20 Reasons I Love My Public Library + Podcast

Subscribe, listen to, and share Happiness Between Tails Podcast on most any platform; from Spotify and Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts and Breaker, to Pocket Casts and RadioPublic and Castbox, plus many more and an RSS feed. The full list of 50+ places is H-E-R-E.

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?

Do you use your public library?