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Your Turn: Making the Most of Libraries

By: Editor | July 20, 2009 | Category: Home and Family

Our Monday blogger, Jake, has work duties that will take him away from Gov Gab until September. In his absence, we’re alternating between “Your Turn” weeks, where we’ll ask a question to spotlight your knowledge about government resources, and posts from guest bloggers across the government.

Today's Question: When was the last time you used your local library and what are your favorite library resources and programs? My county is reducing library hours and services even though more and more people are visiting the library - a disappointing reality of the county's tight budget. My last visit was prompted by the Children's Summer Reading Program, where kids can track their reading to earn a coupon book for lots of neat activities.

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Comments (26):

Posted by Katie on July 20, 2009 at 08:17 AM EDT

Last time I used the library was just before our 10-day trip to Paris and Brussels. I checked out travel books as well as audio books to study French. I have always appreciated the library for these kinds of resources. Why pay a lot of money for books you might only use for a week or two?

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Posted by AuctionProgress on July 20, 2009 at 09:56 AM EDT

My last visit to my library was to teach a free class to people who wanted to know how to sell on eBay. We had a large turnout, most likely due to the current economic conditions. I have done several of these classes in the past year for various local libraries and most likely will be called on to do more.

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Posted by sunshine on July 20, 2009 at 10:00 AM EDT

My local library already has some pretty crappy hours as it stands. It would be nice if they could stay open later. They do have quite a few quality children's services, but what about us adults who also would like to enjoy the facility past 7 p.m.
After my long commute I barely get home by that time. Also their search engine on the public computers is mind-boggling slow. Wish they could use the usa.gov search engine. It always seems fast and reliable.

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Posted by Ted Nemzek on July 20, 2009 at 10:48 AM EDT

Vistied my library thursday July 16, 2009. Great self check out system, no waiting, printed receipt detailing books checked out. Librarians will teach use of computers to neopytes inlcuding senior citizen neophytes.

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Posted by Michelle on July 20, 2009 at 11:25 AM EDT

During the summer we visit the library more often, about once a week, because of the summer reading programs. Unfortunately, there is talk of cutting funding here in our county as well. I will still go to the library as much as I can. My son and I recently have begun listening to books on CD which we have a large selection of. One of the great things our library offers is the ability to request articles from other libraries all across the state for pick up at your local library.

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Posted by lentigogirl on July 20, 2009 at 12:54 PM EDT

I visit my local library at least once a week. My last visit there was online -- to see if I could order the book my middle-schooler needed for his summer reading project.

Like every other public library in the country, mine is facing budget cuts and reduced hours. Yet, library usage universally goes UP in times of economic hardship -- both because people borrow rather than buying books (and dvds, and CDs, and everything else the library provides) and because, especially with free internet access, they're a great resource for job hunters.

We need libraries!

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Posted by Jeannine Mjoseth on July 20, 2009 at 04:30 PM EDT

I'm so glad you're asking about libraries! I'm with the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the primary source of federal funding for the nation's 123,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. So much is happening in libraries, which have seen a great uptick in use as the economy slows. Here's just a taste of library information on our website www.imls.gov:

Libraries to the Rescue is a series of podcasts in which librarians from five states talk about steps their libraries have taken to help their communities deal with the economic crisis. http://www.imls.gov/resources/podcasts_Jun09.shtm.

Also available are online resources for jobseekers and libraries at http://www.imls.gov/news/2009/062409_list.shtm.

Related to the podcasts, today I posted a new profile about the Orange County Library System’s Grow Your Business program, which offered classroom and online courses in three languages. Read more at: http://www.imls.gov/profiles/Jul09.shtm.

The economic downturn is not the only factor impacting libraries. The character of library services has changed dramatically with the advent of new information technologies, the continuous development of locally-tailored services, and the expectations of the 21st century library user. To learn more, check out our new report, “Catalyst for Change: LSTA Grants to State Program and the Transformation of Libraries Services to the Public” http://www.imls.gov/pdf/CatalystForChange.pdf.

In another new publication, Partnership for a Nation of Learners: Joining Forces, Creating Value, IMLS offers guidance on the art of partnering with libraries, museums, and public broadcasters. For more information, please go to http://www.imls.gov/pdf/PNLReport.pdf.

Thanks so much!
Jeannine Mjoseth
Public Affairs Officer, IMLS

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Posted by Kristine on July 20, 2009 at 05:38 PM EDT

Public librarians are masters of doing more with less. Many libraries receive funding from their municipalities as well as the county. In my area, libraries receive less than 1% of the total county budget, and still have to beg for funding every year. Tell your local representatives how important your library is. The only way to increase programs and hours is to fund the funds to pay for utilities and staff.
Many libraries offer a plethora of services online these days. Look for databases on genealogy, business resources, practice exams, historical documents, book suggestions, 24-hour access to a librarian and many more.

