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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…
- All services are entirely free!
- They don’t even charge overdue fines!
- Any California resident is entitled to a Los Angeles County Public Library card, obtainable in-person or online.
- Visitors can browse, and cardholders can borrow in-person or online — materials from hard and downloadable audiobooks, magazines, music, movies, and more.
- Los Angeles County has nearly 100 libraries, including bookmobiles. Free of charge, they’ll deliver books from one site to another.
- Anyone physically challenged can have items delivered to their homes.
- Some locations lend out tools, such as gardening equipment.
- Several sites lend the use of computer programs for recording, editing, and designing.
- A few libraries have recording sound booths and practice rooms.
- Vocational and fun classes are available online and at their facilities — many online ones engage real teachers.
- There’s live online homework tutoring.
- Online tutors will even proofread and critique anything from resumes and term papers, to essays and letters.
- Give them a phone call, online chat, or email them, and they’ll also help.
- Job seekers and business owners have a myriad of resources.
- Enjoy fun on-site events — music, crafts, reading, and workshops.
- Over the summer, kids get free lunches.
- Lonely or just want to be cozy and quiet? Come on in!
- Meeting spaces can be used by groups and tutors.
- Get help obtaining a high school diploma.
- Wifi, computers, and printers are complimentary.
- You can even borrow their wifi from their parking lots!
- Photocopying fees are nominal.
- Their free streaming services include music and videos, many too obscure to find elsewhere.
- 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.
- Did I already mention that all their services are free of charge?
Do you use your public library?
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Our library is now charity run.. I use it every month.. they put on lots of events and I love browsing… Such a shame Libraries in the UK took a massive hit due to the austerity measure in place with local councils.
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unfortunately ours too — which is why I’m always trying to get people to use their libraries 🙂
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Libraries are precious resources 🙂
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Some of those services would be great here – particularly being able to download stuff online.
I don’t go to our local library as it really isn’t local – I’m in a very rural area of mid-Wales and getting to things is pretty difficult. Also, it seems to me that each time I go, I catch a virus and I’ve pretty low resistence, so…. 🙂
Have you seen the little library-stands that some people set up outside their homes or community centres, where people can leave books they no longer want so that other people (who do the same) can have them?
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what a sweet idea — I’ve heard of them but don’t have them where I live — perhaps because there are so many libraries in Los Angeles? does your offer online services so you wouldn’t have to commute? ie here one can download electronic files — & folks who are disabled can have stuff delivered…
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I’m in a very rural, ‘out in the sticks’ place. I think there was a mobile service at one time, not sure about online facilities of the nearest one, will have to look! 🙂
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A wonderful share! I love the way libraries are a vivacious part of a community. I don’t think most people know how much more there is to them than books alone (which are heaven to me as well). My son works st the same library where I took him for storytime as a child. So, my trips to the library also come with hugs. 😊
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wow! you have a great library indeed! ❤
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I live in a small farming village on the prairies (about 600 people depending on how many are on vacation or in jail when the census is taken… 🙂 ) so the library is small but proud and up to date… although I have visited I rely more on the internet… 🙂
“Any piece of knowledge I acquire today has a value at this moment exactly proportioned to my skill to deal with it. Tomorrow, when I know more, I will recall that piece of knowledge and use it better. “ Mark van Doren
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do they provide online services such as classes & downloads of audiobooks?
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They do have some online services and audiobooks but because the library is located in a small village and depend largely on donations, the resources are limited.. 🙂
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Here in Cincinnati Ohio we have a lot of library’s. I have spent a lot of time in my local library and used several of there online resources as well. I use to hold Meetups in one that is in a beautiful historical house. It has been awhile since I have had much time to spend at the library but when I do go I love reading up on subjects that are new to me.
Nice post, have a super wonderful day.
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glad you enjoyed it – you too, Mark 🙂
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