of a Library Assistant, my views may be biased. However, libraries are an important part of a community. More so during the current pandemic that the nation is experiencing. Not many people can go out in public and socialize how they used to. The library (especially ELCL), focuses on making friendly relationships with every patron that walks through the door. 

Socializing with the members of your community is a way to not only get involved but to create change. Listening to each other and considering opinions, the library can be a safe space for all to love. 

In the end...

Libraries are here to enrich the lives of those in the community. There are a lot more things to talk about but this post is already long enough. 

The library has been a happy place for many people. It has been a place of learning, developing creativity, and forming friendships. A library is a place where anyone from any background can receive aid. Hopefully, they will continue to do so as the libraries continue to evolve and expand over time.