Kirylin’s Voice

Today, I’d like to introduce you to a fabulous, free resource in your community. That’s right, in your community. You don’t have to go far to make use of it. It’s your local library. Gone are the days when the library was full of old, moldy books that might or might not help you with school reports. Libraries today house multimedia collections, newest releases, and offer great programming for the public.

Brick-and-mortar libraries have a blended collection of books, videos and dvds, and music collections. How-to books that come with multimedia components often have their multimedia component included. Books just released to the public can be found through the library on day of release (or shortly thereafter if your library does what mine does and converts certain books to hardcover). If you’re trying to learn about something, the library is a great resource to allow you to find a dearth of information for free. If they don’t have books on the topic, then they have internet access so you can hunt down what you need online.

Many libraries also have websites that will allow you to check on your library account (no more late books because you forgot when they’re due), place holds for books you want to read (and you can see where you are in the hold queue), and allow you to “check-out” e-books and audio books.
More and more libraries are also offering extensive programming, and they’re announcing them through their MySpaces. Toddler storytimes are available in different themes and languages. Adults are invited to brown-bag lectures and book talks. A number of libraries are offering local SCORE consultants and tax-prep professionals space to offer their services to the public. My local library even offers writing workshops with a writer-in-residence several times a year.

All for free, or a tiny donation to the Friends of the Library.

Find your local library. Find out what it can help you accomplish.

This has been a public service announcement from your favorite bibliophile (who has membership in one local library system, and aspires to have membership in two others as soon as she has a working car).