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Posted by EJ on July 20, 2009 at 06:06 PM EDT

Public libraries are one of America's greatest traditions. I am two weeks from finishing my masters degree program to become a librarian; I've worked in a public library for the last three years. Every day at the library is different and exciting. I love the variety of online resources available, both in branch and remotely. I love the reading materials on all topics, for all ages, many formats, and several languages. Most of all, I love the people who come to the library with questions and sometimes, answers.

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Posted by pop mihai on July 21, 2009 at 06:56 AM EDT

my last visit to a library was now 3 years when i was still a school boy, since than the internet is my life... i spend most of my time on my website http://muzica.netxplor.ro

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Posted by Matt on July 21, 2009 at 08:19 AM EDT

You can use your local library without even leaving the house! My library offers downloadable audiobooks and an excellent array of databases that can be accessed from home. Some of those resources are for kids and are excellent homework resources, and others are designed for adults. Organizations and businesses can use these as research resources. These databases are services that people are often unaware of. In an age when we often are swamped with information, the quality of the content in these databases can make a difference in a range of projects.

My library offers video tutorials on the catalog and on software taught in our computer classes, and they are available 24X7.

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Posted by JW on July 21, 2009 at 09:48 AM EDT

I am a children's librarian. I see over 200 kids and parents in my story times each week. We are in a town of about 8,000. Our library is very needed community center. We offer gaming, movies, books on CD, computer with internet, coffee along with a great selection of up to date best sellers. Our computers are used daily by people jog hunting. Most companies have on-line applications now. Kids have a safe and fun place to hang out in the summer.
We offer parenting help through our baby programs. The list goes on and on of what libraries can and do offer. Visit your local library and offer your support.

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Posted by Jen, Pittsburgh Pennsylvania on July 21, 2009 at 12:35 PM EDT

I use my local library and it's services at least weekly. My family not only checks out books and tapes for entertainment, but I use the library's resources for my job. The online databases give me access to medical journals that I would otherwise have to travel into the city to obtain, or wait weeks for if I requested them through inter-library loan. In my last job I relied heavily on the resources of my local library as well.

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Posted by Tom S on July 21, 2009 at 03:52 PM EDT

I've just retired after 34 years as a public librarian and am now again a customer or patron. My local library ( a mid-sized branch in
our county system ) has a good selection
but competition for the "new" books is fierce; thank goodness I can reserve books on-line. I'll be visiting weekly to pickup my reserves.
For the past nine years its been apparent that public libraries will do less reference service, especially for business information. Librarians pretty much just help customers find a specific book/subject on the shelf, and if lucky, are able to steer customers to on-line directories and databases that libraries subscribe to.
Our system is in the midst of cost cutting to try to maintain hours and services in face of increased use. Furloughs are predicted. It
will be tough-times for awhile.

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Posted by VeggieFed on July 21, 2009 at 03:57 PM EDT

I visit my library several times a week. The library is a great way to save money on entertainment. Forget Netflix or Kindle! Anything book, CD, or movie I want I can check out at the library, and if they don't have it they will usually order it for you and make sure you get it as soon as it comes in!

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Posted by Jamie on July 22, 2009 at 11:18 PM EDT

I have used my local library consistently over the past year while in my graduate program. As I am preparing for my new teaching position, I have been checking out audiobooks of the 2010 Abraham Lincoln High School Book Awards (Illinois) and the Alex Awards (National). I understand the importance of my local library, and as a new high school librarian, I will certainly be teaming up with the local library for collaborative planning and good professional development. I will also ensure that my students know the ways that the public library can help them in their academic goals as well as leisure endeavors.

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Posted by Donnie, Washington State on July 22, 2009 at 11:26 PM EDT

I visited my County library last week in order to pick up a copy of the local bus schedule. But, before that it was to check out DVDs. I frequently use the library. I use the computer, check out mysteries and romance, borrow DVDs, check the new materials that just came in, & pickup items on hold. I attended events for our Pierce County reads program, when we all read No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency. My library has a wonderful collection of databases and online services, too. I check out movies online and watch them on my computer or TV for free. I know people who depend on the library for their job search. And, thank goodness, my library system is not cutting hours or staff, as far as I know. We did have some cuts a while back, but I think we got most of them back with a new funding levy.

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Posted by Heather S. on July 23, 2009 at 09:04 AM EDT

I work in an academic library so truthfully, I do not use my local library often. Last August I took friends who were visiting from out of town to our downtown public library for children, Imaginon. The kids had a wonderful time. They enjoyed a story time, played with the dress up clothes and we checked out several books and puppets to take home. It was lovely.

When my own child was younger we frequented a branch library for their computer services and to check out books needed for school projects as well as for pleasure. I have noticed that the computers in the library where I work are filled all the time. This was not true a year ago. In times of economic crisis I think many are dropping Internet service at home. Public libraries fill this need for many - it's a shame to see hours reduced when the need is so great.

