Maximizing the Use of Local Library Resources

This week we made a trip to the local library in preparation for the upcoming start of school. Now, I know the library may seem like an antiquated resource these days, you know, with the advent of the Internet and all, but I think it’s still a wonderful resource we should make use of, especially when trying to continue to be more frugal in our lives.

More importantly, I’d like my children to have an eventual appreciation for the building when they grow up–assuming they’re still in existence–and so occasional trips there may help foster that idea. Right now, however, the kids are generally bored out of their wits.

Of course, libraries are a bit different than I remember. For one they tolerate noise and talking a lot more. When I was a kid it was whisper or risk getting throttled by the librarian. 😉 Ok, it wasn’t quite that bad. Second, they do have plenty more resources too. Here’s a few I can think of…

  1. Books and loaners: Obviously, they have loads of books and the easy ability to transfer books from one branch to another. Oftentimes you can even get loaners from entirely different library systems which I’ve done a few times in the past.
  2. Free internet, eBooks: With the inclusion of computers, patrons can not only access the internet (usually for a short period of time) which means if you can get to the library you don’t have to pay for internet access. In addition, libraries are providing more and more eBooks that can be “checked out” if you prefer and straight to your favorite devices like a Kindle or iPad.
  3. Digital media: Of course, there are plenty of DVDs, CDs (for music and books on CD), and other digital media that can be checked out as well. We have a few DVDs on hold right now for a school project and I fondly remember checking out books on CD before lengthy road trips.
  4. Magazine and newspapers: Oftentimes you’ll find an assortment of magazine subscriptions and popular newspapers (as well as business journals) all free to browse which means you don’t have to pay a dime for your own copy at home.
  5. Nominal fees for printer, copiers, etc: If you don’t have access to these devices at home and don’t want to pay through the nose at places like Kinko’s, you can often use your local library’s printers and copiers for very little money.

No doubt there’s some things you can do with the aforementioned from a preparedness standpoint. Here’s a few suggestions:

  • Learning a new skill, hobby, or craft: There’s so much you can learn if you’ll only take the time to try it.
  • Maps to plan a bug out, camping trip, etc: The typical road maps you can get from the store are fine but if you need more detailed maps, topographic maps, or specialized maps of your area or bug out location or route, the library is the place to go.
  • Make copies, scans, or laminate papers: Use these inexpensive resources to get your prepping paperwork in order. Just remember not to leave anything in the printer. 😉

From just trying to spend less money to getting your preps in better order, the local library still has a lot to offer you if you’ll only let it. Hope this helps!

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Comments

7 responses to “Maximizing the Use of Local Library Resources”

  1. Irish-7

    I have not been in a library in decades. I use to frequent our local bookstore, Borders, until they went bankrupt a few years ago. Now, the closest bookstore, Barnes & Noble, is almost an hour away. I make the pilgrimage a few times per year, then stay for a few hours. One thing that I do hold in the back of my mind, is to go to the nearest library in event of internet disruption. Hopefully they don’t use the same provider as my family does!

  2. Hope

    I homeschool my four children and the highlight of our week is our library trip. We check out stacks of books as well as going on the computers, playing with the educational toys, and getting DVD’s and CD’s and audiobooks. It is a great resource, as well as a good place to make new friends.

    1. My kids don’t quite see it as the highlight of their day yet… probably never will, I’m afraid. But I figure the more exposure they have the more they’ll learn to like it.

  3. Marquita Martin

    I grew up haunting libraries and still do. It was one of our favorite places to go when the kids were young. I’ve used them to look for work as well as learning centers. They are one of the most fantastic resources of civilization!

    1. I didn’t mention the looking for work aspect of them, that’s a good one. And for those who choose to use the librarians I’ll bet they can help with that quite a lot! Thank you for the thought.

  4. Donna

    I couldn’t agree more! I hit the library in our small town at least once a week. It is a well equipped library for a town of 3500 and as you said there are many amenities that come in handy.

    1. Thank Donna. Libraries are, sadly, becoming a thing of the past due to the internet and faster internet speeds. Hopefully they’ll be around for my grandchildren but who knows… some things just have to become obsolete.

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