Consumerists, we want to say one word to you – just one word.
Are you listening?
Libraries.
Really, libraries. “My Money Blog” took a moment to remind us that libraries are an incredible and underutilized resource.
First of all, the selection is great. In addition to books, a lot of popular music albums and DVDs are available. Recently, I’ve gotten the newest Snow Patrol album and a full season of the Sopranos. Other features which may be in your area are Library2Go, which offers audiobooks that you can listen to on your mp3 player, and NetLibrary, which offers e-books that you can download to your computer or PDA.My favorite feature is the internet-based hold system. I go online, pick out all the books I want, and make a few clicks. I get to see exactly how many people are ahead of me, and when the book is ready, it’s shipped directly to my local branch (only a few blocks away) and I get an e-mail saying it’s waiting for me. Renewing online is just as easy. I love it.
We love libraries, too. Next time you need a book, put away your credit card and whip out your library card. — CAREY GREENBERG-BERGER
Have You Checked Out Your Local Public Library Recently? [My Money Blog]
(Photo: timetrax23)
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i like libraries for older books, but find local branches to be pretty slow at getting new titles that aren’t from dan brown, dean koontz, etc. and, in my experience, there are almost exclusively VERY old (and crotchety) or VERY young (and screamy) people at the library. this makes me want to just grab some books and get the hell out of there–it’s not a very welcoming environment. maybe i should start reading library books at borders…
also, interesting alternet article about homeless people hanging out in libraries:
http://alternet.org/story/50023/
I’m chiming in late on this, but I’d like to point out that most libraries accept book donations (and I’d bet cd or dvd as well). My local library accepts any and all books as donations. If they don’t want them, or already have copies, they sell them at annual fund raising book sales.
If you find yourself drowning in books (like I did after moving to an expensive area and needing to downsize everything to fit the new apt), it’s a good way to go and tax deductible. I got more from the tax deduction than I would have selling them, plus all the good karma.
You should probably call ahead and find out your local library’s donation policy before hauling a stack a books over, though.
I started using the library again a few years ago after an extended hiatus, and absolutely LOVE it! I’ve got a massively geeky/awesome system for getting my books too.
If you’re on a Mac, go get the free Library Books menu extra: http://haroldchu.id.au/?q=node/2 It automatically tracks your library account, and lets you see checked and reserved items.
I also use the LibraryLookup bookmarklet http://weblog.infoworld.com/udell/stories/2002/12/11/libra… to auto-check any Amazon book listing I’m viewing in a browser to see if it’s available at my library; if it is, then I click the button to add it to my library reserve list and voila! Instant bookage, delivered to my local branch and automatically notified by email and the menu extra.
this post actually made me go to the library. Our library has a horribly understocked children’s/young adult section, and I think I will probably despair if I can bring myself to look at their graphic novel collection.
I love our local library in Glendale, Arizona. Not only do they have books, CDs, DVDs,and online services, they have an auditorium with great free music programs. There’s also a coffee shop near the entrance, with lots of tables for the relaxing, reading, and recaffinating experience.
My library is horribly outdated, so it’s pretty much useless for anything I’d want.