We live outside the taxing district for our library so we have to pay $10 a month for the privilege of checking out books. As a result, I've been a little more dedicated to the idea of getting my money's worth. But even if you pay for your library through taxes, there's a lot of value you can get from your library card.
Obviously, check out books and read them. It will make you wiser, and what could be more valuable than that? Instead of pre-ordering new release books on Amazon, I am now sending requests that the library buy a copy. Our library puts you first in line with a hold if you make the request.
You can checkout DVD's and audiobooks, and they continue to add to these collections so it's not all old movies.
Our library has a Library of Things, actual things you can check out. Right now I have a Finch robot kit, which is a STEM teaching toy for introducing children to programming. I have a variety of random things on hold including a microscope, a metal detector and some board games.
You can get free online trainings and certifications through the library. Ours is hooked up with Lynda.com.
You can check out audiobooks digitally using an app. Our library is connected to CloudLibrary, Overdrive and RB Digital which let us check out e-books, audiobooks and eMagazines.
You can get access to business resources. We have access to Morningstar Investment Research and ReferenceUSA as well as a lot of legal resources.
Our library now has a 3D printer. You can create a 3D model (or download from Thingiverse) and print it at the library for free.
October 18, 2018 at 03:58PM
