Want an Easy Way to Save Hundreds of Dollars-Use Your Public Library!
The Many Benefits of Your Library
Overdue for a visit to your local library? If you haven’t, then National Library Week is the perfect time to take advantage of all the benefits a library has to offer. Each April, the American Library Association (ALA) recognizes the importance of all libraries.
Libraries offer more than just books. They offer information. They offer a place where everyone in the community is welcome. And if you are an avid reader, they save you a ton of money each year. Read on for all the benefits your local library provides.
The Value of a Library
As someone who reads an average of 2-3 books per week and multiple magazines each month, I save hundreds of dollars a year by accessing my library’s collection. Check out how much value the library provides you with this library value calculator. from the American Library Association’s ilovelibraries website. When I put in my estimates of what I use from my library, I am saving over $2,400 a year!
The Library Offers More Than Books
Libraries offer more benefits than just books. They also have online books you can read on Kindle and online magazines as well. Here are some other common benefits found in most libraries.
- Museum, park, and zoo passes
- Book clubs for all ages
- Free classes
- Crafting
- Computer use
- DVD’s, magazines, and newspapers
- Musical instruments to borrow
Ways to Support Your Library
Even during the pandemic, libraries have found creative ways to continue serving their patrons. Now is a great time to show some love for all the dedication and hard work that library staff provide their communities.
Here are several ways you can support your local library:
- Join your local Friends of the Library organization. Annual dues are inexpensive, and members get first notice of book sales and other special events.
- Serve as a volunteer at the library. Give your time and assist with re-shelving books, preparing crafts for children’s programs, reading stories, etc.
- Become a library board member. This is an opportunity to advocate for your library with local and state government, within the community, and help direct the future of the library.
- Make a donation. If your schedule does not allow participation in any of the above, a donation is always welcome. Budgets are always tight, and any extra money usually goes toward adding to the new books’ collection.
As a longtime patron of my library in addition to serving as president of my local Friends of the Library, I love any chance I have to promote the benefits of libraries. I encourage everyone to make great use of such a wonderful community resource.
Have a good day!
Kristin
If you love to read, then be sure and check out our other book related posts:
Say Goodnight By Reading a Bedtime Story
A Dr. Seuss Birthday Celebration!
“I Love You” Books to Read With Your Children
New to Dystopian Books: Start Here!
Tea Time: Enjoy Delicious Tea, British Inspired Books and TV Shows
The more I use my library the more I love it. Especially since I learned how to use LIBBY
So glad to hear from another library fan! I can’t live without my library. In fact, I’m on my way to pick up another batch of books from there today. 📚📚📚
We love our library! My girls and I usually leave with our book bag overflowing. When they were younger, we took advantage of their great kids programs. It was such an exciting day when they got their own library cards! Now that they are older they use the library’s online resources and ebook/kindle offerings on their own for those days they want something new to read but we can’t make it there. I especially love that our librarians are so welcoming of everyone and it is a safe place for kids and teens to spend an afternoon.
I love this so much! It makes my heart happy to hear two more library lovers are being raised!!!