Photo of spaniel dog with his nose in a book, reading.

20 Reasons I Love My Public Library + Podcast

Posted on by da-AL
https://open.spotify.com/episode/1bKmdGi98yHTSe70pLcbyf?si=993c577cbeac467f

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Photo of spaniel dog with his nose in a book, reading.
Photo by 2Photo Pots on Unsplash

How often do you use your public library? Books are my idea of heaven (I’m currently hard at work, researching and querying literary agents to find a great one to represent my two novels) and libraries my cathedrals.

Here’s why the library system here in Los Angeles is among the best…

  1. All services are entirely free!
  2. They don’t even charge overdue fines!
  3. Any California resident is entitled to a Los Angeles County Public Library card, obtainable in-person or online.
  4. Visitors can browse, and cardholders can borrow in-person or online — materials from hard and downloadable audiobooks, magazines, music, movies, and more.
  5. Los Angeles County has nearly 100 libraries, including bookmobiles. Free of charge, they’ll deliver books from one site to another.
  6. Anyone physically challenged can have items delivered to their homes.
  7. Some locations lend out tools, such as gardening equipment.
  8. Several sites lend the use of computer programs for recording, editing, and designing.
  9. A few libraries have recording sound booths and practice rooms.
  10. Vocational and fun classes are available online and at their facilities — many online ones engage real teachers.
  11. There’s live online homework tutoring.
  12. Online tutors will even proofread and critique anything from resumes and term papers, to essays and letters.
  13. Give them a phone call, online chat, or email them, and they’ll also help.
  14. Job seekers and business owners have a myriad of resources.
  15. Enjoy fun on-site events — music, crafts, reading, and workshops.
  16. Over the summer, kids get free lunches.
  17. Lonely or just want to be cozy and quiet? Come on in!
  18. Meeting spaces can be used by groups and tutors.
  19. Get help obtaining a high school diploma.
  20. Wifi, computers, and printers are complimentary.
  21. You can even borrow their wifi from their parking lots!
  22. Photocopying fees are nominal.
  23. Their free streaming services include music and videos, many too obscure to find elsewhere.
  24. They offer frequent zoom events on computer skills, author talks, job training, and more. The ones I’ve participated in were as fun as they were educational.
  25. Did I already mention that all their services are free of charge?
Photo of spaniel dog with his nose in a book, reading.
Photo by 2Photo Pots on Unsplash

Do you use your public library?

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Published by da-AL

Happiness Between Tails speaks to and from the heart. It connects lovers — of pets, authors, books — and of my still-unreleased novels, “Flamenco + the Sitting Cat” and “Tango + the Sitting Cat.” The stories are my love letters to all who fear they're too odd, too damaged, too old, too whatever to find happiness. ContactdaAL@gmail.com • BuyMeACoffee.com/SupportHBT

56 thoughts on “20 Reasons I Love My Public Library + Podcast”

  1. The services sound much the same as in Denmark. A reading card is free of charge, and you can also get comics, music and DVDs. And the latest newspapers. They order things for you from other, larger libraries, in case they don’t have what you want. Many libraries have areas for children and grown ups to meet, then there are silent areas.

    There are computers for users free of charge, because in Denmark all public services are not computerized, and not everybody owns a computer, especially the elderly, so they can go to the library and get help doing their business online.

    But in California you seem to have more offers for education. I am not sure that this is on offer in Denmark. I never investigated. It is good to have good library services, so thumbs up for California! (and Denmark 🙂 )

    Liked by 1 person

    2. indeed – thumbs up to all (tho in my husband’s native country of Iran, that gesture can get one into trouble lol) – I think my library is especially bountiful because Los Angeles is such a big city

      Liked by 1 person

  3. Our library back in Brisbane (Australia) is excellent but sadly, I haven’t found one here yet…the State Archives is fabulous though!

    I’ve just finished devouring The Green Mile – Stephen King in a couple of sittings. It’s a shame I saw the movie before reading the book.

    Good luck with your two novels – you’re a machine. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Nilla, your sweet words mean a lot to me — if only I was indeed a machine — I feel as if I’m far too easily distracted & that it is so difficult to juggle the marketing & social media end that goes into self-publish while working to fit in writing time…

      Liked by 1 person

  4. Our city library is tiny and outdated but we have access to the entire Orange County system. Some services are offered but the facility is too small to do as much as LA. Still, the public library is one of democracy’s best defenders and equalizers. Membership is free. I wish more people would take advantage of the library and expand their minds. Great post, Daal.

    Liked by 1 person

  5. Your library systems sounds wonderful! I live within a 5 minute walk of my local library in the Square, and it’s part of the reason that I chose my apartment. The writing critique groups that I attend, along with one of my reading clubs, all meet there, which is great. Even though I don’t go the library every day, I always know that it’s there, and I really like that!

    Liked by 1 person

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