Comments on: Libraries Are Better Than You Think

By: Jones

Jones — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 21:40:48 +0000

I have a college textbook right here that I borrowed, for free of course, from my local library. I have it until November and if I am very lucky no one else will want to borrow it between now and the end of the semester. This is a $50+ book and all my textbooks are expensive. Frequently I am able to borrow them, and also any supplemental reading books (quite often this is the difference between us A students and the rest of the pack-we read the extra stuff and it shows in our grades) then I can return my brand-new textbook, possibly even for a profit, since it has never been used. Each semester I have to buy my textbooks because I cannot count on getting them from the library or keeping them for the whole semester. I am very careful not to underline and use Post-it tabs which leave no mark on pages. I buy my textbooks brand-new because I can resell them for close to if not higher than the original price at Amazon.com.

By: Gerard

Gerard — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 19:34:13 +0000

And yet, in Toronto they have elected politicians who want to close libraries, because they think (incorrectly) that there are more libraries than donut shops. Seriously, I couldn’t make up anything this stupid.

By: class factotum

class factotum — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 01:24:30 +0000

A key factor in picking our house was that it was within walking distance of the library. I calculated that if I had had to buy or rent every book and DVD that I get from the library (where I go at least twice a week) for the past year, I would have spent over $10,000 – and that’s if I got used books. (I read a lot.) I love my library – makes me feel like my property taxes aren’t wasted.

By: Virginia

Virginia — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 18:44:31 +0000

I am a liberal Art Major–what I can’t find at the library I can find at the public library and let me tell you they usually have the books I need for classes. I save a lot of $$$ along with checking out Google books for free.

By: Slackerjo

Slackerjo — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 13:27:42 +0000

Libraries are more than a place for the homeless to doze and pee.

I don’t even mind paying taxes for the library system in my city. I definitely get more out of the library than I put in.

I read about 110-120 books a year (it’s my main source of entertainment) and there is no way I could afford to buy all or even a fraction of these books. The library is so convenient now I don’t even have to go there to get a book. Audio and ebooks are easily downloaded in minutes. I listened to many audiobooks last summer while I painted my apartment.

I am going to see a play on Sunday at my local library. Free of charge too.

When asked what is the one thing you could not live without I always answer “my library card.”

By: Richard

Richard — Sun, 23 Jan 2011 01:10:43 +0000

Librarians, contrary to the stereotype, are most helpful and capable. They are educators, who want to share their enthusiasm for reading and learning. As a professor for thirty years, I have often benefitted from their technical knowledge of IT and their willingness to help access remote databases. I always make it a point to ask what good books they have been reading for their personal pleasure.

Librarians are underutilized and under appreciated.

By: Beth

Beth — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 17:18:04 +0000

Thanks for speaking up for libraries. I take my kids there almost every Saturday, replacing blockbuster/redbox/netflix as they can pick out several new cartoon dvds to watch on Sunday morning, and a new family movie we all enjoy, as well as 3 or 4 new books to read at bedtime during the week. I could never buy all those books new for them. Not to mention the audiobooks I enjoy on my commute to work and all the lovely new authors to try for free. The Librarian is purchasing several audio books by my favorite author just because I requested them-how is that for customer service?

By: Laura McDowell

Laura McDowell — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 03:43:50 +0000

As a librarian, I can tell you that every public library I’ve ever seen has offered classes and activities. There are book clubs, film nights, theatrical events, lectures, and classes on everything from photography to personal finance (these classes are usually one-evening only). As to how they are funded, it would depend on the library, but I would guess that most of it comes from local government money, along with grants. Some classes/events may be conducted by volunteers. Go to your local government/library website to find out what’s being offered in your area. BTW, since the recession started, library attendance is up.

And thank you for your articles; they are informative and helpful.

By: IC

IC — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 02:48:36 +0000

I love the library too. I find the silence good for reading comprehension and our library too has great internet access. Although there are many e-books available I still prefer reading books as they are. I have a slight vision problem that’s why 5 hours of e-book reading hurts my eyes quite badly. I’m a single mum and buying new books can create a dent in my pocket. Although I know where to run for fast money, I forego book buying and stick to the libraries instead. Want books and DVD’s for free, befriend your local library.

By: Elwin

Elwin — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 14:09:24 +0000

I go to the library weekly. Our library is part of a statewide “Evergreen System”, so not only can we go online and search for books at our local library (and put them on hold), but we can do the same with all the libraries in the whole Evergreen network, so if the local library doesn’t have a book we want, you can actually put that book on hold at another library and have it shipped to our local library for pickup (this doesn’t work for DVD’s, CD’s, etc, only books).

In addition, there is a place to put in for interlibrary loan for stuff that isn’t in the system or for DVD’s etc. I have been able to borrow two complete seasons of Dr. Who using this. If I had to buy them, I’d be looking at $60 or so.

Further, on more than one occasion, I have asked to get a book through interlibrary loan and had the library actually buy the book in question, so I get to read it without having to pay anything directly.

Libraries really aren’t “free”, they are paid for with tax dollars (at least where I live), so if you aren’t taking advantage of your local libarary, you are losing money.