Day 29 NaBloWriMo Get Thee To The Library

GET THEE TO THE LIBRARY

One of my good friends was sweet and gave me a guest post about her work. She's a Librarian and a fantastic one at that! She is developing children's programs at various libraries. Parents and children alike are enthralled with her story telling abilities! She's been asked more than once by kids if she's an actress.

I love talking to my friend about her work, because of her enthusiasm. We got on the topic of saving money and I asked her to do a blog post. She sent me the following to share ~ enjoy!


During this recession we are all facing difficult financial decisions and are finding ways to cut back on expenditures. The first thing to go is usually entertainment and information expenditures. We stop subscribing to the newspaper and going out to the movie theater. However, the situation does not have to be glum! These things are available at the library. The library has the internet, newspapers and magazines and other periodicals including professional journals such as the New England Journal of Medicine.

The library also has a wide variety of DVD titles. There are educational DVDs which can help you learn a new language, science, yoga, aerobics, math, literature, etc. There are all feature films that show at the movie theater and the library’s titles are just as recent as the titles at your local BlockBuster’s or NetFlix. The library I work at has titles such as 27 Dresses, Slumdog Millionaire, Transformers, Milk and The Dark Knight. We also have old classics that you can’t find at the video store such as Ordinary People and The Breakfast Club. Have you cancelled HBO and Showtime? The library also has series and movies only shown on these channels (Tudors and Grey Gardens are only 2 examples). There are also some of the old classic series such as I Love Lucy and MASH.

The library also has many community programs. For example, the main branch of our library system recently held free health screenings for seniors. There are also many book clubs for all ages.

In addition, the library has numerous storytime and craft programs for the kids. The literacy skills and cognitive development that children receive at these programs is invaluable. There are also Summer Reading Programs where the kids receive prizes for reading books.

For the teens there are craft programs that include jewelry making, an anime club, game night, etc.!

Besides helping to fill in the entertainment and information gap left by cancelling the newspaper, magazines and cable TV the library has resources which can help you learn how to save money and/or find a new job or housing. There are books and other resources which can help you with your resume, cover letter and interviewing skills. The Jefferson Parish Library system has job search information right on its homepage (www.jefferson.lib.la.us). Many people return to school during a recession and for those going to school (of all ages) there is also free online tutoring through the library as well.

In short, the library isn’t just about books anymore. It’s about information and community.
AND IT IS FREE!!!!
So …. Get thee to the library!

Comments

Destiny's Child said…
After reading this, a library seems like the best place to be!
First time here, nice blog...:)
Queenie Jeannie said…
You are so right!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE to read and always bought my own books. Now I'm getting them from the library!

Thanks for the reminder!
Darlene said…
I absolutely LOVE the library! That is a great article your friend wrote for you.♥
Sharon said…
I couldn't agree with you more. I love our local library... they have a wonderful children's room, a great DVD lending collection and an AWESOME librarian. What's not to love?

I'll extend this offer to both of you ladies... Each Thursday I host a Blog carnival called "just for the JOY of it" and I would love to have you stop by (link up too!).

(and Happy 40th too - I'm right behind ya!)
Coffeypot said…
I use the library all the time - kinda. Every month, when I do my animal transport from GA to NY, I listen to audio books. The library in my county has free downloads of any book they have on DVD. I can down load three at a time and it takes about an hour per book to down load and move it to my iPod. Then I have somewhere between 24 to 36 hours of audio listening to help the trip go by faster. Good post, too.
JudyH329 said…
Yes, libraries are wonderful, but not all states have great libraries. I know Birmingham, Alabama, Jefferson County, has an outstanding library system. That can't be said for Oklahoma where my daughter and grandkids live. When they visit, we head to the library. The library near where I live is geared for children. They have animals located throughout, such as Slithering the snake, Boo the ferret, which my grandkids love.
Holly said…
I'm afraid our town library is rather underfunded, so no where near as sweet at the one your friend wrote about. However, I must say, with a town of less than 1000 people, I'm happy and impressed we even have a library, and yes, by golly, they have wifi! So if I'm desperate for a high speed connection, I only have to drive down the hill into town.

The library in Plymouth, about 18 miles away, is great, but it is not free to non-residents - even though we are in the school district and our daughter attends Plymouth HS. Sorta sucks that if we wanted to be able to use the library, we'd have to pay a yearly fee. Somehow, I think if your child is attending school in that town, they should be able to use the library without paying.
Unknown said…
Libraries are a great place and supply many things to the community. Internet service, reference reading, pleasure reading, meeting rooms, music, movies, story hours, clubs of types, etc. One of the high priorities of most communities everywhere.
Mari said…
Great info about all that is available in the library. I need to get myself back there!
Carma Sez said…
libraries rock - seriously! I always like stopping in to hang out and browse the books and read some magazines