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Posted by Reid on July 23, 2009 at 10:59 AM EDT

I visited my public library last week to pick up two books that I had requested from another branch. After years of being in college and graduate school, I've relied heavily on my college or university libraries. And now I am a librarian at a large university library! Even though I work at a library, I've started to use my public library more and more for pleasure reading, but it took a while to adjust to shorter loan terms. But after a few fines, I've learned my lesson! The public library was also very useful while I was looking for a job.

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Posted by Joyce on July 23, 2009 at 11:48 AM EDT

I do literacy tutoring and I would be at a loss without the resources I use with my student and what she uses on her own between our meetings. These same foreign language materials do double duty because they work to support our English speaking students to learn a foreign language.

My son does woodworking and those are very expensive books. He feeds his need for ideas and lessons learned from library books - books from our library and even more from those that come from surrounding libraries via our library system.

My husband loves the DVDs - he even is willing to 'read' some movies that I like in foreign languages.

My daughter was recently diagnosed with a disease where she can heal herself by eating no gluten and she has used her library to find books on this subject and subject specific cook books, too.

Libraries are an industry which supports the economic engine of our nation, and yes, we need them more than ever under the current conditions. And, what could be more democratic and foundational to learning than our libraries. The innovation, the savings, the learning -- I can go on and on, but I won't because I hope you will take the tag and write your own description of how libraries serve your needs.
A Library outranks any other one thing a community can do to benefit its people. -- Andrew Carnegie
There is not such a cradle of democracy upon the earth as the Free Public Library, this republic of letters, where neither rank, office, nor wealth receives the slightest consideration. ~Andrew Carnegie
Library - Here is where people, one frequently finds,
Lower their voices and raise their minds. --Richard Armour

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Posted by Library Friend on July 23, 2009 at 11:24 PM EDT

I visit my local library on a regular basis. The thing that makes my local library so great are the people who work there. They are friendly and inviting to my entire family. My young adult children attend programs and volunteer for the summer reading program. They have great places to study, wonderful print and electronic resources for all ages and the building itself is lovely.

There is a sad misconception about our public libraries being free. They are not free, we pay for them with tax payer dollars and outside contributions. In this state, people living outside certain taxing districts are not directly taxed by their local government for library service and are not entitled to full library priviledges as a result. To obtain full user status, a fee must be paid by these people and many can not afford the fee leaving them w/o full library service.

So, please remember that libraries are not free and that everyone does not share equal status for library use, even though it is imperative for all citizens to have equal access to participate in a demacracy.

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Posted by Jane Claud on July 26, 2009 at 07:26 AM EDT

I visit my local public library at least once a week. I am a retired School Library Media Specialist, and the love of reading is strong.

The Lighthouse Point Library in Lighthouse Point, Florida has a great collection of books and audio-visual materials, as well as some great programs. I always check out audio books, which I listen to as I drive, and as I work in the kitchen. I also always check their front displays where they have the newer books and best sellers, and usually go home with a few from there.
Right now I have some audio tapes of Portuguese vocabulary, I am listening before a trip next week.

The Friends of the Library also host some awesome book sales. I usually wait until the last few hours when you can buy a bag of books and other materials for $1.00. After I read them I bring them back for the next sale.

The director of this library was just chosen Librarian of the Year by the Florida Library Association, Doreen Gauthier is a great librarian.

Thanks for this chance to share my library use.

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Posted by Kallie on July 27, 2009 at 04:26 PM EDT

I use my library several times a month. I mainly use it to check out fiction. During the school year, I frequently use the library's subscription databases which I can access from outside the library.

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Posted by Tina on July 30, 2009 at 10:11 AM EDT

I use my library all of the time. It is priceless. What I would really like is to turn back the hands of time. I would like great architecture and time spent on planning the great buildings that hold knowledge. I would like to not hear people typing on keyboards and the ringing of cell phones. I would like to see more books being bought at the expense of DVD's. I would like a comfortable chair and a place to put up my feet and read all day. But I can't, and they won't, so I'll take what I can get.

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Posted by Molly on July 31, 2009 at 05:22 PM EDT

My love of libraries started at a very early age and now has become my career. Needless to say, I spend a lot of time in libraries! But, in the course of my career, I have become a staunch advocate for funding and resources for libraries. I think it is important for people to understand that we are probably one of the most underfunded institutions in our country. We are constantly being asked to do more with less. And yet, we continually rise to the challenge and still succeed at accomplishing what we set out to do.

In light of funding issues, I also think libraries have done a remarkable job adapting to the advancements in technology and the ever changing ways that it affects our lives. We truly are innovative professionals!

There are also the small personal victories in my profession. I take no greater joy than seeing someone using our library for the first time and realizing the invaluable resource they have just discovered. Or the child who's eyes light up when they get their first library card. It reminds me everyday why I love what I do.

Yes, I have so many reasons to be proud of my profession!

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Posted by http://topmp3.info on July 31, 2009 at 10:26 PM EDT

I remember visiting libraries every now and then in London :) . Now i do not even have time to read my newspaper as i am a successful car dealer in Ferrari company in Italy :D
I just get time to listen and download free music and mp3 from http://topmp3.info

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