I love visiting libraries when I travel! Years ago, the Vancouver library was an amazing treat. A few years ago, my small town was planning to build a new library. They invited the public to participate in developing the plans. I went to every single meeting. They listened. Part of my vision came from many things and one was that visit to the Vancouver Library. Our new library is being built this year, to open next year. It's big and I can "see' what it's going to be. Awesome!
Just dropped by our library with my daughter, picked up a library card for her (achievement unlocked), renewed my book, and rented a dvd movie. Told the librarian about your post and she’s going to give it a read. 📚
I LOVE libraries and am always shocked when I talk to friends who don’t have a library card. I live in Westchester County, NY and have love visiting, and taking out books from different branches in the county. I love going to the New Books section- I often take out cookbooks, and then purchase them if I like them. And I just discovered my library gives free passes to museums including the Met, and Guggenheim!
Yes, the holds! The glorious holds. It's an extra delight when I've requested the library purchase a book, and they do - then I just go over and pick it up. Truly one of the biggest joys.
One of my absolute places since childhood has been my local library!! So cool that you visited the new Eastham Library, I grew up in Eastham! I am going to have to visit libraries on my travels -- great idea. My current library (Greenwich Free Library) is part of the Southern Adirondack System and I have visited many of the branches. The Crandall Library in Glens Falls hosts many art exhibits, I have had my photographs in an exhibit there -- very cool. I have a constant stream of books on order and also love to roam the shelves, adult and kids as I always find something intriguing. I have checked out lots of music to play in the car on road trips. I will have to try Kanopy! One cool thing our library system has is a free food distribution --wonderful fresh produce and other items for everyone and anyone, refilled once a week. I would only add to everyone's juicey comments that libraries are definitely a community building hub -- our library window display at the moment is "We put the Unity in Community"
When I was a single mother with two young children, we visited the library weekly. The children’s section was our focus, but I managed to meander down to the main floor too. They also offered movies on VHS. On a lean budget, this is where we got our Friday night movie. I’ve since become rather complacent and seldom visit the library, but your challenge has prompted me to change that. Also, taking my bike will double the benefit and most of all the pleasure. Thanks Austin!
We love 'em and especially the idea of library tourism, from the UK although I've been in Seattle for Microsoft I was there over a weekend and had lots of fun in Seattle Public library.
And even found in the history section a book on the town I am from in the UK!
Public libraries, college libraries - heaven on earth - thanks for the reminder Austin
Thank you for suggesting Libby and Hoopla, to augment Audible. I have new headphones that make walking (with dog) so much more enjoyable. Anyone have a suggestion for an auditory page-turner?
Just some tips/suggestions if you are in the area: We visited New Haven, CT along a pizza road trip we took. Staying in New Haven we bounced over to Yale’s Sterling Memorial Library. Beautiful. Feels sacred. Also, Yale’s Art Gallery is amazing and free.
My library(s) are one of my rotating “coffee shops” I got to for several hours of writing and the chance to get out of the house. They tend to be quieter, and the two I frequent have fireplaces (handy during our Michigan winters). Unlike many true coffee shops, they are spread out and open, thus feel better about COVID exposure sitting appropriately separated there. Especially good choice on days I’d rather not be tempted by a sumptuous baked good found at the other true coffee shops I haunt. One of the two libraries I use for writing also has Sweetwater’s Coffee inside. While they have said baked goodies, don’t seem to be tempted there, and nice to have good hot coffee while writing. Must be the “holy ground of a library” that keeps me from that cinnamon scone with carmel swirl! It’s working so far.
Thank you for reminding all of us that libraries have so much to offer our communities. I remember getting my first library card as a kindergartner (in the 1960’s). It was my favorite place and I was elated to have my own personal passport to this world filled with books. Now our community has a new main library filled with all kinds of wonders - 3D printers, a green roof, a cafe and I know there is more features that I should explore.
I live about a mile from a community branch of the King County library outside of Seattle. I love my little library so much. It was so sad to see it all dark during the pandemic. I never wanted to spend money on a printer, so I go down there to print my documents. I started checking out lots of books when I realized that my book collection was getting overwhelming, and I really shouldn't buy every book that caught my attention. I am not surprised about the Cleveland Library since Cleveland also has an amazing art museum.
Another thing to keep in mind is all of the free events and programs that libraries offer throughout the summer. Most of the time you don't need a library card to attend, so it's good whether it's your home library or if you are traveling.
I'm always surprised how many people think you have to pay for a library card or pay for every little thing at a library. There are some cases where this happens, but it's definitely not the norm.
Also, librarians love giving book recommendations based on your reading interests! In my experience, some patrons really understand this and utilize librarians in this way while other communities barely do at all.
Thank you for being such a great advocate for libraries!
I volunteered in the used bookstore ("Town Books") connected to my local library. Great fun talking about books to people who came in and good to raise money for the library.
Don't get me started. Libraries are the best, and I love that you're boosting library tourism.
