Oct

Today’s libraries are more than just shelves of books. Of course, different libraries have different features, but here are some of the resources that my library offers. Check with your local library to see what great resources they have.

1. Databases
I have put my favorite up at the top. Databases were one of my best friends when I was in graduate school. I used them to find the information I needed for research papers. The best part is that you can often use them without actually going to the library. Databases combine the credibility of published materials with the ease of computer search. Instead of poring over the Reader’s Guide to Periodical Literature, you can enter a few search terms in a database and find lots of useful information. By using databases, you can find past news articles, journal articles, and other reference material, even if your library does not own a print copy.

2. Periodicals
This is one feature that I rarely use, except when I’m doing research. However, if you have time to go to the library and do some reading there, you could check out the periodicals and save yourself some subscription fees.

3. Computers
Our library has computers and wireless internet. I have only used this resource once—when the power went out at my house, so my internet was down!

4.  Programs for kids
My library offers all kinds of kids’ events. Currently, I’m not making any use of these programs, since I have no children. However, if I was a stay-at-home mom, I think I would be thrilled to take my children to the library for a free activity!

5. Programs for teens and adults
My library offers a summer reading program for teens, homework help, and a special section for teens (in the main library). For adults, there’s classic movie night, computer classes, Spanish class, special seminars, and book discussion groups.

6. Online resources

• Online card catalog: When I go to the library, I usually want specific books, or at least books on a particular topic. I use the online card catalog to find out if the library has the items I need.

• Book request form: If the library doesn’t have a book that I want, I can request it online.

• Online book renewals: If my book is due back at the library, but I haven’t finished reading it, I can renew it online.

7. Reference
The reference section more than just a special room with encyclopedias. It is your portal to all sorts of useful information, some of which is not available anywhere else. Reference sections usually have helpful librarians who can give suggestions about where you can find the information you are looking for.  Sometimes you can even ask a librarian to find information for you!

8.  Audio/Visuals
There’s no need to rent a DVD when you can borrow one from the library! The Greenville County Library System has several branches, and I have found that the smaller branches tend to have better DVDs, even though the selection is smaller. I think this is because more people visit the main branch, so all of the popular DVDs get checked out. They also have videos and CDs.

9. Book sales
Want cheap books that you can keep? Many libraries have period book sales. Greenville Library has one coming up October 24-26.

10. Comfy reading spots
Naturally, the library is a great place to study. Even you if you are not a student, you might enjoy reading in a clean, well-lit, and quiet environment.

Save money and save trees! Use your library.

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Search for public libraries here or here.

Sep

I had yet another reminder of how deep my bookish tendencies go when I stepped into the local library. We went to look for DVDs, but once there, I couldn’t resist picking up a few books, too. I felt rather silly about this, especially since I have shelves of books at home, patiently awaiting my attention.

We were in a small branch library, and I wasn’t able to find any of the books at the top of my reading list, (more…)

Sep

When my husband and I were in grad school, there wasn’t much time to watch tv or movies. Now that we lack homework, we have been talking about watching a movie, but never seem to get around to doing it. Most nights we’re too busy surfing the internet and working on computer-related projects to partake of more traditional entertainment.

And somehow, I seem to have a mental block about watching tv/movies. I feel like I can feel my brain rotting and my muscles atrophying as I sit there on the couch. Ironically, I don’t have similar feelings when sitting in front of my laptop.

Anyway, last Saturday we took the plunge and went to the library to get a dvd. The thought of spending 2 hours watching something entirely fictional still seemed frivolous, so I decided to play it safe and get something educational. “John and Abigail Adams” seemed safe, especially since I had seen part of it in my American Public Address class.

As it turns out, I had already seen all of it, so I didn’t enjoy it as much as I had expected. Maybe I should have gotten something from the non-documentary section.