Episode Summary:
In this week’s episode, we talk about how amazing public libraries are. We’re already paying for the services of public libraries via our tax dollars, and they offer a surprising volume of services and amenities that many of us aren’t familiar with. We share a long list of all of the surprising and not so surpassing amenities and services you can get from your public library, along with some general tips for best utilizing them.
Episode Notes:
We start with a discussion on the role public libraries play in society. They offer free resources to everyone and anyone, boost local economies, keep communities healthy and connected, and are a safe refuge for the homeless and underserved.
General tips for leveraging your local public library:
- Think about what’s in your expenses now that you could be getting for free at your public library.
- Every location has different books and resources, especially digital.
- You can join multiple libraries. For example, if you have a rental property in another county or your parents live somewhere else, you can sign up for a library card in that county.
- You can request that your library carry a book they don’t currently have.
- Always check your public library first, and N=never buy a book unless you’re public library doesn’t have it.
- You can quickly and easily request holds and transfers from other libraries.
- Sometimes you have to be patient with wait times for digital or physical books. Plan ahead.
The fantastic amenities and resources available at most public libraries:
- Physical books, audio books, and ebooks. Libby and overdrive apps are free and connect to your library account.
- Kids books! Teach your kids about audio books; they are great for road trips, extra bedtime after you’ve read to them, when they get older, and when they can’t sleep.
- Private meeting and study rooms.
- Computers and printer access.
- Events and activities for you and your kids. Share some examples. Speakers too! Summer reading challenges and prizes for kids. They have kid, young adult, and adult programming such as exercise classes, craft classes with supplies, stories and s’mores, graphic novel book clubs, story time for little kids, robot crafts, teen book clubs, and more!
- Tickets to local attractions like the zoo, aquarium, museums, state parks, and more!
- Puzzles.
- Movies and music.
- Magazines.
- Newspapers.
- Tables and work space.
- Free wifi.
- Wireless hotspots for 21 days at a time. Use it for travel!
- Chromebook access for a week at a time.
- Reference databases.
A few final public library tips and ideas:
- It’s like a free coffee shop and coworking space, and you won’t be tempted to buy something because they don’t sell anything. Bring a water bottle and snack. They don’t allow food, but you can discretely drink water or sneak a bit of a granola bar; just don’t break out a sandwich and picnic and start eating it.
- Librarians are so helpful and nice! Ask them questions. Be their friend!
- Explore different libraries around town! Some of them are cool and different. Our kids like seeing new libraries. Some of them are pretty cool and modern or historic!
- Fun spot to take your kids for study groups and homework.
- Your kids have libraries at their schools also!
- Keep in mind the hours. For example, our favorite library is 10 am-5 pm most days but is open until 8 pm three nights a week.
Top 3 takeaways:
- Join your public library!
- Visit it and ask someone at the front desk about the various benefits that could be unique in your area.
- Setup a digital app like Libby for audio and ebooks.
Show References:
- Libby free app, by Overdrive
- Hoopla App
- Friends on FIRE episode #115 – How to learn anything for free
- Article: 7 reasons libraries are essential now more than ever
- Article: 23 reasons why your library is the most important place in town
- Book: Art of Happiness
- Book: Beautiful Ruins
- Book: Your New Relationship With Money: Mastering Money, Growing Wealth, and Finding Freedom in a Culture Trying to Make You Broke