I love visiting libraries when I travel! Years ago, the Vancouver library was an amazing treat. A few years ago, my small town was planning to build a new library. They invited the public to participate in developing the plans. I went to every single meeting. They listened. Part of my vision came from many things and one was that visit to the Vancouver Library. Our new library is being built this year, to open next year. It's big and I can "see' what it's going to be. Awesome!
Just dropped by our library with my daughter, picked up a library card for her (achievement unlocked), renewed my book, and rented a dvd movie. Told the librarian about your post and she’s going to give it a read. 📚
I LOVE libraries and am always shocked when I talk to friends who don’t have a library card. I live in Westchester County, NY and have love visiting, and taking out books from different branches in the county. I love going to the New Books section- I often take out cookbooks, and then purchase them if I like them. And I just discovered my library gives free passes to museums including the Met, and Guggenheim!
Yes, the holds! The glorious holds. It's an extra delight when I've requested the library purchase a book, and they do - then I just go over and pick it up. Truly one of the biggest joys.
One of my absolute places since childhood has been my local library!! So cool that you visited the new Eastham Library, I grew up in Eastham! I am going to have to visit libraries on my travels -- great idea. My current library (Greenwich Free Library) is part of the Southern Adirondack System and I have visited many of the branches. The Crandall Library in Glens Falls hosts many art exhibits, I have had my photographs in an exhibit there -- very cool. I have a constant stream of books on order and also love to roam the shelves, adult and kids as I always find something intriguing. I have checked out lots of music to play in the car on road trips. I will have to try Kanopy! One cool thing our library system has is a free food distribution --wonderful fresh produce and other items for everyone and anyone, refilled once a week. I would only add to everyone's juicey comments that libraries are definitely a community building hub -- our library window display at the moment is "We put the Unity in Community"
When I was a single mother with two young children, we visited the library weekly. The children’s section was our focus, but I managed to meander down to the main floor too. They also offered movies on VHS. On a lean budget, this is where we got our Friday night movie. I’ve since become rather complacent and seldom visit the library, but your challenge has prompted me to change that. Also, taking my bike will double the benefit and most of all the pleasure. Thanks Austin!
Libraries!
We love 'em and especially the idea of library tourism, from the UK although I've been in Seattle for Microsoft I was there over a weekend and had lots of fun in Seattle Public library.
And even found in the history section a book on the town I am from in the UK!
Public libraries, college libraries - heaven on earth - thanks for the reminder Austin
Thank you for suggesting Libby and Hoopla, to augment Audible. I have new headphones that make walking (with dog) so much more enjoyable. Anyone have a suggestion for an auditory page-turner?
Klara and the Sun was a great listen, very good reader. Might not be your genre, but I liked it.
Just some tips/suggestions if you are in the area: We visited New Haven, CT along a pizza road trip we took. Staying in New Haven we bounced over to Yale’s Sterling Memorial Library. Beautiful. Feels sacred. Also, Yale’s Art Gallery is amazing and free.
My library(s) are one of my rotating “coffee shops” I got to for several hours of writing and the chance to get out of the house. They tend to be quieter, and the two I frequent have fireplaces (handy during our Michigan winters). Unlike many true coffee shops, they are spread out and open, thus feel better about COVID exposure sitting appropriately separated there. Especially good choice on days I’d rather not be tempted by a sumptuous baked good found at the other true coffee shops I haunt. One of the two libraries I use for writing also has Sweetwater’s Coffee inside. While they have said baked goodies, don’t seem to be tempted there, and nice to have good hot coffee while writing. Must be the “holy ground of a library” that keeps me from that cinnamon scone with carmel swirl! It’s working so far.
Thank you for reminding all of us that libraries have so much to offer our communities. I remember getting my first library card as a kindergartner (in the 1960’s). It was my favorite place and I was elated to have my own personal passport to this world filled with books. Now our community has a new main library filled with all kinds of wonders - 3D printers, a green roof, a cafe and I know there is more features that I should explore.
I work for a library. This made me so happy 🙂
I live about a mile from a community branch of the King County library outside of Seattle. I love my little library so much. It was so sad to see it all dark during the pandemic. I never wanted to spend money on a printer, so I go down there to print my documents. I started checking out lots of books when I realized that my book collection was getting overwhelming, and I really shouldn't buy every book that caught my attention. I am not surprised about the Cleveland Library since Cleveland also has an amazing art museum.
Another thing to keep in mind is all of the free events and programs that libraries offer throughout the summer. Most of the time you don't need a library card to attend, so it's good whether it's your home library or if you are traveling.
I'm always surprised how many people think you have to pay for a library card or pay for every little thing at a library. There are some cases where this happens, but it's definitely not the norm.
Also, librarians love giving book recommendations based on your reading interests! In my experience, some patrons really understand this and utilize librarians in this way while other communities barely do at all.
Thank you for being such a great advocate for libraries!
I volunteered in the used bookstore ("Town Books") connected to my local library. Great fun talking about books to people who came in and good to raise money for the library.