What’s in your local library?

“Libraries store the energy that fuels the imagination. They open up windows to the world and inspire us to explore and achieve, and contribute to improving our quality of life. Libraries change lives for the better”

Sidney Sheldon

I love my local libraries (and yes due to living in a border town – I access both Council libraries) and there is more than one branch within each Council due to the geographical distance of each council.

Each of the libraries are slightly different and offer different services for the locals and visitors alike.  And haven’t they changed over the years?  They are no longer books, magazines and newspapers.  Yes, they are available BUT there is so MUCH MORE!

They hold computers with internet access, printing, space for community groups, literacy collections (including computer games to assist).  They hold book clubs, sewing clubs, yarn and chat, story time events, after school programs, walking groups, midday movies and so much more.  I noticed today that the local library also has a visiting service for those who cannot travel to the library for some reason.  And then there are the bigger font for those who require it and audio books for those who are time poor.  I could go on for days about the local library and what they can provide.  One also has an after dark event advertised with the latest offering was a string quartet playing!

I also love that if your local library does not have the specific book you would like to read, they can now access it through the bigger council library system.  It then gets redirected to your local library for collection and return. 

I also love visiting the local libraries when I travel as I can also access their local newspapers and the local librarians also seem to know what is happening within their local environment.

Have you visited the local library recently?  You may be surprised at what they can and do for the local community.