Books/Magazines
Let’s start with the obvious, as libraries still have books and magazines for people to read. If you have particular authors or subjects you like to read, talk to a librarian, as they can often recommend others you might be interested in. Many libraries often have free subscriptions to national magazines or newspapers you can subscribe to, usually virtually, so you can access them at home. Almost every library has audiobooks you can access through your phone and/or computer, helping you avoid paying to listen to books. Also, many libraries are a part of the interlibrary loan network, where they can request books from libraries in other cities and states. Thus, if the library doesn’t have something you’re looking for, you should ask, as they might be able to get it for you another way. If not, they’re often willing to order it and add it to their collection, as many libraries take suggestions for what they order.
One of the best ways people know about their public library is through what they offer for kids. Libraries often advertise summer reading programs or weekly story time for younger children, and they occasionally bring in authors to read/talk to children. However, most libraries go well beyond those programs. Some libraries have a toy lending library, where parents can check out toys their children would enjoy for a few weeks, at best, helping avoid costly purchases that will sit in closets after the initial thrill wears off. If they don’t offer a complete toy library, they often check out games for children to play, or have Legos available. Many libraries show movies aimed at children and families, especially in the summer. Depending on your location, there may also be programs tied to state initiatives. In Tennessee, for example, our libraries work with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to provide free books for children from birth until they begin school. If your library doesn’t offer a service for children you think they should, talk to a librarian, as they’re always looking for good ideas.
Given their name, public libraries are connected to the communities they serve and work to find services that can help people in a variety of ways. They provide space for community groups that focus on a wide range of subjects: housing, starting a business, gardening, arts, photography, writing, etc. Whether run by the library or outside organizations, there are groups that focus on a wide variety of subjects that meet at the library. Many libraries provide access to services, such as a drivers license/car registration kiosk or a notary public. They provide spaces for public art, allowing local artists an opportunity to share their art, while allowing people to enjoy that art for free. Some libraries have electric car charging stations in their parking lot. There are even some libraries that have a tool library, allowing people to save money while still doing work where they live.
Education
One of the most prominent ways libraries serve their communities is through providing a number of educational opportunities. In addition to the classes offered by groups that meet there, almost all libraries offer some sort of computer classes. They often tie those to finding employment, as they show people how to produce resumes or search job listings online. There are resources and classes for adult literacy and preparing for the GED. Many libraries have classes or materials for people learning English as a second language or preparing for a citizenship exam. Whenever an election is coming up or taxes are about to come due, libraries provide information and education on voting and forms for submitting to the IRS. They provide access to local genealogical information for people seeking to explore their family trees, often with a librarian trained in that area to help. Many libraries also set up special displays that center on local or historical events that anyone can visit. Some libraries have online image databases that anyone can access, whether they have a card to that library or not. Another way they connect to the community is when they provide free admission to museums or local attractions; people can check out passes to visit that are good for a week or two, enabling them to visit and learn for free. In all cases, public libraries not only comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, but they provide materials to help people access materials from other places that might not make it easy to do so.
Health
Public libraries help educate people about their health, as well. Over the past couple of years, libraries have served as one of the most reliable and easiest to access locations for information about Covid-19, both in-person and online. Some libraries have even used their locations for vaccinations and testing. Before the pandemic, libraries were already focused on health, though. They allow mobile labs that focus on testing, such as mammograms, or providing information, such as WIC, space in their parking lots. They offer classes on yoga or nutrition throughout the day. There are even times where they bring in medical professionals for a health fair, where people can be screened for a variety of risk factors.
Entertainment
Libraries are also great places to find free entertainment. Almost all libraries still have rather robust DVD collections with movies and TV shows that are older, but many have also moved toward streaming services. With a library card and password the library provides, you can stream movies and shows from any device at home. Some libraries also have video games to check out or stream online. There are even comic books that have gone online now, and people can view those from home, as well. All of these options are in addition to what the library often shows themselves, as many provide movie nights in the summer or throughout the year.
Technology
In everything they provide, public libraries help people stay up-to-date with the latest technology. Most libraries provide a laptop/tablet checkout for people to use in the library, enabling them to do whatever work they need to do without being tied to a desktop in a particular area of the library. They also have technology labs where anyone can use 3D printers or even design robots or learn coding. Some libraries have even augmented their traditional bookmobiles to create mobile technology labs, bringing the technology to more people. There are also libraries that have recording space for those people who want to create music or make a podcast or video. Most importantly, they have people trained on technology to help you use whatever you’re interested in.
Libraries are still great places to get excellent books to read, but they are so much more. If you haven’t visited a public library in quite some time or perhaps ever, now is a great time to do so. Librarians are there to help you find what you need, so, if there’s something you need and can’t find, let them know. Librarians can only help when they know how to do so, and they want to help. Go visit your public library and see all they have to offer.