Today's top tip - use your local library if you possibly can. If they're not used we might lose even more of them. Libraries are a valuable resource for many. Of course there are books and magazines, but they're also a warm, safe space where people are able to go without being expected to spend money.
If you visit your local library, what do you use it for?
This tip was brought to you by me, Patsy Collins. My books can be requested from libraries. There's no guarantee that requested books will be stocked, but it's worth asking. Some people have been successful and it makes me very happy to know those books are on the shelves where they may be discovered by new readers.
I love my local library & use it regularly. There has been huge investment in the libraries (at least in the south of Ireland) & many are state of the earth now used for (non profit) exhibitions, demonstrations, talks, access to computers, English language classes. Also have good study & book club facilities. I try to avoid using the self service check in & out in favour of the librarians (unless they are very busy) as it's more personable & proves their value.
ReplyDelete'state of the art'
DeleteOur local library is in a scary part of town, so I confess, I don't visit often. Homeless people accost you in the parking lot. It's sad.
ReplyDeleteI use my local library all the time especially for ordering books that aren't always on the shelves. In fact I've just returned from picking up two books. I think the small cost for reservations is more than worth it and helps keep the brilliant libraries open. I remember being taken, aged 5, to join my first one. Never not been a member since, wherever I've lived.
ReplyDeleteThat last one was me. Don't know why I can't get it to use my name as usual.
ReplyDeleteI admit to having a problem: I like to 'own' my books... this has implications on cost and space! I am, however, using my local library more now I've retired. They have a goodly range of ebooks which I tend to use. My 'main' one is a bit like Alex's - not a good place in town.
ReplyDeleteMy library is too far away for me to use on a regular basis. There used to be a mobile library that visited the semi- rural area where I live. If this was still running, I'd use it all the time. But it stopped running, due to budget cuts, I expect. I used libraries often when I was younger, but they were easy to get to. Our town's library is not in the town centre and is situated up a hill. If you don't drive and don't have a car, it's difficult.
ReplyDeleteI attend my library once a month for my book group. We are a very small group, but I love our meetings. This post had prompted me to use my library more regularly, as it really is a wonderful resource, the staff are happy to order in titles not in stock and I would be very sad to see it go.
ReplyDeleteWhen I left London, our local libraries were increasingly staffed by volunteers or self-service via a door code (nobody under 16 was allowed this option which must have had a huge impact.) My local libraries here are staffed by qualified librarians and have a host of activities from baby rhyme time and toddler story times, to after school activities and literary events in form of author talks, workshops plus some craft workshops and interesting talks. We are so fortunate. And, yes, I do ask the library to stock books by independent authors I know and so far they have bought the books I've requested!
ReplyDeleteAgree, Lindsay. The libraries here are brilliant. Liz
DeleteI also think people don't realise that you can stream audiobooks and download ebooks from your local library's website. I think most let you join online, too. You don't even have to leave the house to use your library! LIBRARIES ARE THE BEST.
ReplyDeleteThe library in our next town holds author talks and the like but I don't drive. If it's an evening event, it's difficult for me, as the buses don't run often after 6 pm. I'm not prepared to hang about on my own for over an hour for a bus home to my town, and then wait ages for a taxi. Daytime events are better for me but I suppose they are held in the evening due to people working.
ReplyDeleteTo add to this - I've been in town 3 times recently and on each occasion the buses didn't turn up! this happened yesterday. So many people assume you have a car and can get to wherever you want at any time!
ReplyDeleteMy writing group meet regularly at our local library and it's a wonderful place for many other local groups to meet such as knit and natter or book bug. They are currently looking at including a makers space for creatives/crafters to have access to equipment to aid their work. They are also supportive of indie writers and stock 3 of my books and recently held a local authors event. I'm sorry to read on here that some people can no longer access their local library for a variety of reasons. Libraries are a gateway to the world and we need to cherish them and the people who work there.
ReplyDeleteLibraries are a gateway to the world but if it's difficult to visit due to bad transport links and are located in unsafe areas for the public then it's no wonder that visitor numbers are falling. If they brought back the mobile library service, I'm sure more people would use it, but this isn't very likely.
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