Why Visit a Library? Community, Knowledge & More
Whether you read one book a year or one book a day, buying new books can add up. Prices of books can vary greatly, but eBooks typically run $3.99 – $9.99+, and hardback fiction books can run $24.99 or more. This means that buying a single hardback fiction book once a month for a year could cost you upwards of $300!
We want to support our favorite authors, but if your budget prevents you from reading more, public libraries are there to provide you with an abundance of reading materials and resources. You already pay for our beloved libraries through city, state, and federal taxes, so why not use them?
What Makes Your Local Library Special
Most towns in the United States have a local library of some kind, and if your town doesn’t, there is a good chance that a nearby town does. Some libraries, like Houston or LA County, even allow anyone living in the state to get a library card. For the most part, local library cards are free, although some also allow non-residents to pay a fee to use their online resources.
Getting started with a public library is a quest that you needn’t be daunted by. After all, there are librarians and clerks standing at the ready to answer questions every step of the way, like the helpful guide in a fantasy novel or video game.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Library
To get started using your local library, the first thing you need to do is get a library card. You can walk into the physical library building and talk to the front desk, and they’ll take over from there. Normally, there is an application form of some kind, and often you have to show proof of where you live. Some libraries also have programs for people who don’t have a permanent address.
If physically going into a branch of your local library is inconvenient or inaccessible, you can just go to the library website. Most allow you to apply for a card online, though the process varies branch to branch. One of our local libraries, for example, allows us to sign up for a card online to access their digital resources, including eBooks and audiobooks through apps like Libby.
Once you have your card, you are all set! You can browse through books physically in the library, or if they have an online collection, you can browse for eBooks to read using apps on your phone, tablet, or other device.
Now, go forth and use your newfound library powers!
