What a great topic! I love the library! I used to work in a library when I was in high school and I still find myself re-shelving books if they're out of order. :)
1. Books, books, and more books! Where else can you get this selection and all for...
2. Free! Instead of just wishing you could buy a particular book, you can check it out at no cost. It makes me feel like I'm shopping and getting a fabulous deal.
3. Audio books - These are a really great deal because they are so expensive to buy. I always see books I'd like to listen to but Steve is rather picky in his listening so we usually end up listening to science fiction when we're on a trip.
4. Movies - There is such a great selection and again - for free! The other day I checked out My Fair Lady, Gigi, and A Streetcar Named Desire.
5. Story Time - I went to Story Time when I was little and I took Emma when she was little. Great memories!
6. Computer services - I don't have to use this service often, but it's nice to know I have a backup if my computer at home goes down.
7. E-services - Another great thing and you can use it from home. There is more here than just downloading e-books and it's an area I need to utilize more often. I also love the fact that I can access my account online. That saves so much time!
8. Music and art - When I was growing up, you could check out CDs and artwork. We would check out a painting and hang it up in our house for a month then go get a new one. Interesting idea. I wonder if any other libraries did/do that.
9. Special events - The library in my hometown had a little art gallery attached to it and there were always neat displays to look at. Another library I used to use offered a service where patrons recorded books for adult learners so they could hear the words as they learned to read them. The library system I use now has book clubs, lectures, book sales, etc. Each library offers more than just books.
10. Helpful people - I have always had a great experience with the people who work at libraries! They are kind and knowledgeable. I've had excellent reference help, heard great kids stories, and gotten some wonderful book ideas. The people at my library always seem to be a happy bunch!
Why do you use the library? I'm sure there are many more reasons - like those comfy chairs, study rooms, etc. To share your list, visit Carole's blog.
Our lists really are quite similar this week, no big surprise! I'm glad you have a vibrant, active library to use.
Posted by: Carole | March 29, 2011 at 12:58 PM
borrow artwork, now that's an idea i could get used to. emory univeristy has a wonderful library that i used when i was working on my degree. our lists are very similar
Posted by: lydia | March 29, 2011 at 01:29 PM
that's neat! I work in an academic library.
Posted by: paula | March 29, 2011 at 03:51 PM
i heart my local library. i love the fact that i can reserve what i want on-line, and they email me when my books are ready to pick up!
Posted by: vanessa | March 29, 2011 at 07:16 PM
What a coincidence. I used to help out at my school library when I was in junior college. I remember wrapping new books with the sticky contact plastic. The librarian would reward us with chocs for work done!
My nearest public library has quite a good collection of knitting books. I borrowed an entire stack home the other day.
Posted by: erin | March 30, 2011 at 04:07 AM
your list reminded me there is so much more to the library than simply books!
Posted by: mary | April 03, 2011 at 07:59 AM