Has it been a long time since you went to the library? Phew! Pretty! If you haven't been there for a long time, then you are about to discover something that is completely different from what it was ten years ago. While libraries were once more or less a dusty and book-filled place, like a “dead end”, now most have completely reinvented themselves at important nodes in the community.
They have become a meeting place, impulse and fun, a place where you can feed your love of reading and, perhaps also, where you can meet many people, know how to start your new business or immerse yourself in the technology with which you only dreamed. This article is for people who are very shy to go to the library or for people who are very busy and have not been in a long time, as they will get caught up and inform them about what the local library can offer them in these days.
Steps
Step 1. Review a book
Of course, libraries still lend books, albeit with some changes. For example, you will find that it is easier to obtain a copy of what you are looking for with better systems that allow loans from libraries elsewhere. In this way, the opportunities to locate all the titles are expanded.
- Also, many public libraries now offer access to books in electronic form. You may not even have to visit the library (beyond an initial visit to join), but you may have to sit at home and search for e-books. To do this, you will have to enter your library number and password and you will enjoy the materials on your laptop, iPad or eReader.
- In the United States and other jurisdictions, libraries are now linked together (all local county libraries, as well as any community college or other libraries located in the county). Just do a search for a title that doesn't physically exist there on that library's computer and apply online. This way, the magical nomes in the library will send your request to your library in a couple of days. Magnificent!
Step 2. Check, there are many other things
The library is now a multimedia area, with enough information in all the formats that exist. If you think there are only books, then you really haven't been to the library in a long time. You can borrow DVD movies, music CDs, popular magazines, and some libraries even lend toys and games.
- If the magazine you want is not available, ask about the possibility of obtaining it. If you are building a request list, it may happen that there are many requests for that magazine later.
- Ask about online newspaper subscriptions. This will lead you to make subscription payments to a series of online newspapers to ensure that you access your favorite readings.
- Online subscriptions can include magazines, articles, newspapers, magazines, reports, brochures, e-books, legislation, local ordinances or regulations, property information, legal and other document templates or background, and much more.
- Another source of library information includes tips from readers. These tips are made by librarians who will recommend new books or authors, based on what you tell them you like to read. Often there will be topic lists that can be requested for free.
Step 3. Connect to the Internet
Currently it would be difficult to find a library without a computer and most of them will give you some kind of Internet access, either free or paid for periods of time. You may have to use your library card for the "time" you request or just pay for periods of time. Ask the librarian for more details.
- Just make sure you pay attention to the usual copyright rules and don't download anything that is illegal, otherwise your library will be in trouble and you could cause internet access to be restricted or absent, which would be very sad.
- In addition to browsing online, you can take classes online through the library. The library can even hold its own online classes in certain subject areas. Consult them. And if you are an expert in some area, perhaps you can teach and thus help other library visitors learn something new.
Step 4. Join targeted reading groups
Libraries often run group reading sessions ranging from youth to seniors. In particular, this can be very useful if you leave a young child in a reading group for half an hour while you sit quietly in the corner with a good book or, if you perhaps intend to learn a language or improve your English, you should know that there are language groups that you could join.
- If you have difficulty reading or are blind, ask about special reading opportunities for people with dyslexia, adult learners who want to read, and people who use braille as your library may offer tailored options.
- In addition to reading groups, libraries often offer other groups such as craft groups, art, book production, computer classes, open source and wiki discussions, food, about other cultures, environmental awareness, games, and much more.
Step 5. Treat your local library as the place that broadens your horizons and keeps you well informed
The library is a place where you can roam at your own pace and read in a quiet corner or study in the middle of a place with busy students.
- The library is like a place of refuge regardless of your stage of life, it is a place to learn about anything whether you are going through a transition, such as finding a job, learning specific topics, wanting to learn about your body and health, or if you are looking for new recipes and ways to keep the house, get answers for you to do things yourself, learn about pets, discover volunteer opportunities abroad, immerse yourself in fiction texts, browse magazines about the latest fashions and so on.
- The beauty of the library is that it can always help you open up your world and show you opportunities by providing you with access to quality, varied information and you also have a friendly assistant such as the librarian.
- Ask about lunchtime seminars or other seminars organized or sponsored by the library. Many libraries invite speakers and authors to attend and speak on a topic they know well and it is usually free. This can be a great way to catch up on the latest information on things that interest you.
- While the Internet offers ample opportunities for you to explore and collect information, much of what is online is of questionable provenance and accuracy. The library is the place where you can find a guide to your Internet searches, including help on how to search online more effectively and find ways to bypass inexperienced online advice and locate information online that you trust. It's as easy as asking the librarian to help you.
Step 6. Encourage your children to spend time discovering the library on a regular basis
Children who grow up loving books, information, and everything that a library has to offer are children who are going to be calm as they will be able to find the answers to the questions they have throughout life and will do their own research.
- The sooner they are comfortable seeking and absorbing information, the more likely they are to embrace lifelong learning and the benefits it ensures for a strong future. And be sure to let them see that you enjoy the library too, which will positively impact them.
- See "How to Teach Your Toddler About the Library" and "How to Raise a Child Who Loves to Read" for more ideas.
Step 7. Start a business with the help of your local library
If you are out of work or already a sagacious entrepreneur, your local library can become a launch pad for your own business.
- In the library you can find information in the form of books and information online on "how to start a small business" or "how to run a business." In addition, many libraries will help you with information provided locally on shared business management through chambers of commerce, commercial offices, and government entities.
- Some libraries also run courses on small business issues. Some libraries can even rent office space by the hour if you need a place to meet new clients. Ask your local librarian to find out what is available to you.
- Many libraries offer printing, faxing, and database services that can be helpful to a person who is just starting a new business.
Step 8. Consider volunteering at the library
If there are volunteer opportunities available and you are interested in working in the library, teaching, or sharing information sources, the volunteer role might be just what you are looking for to get you involved in the library or information work.
Find out what opportunities are available, and if there aren't, maybe you can suggest a few, such as teaching library patrons how to create a wiki or how to write an eBook
Advice
- In the US, when looking for your public library, you must first find out the county, municipality, canton, city, or area in which you live and pay taxes. The territorial nature of library membership tends to apply in many other jurisdictions as well, and therefore you will need proof of residency as well as identification when you join. Likewise, some libraries will also check annually or every two years if you still live in the same area.
- There are generally limits on the number of books and audiovisual items you can borrow. Keep these limits in mind.
- Hopefully you will find everyone who works at your local library to feel relaxed, helpful and open, perhaps not quite like what you might still have in mind about "what a librarian" is (or used to be). Libraries have become important nodes in the community. However, if your library doesn't look the way we describe it here, ask the librarian if your neighborhood, county, state, or province has plans to make your library more up-to-date, or find out how you can help make your library more up-to-date..
- Libraries do not keep a record of what you review and will not tell anyone what you reviewed (this includes spouses and children) without your written consent or unless someone else was with you. This means that you can borrow without having to worry that someone will try to snoop around to find out what you have borrowed.
Warnings
- Charges for late returns are higher than they used to be. Make sure you repay those loans on time. Also find out what it takes to apply for a loan extension. If you can check your account online, do so. This will ensure that the materials you returned have been removed from your account and that you will not be charged a late fee or loss charge since you have already returned the materials.
- If you lose your library card, you will still be responsible for what happens to your account. Therefore, if someone else uses your card and keeps the materials, you will be responsible for paying those charges. The solution is to visit your library and let them know as soon as you know that you lost your card. Librarians can deactivate your card number and get you a replacement. This way, no one will be able to use the old card anymore.