Fall Back in Love With Reading
Libraries have never been more important. They offer indispensable information, a plethora of resources, and a safe environment for the community. Now, more than ever, we’ve come to realize just how vital they are and why we should fight for their existence. But they’re so much more than a handful of books and a few hours away from home. Let’s explore everything you’re missing without a library card!
1. Free Books
Honestly, who doesn’t like free books? If there’s one reason to head to your local library, it’s for hundreds of thousands of free titles you can take out at any time. There’s no other place that offers such freedom, and you’ll have at least a month with each book, giving you plenty of time to read it.
2. You Can Stay There All Day
We know it doesn’t sound like much, but your library can be a home away from home. They won’t kick you out if you need to work there, study, or just plan to read books by the window. For a lot of people, that kind of haven is worth its weight in gold.
3. Free Classes
Who said you had to pay thousands for tuition? While you might not get the same education in a library class, you’ll still score valuable knowledge from professional speakers and teachers alike. You can learn anything from the history of your town to new cultures, and seniors can even take basic technology lessons.
4. Great Spots for Kids
Libraries aren’t a daycare, but they are a great spot for the family. You can bring your kids to pick out books or spend a few hours with kids their own age. Libraries thrive on community, and they’d love to work with your children and give you the time you need.
5. Author Talks
What better way to learn about a book than from the horse’s mouth? Authors love supporting their libraries by scheduling their very own talks, allowing you to ask questions and meet some interesting people! They aren’t very long either, so you don’t need to spend more than an hour or so there.
6. Free Access to the Internet
You’d be surprised by just how many people don’t have internet access. Despite being a necessity nowadays, not everyone has it at home, which is where the library comes in. From finding jobs to locating walk-in clinics, the internet is an invaluable tool that libraries provide for free.
7. Printing Services
We know it’s annoying to shell out money for the printer, but it’s better to pay the ten cents than not have your documents. It doesn’t matter if it’s an important essay or crucial medical records—the library prints that stuff without any hassle.
Stanislav Kondratiev on Pexels
8. Access to Thousands of Titles
Did you know that libraries borrow from each other? Don’t limit yourself to one location! If your local spot doesn’t have the title you want, you can always ask them to send it from another location. You might need to wait a few days, but it’s worth it to get your hands on the latest Margaret Atwood.
9. Movies, Video Games, and TV Shows
Libraries have so much more than books. They have e-books, video games, graphic novels, TV shows, movies—you name it. Seriously, you never know what’s waiting on those shelves if you don’t go!
10. Access to Information
There’s a reason schools have their own libraries. They’re cornerstones for information and valuable research, especially for students. You can always pop over to gain access to archives, newspapers, or historical documents.
11. Early Literacy Skills
There’s no reason to delay literacy! Bring the rugrats as soon as you can and introduce them to the wonderful world beyond those doors. Kids learn to read and write pretty quickly, so it’s always worth it to teach them.
12. They’re Part of the Community
Like it or not, libraries are a huge part of the community. Aside from the titles they offer, they also bring general knowledge classes, storytimes for kids, and author talks that help bring everyone together. They also foster a sense of belonging.
13. Sustainable Practices
Forget about buying books you haven’t read before. Don’t spend $20 just to rent a movie from Amazon. Grab a free library card and indulge without the fees! That sustainability goes a long way, and it helps all sorts of people looking to save a little green.
14. Librarians are Powerful
It’s easy to assume that librarians only sort books. However, they do a heck of a lot more than that. Library sciences take years of schooling, making every one of them a pillar of their community. They’re basically teachers—they know about data management, organization, complicated math skills (depending on their field), and lots and lots of research!
National Cancer Institute on Unsplash
15. They Keep Us Healthy
No, seriously! Some locations host fitness classes. Others have wellness workshops. And every one of them has access to the internet alongside knowledgeable staff, which is how people can find clinics or healthcare.
16. Safe Spaces for Vulnerable Groups
Not everyone wants an unhoused person in their vicinity. However, they’re also part of the community and struggling to get by, which is why they deserve a safe environment. You wouldn’t want to spend the night in freezing temperatures, so it’s nice to know they have a place to stay.
17. You Learn About Different Cultures
You can learn about different cultures in a multitude of ways! Authors discuss their memoirs and family history. Books and movies introduce you to new concepts. All you have to do is visit and take a look at what’s around.
18. They Preserve History
Some libraries thrive on their historic collections, and you’d be surprised what they have on offer. You can comb through documents, letters, and well-preserved books that you won’t find anywhere else.
19. Study Rooms
Sure, your dorm is a good place to study…if you’re alone. You could always go to the library on campus as well…if you can get in. The reality is that colleges are packed with other students, but your local library can likely squeeze you into one of its study rooms.
20. Passes to Local Hot Spots
We’re not done with all the perks yet! Libraries love sending their patrons out into the community. You can nab passes to anything from national parks and art galleries to museums and even the zoo. Signing up for their newsletters is a great way to keep track.
