Family Fun at the Library

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Public Library Activities

With the economy troublesome and family budgets tight, the public library is a free source of family entertainment and educational resources for the community. This lens is full of ideas and resources to help people enjoy using local public libraries. Photo by woodsy at stock.xchng

Public Libraries Offer More Than Books 

While books and reading are still at the heart of public libraries, there are many other things available. Most have free Internet access, though they may limit the amount of time a person can spend online and they may also block some sites. There are video (DVD and video tape) and audio (CD) materials that can be checked out. There are also community activities and reading clubs in many public libraries. Ask at the information desk for a calendar or information about groups and activities. Many public libraries list upcoming events and have a calendar on their websites as well.

Poll: Library Use 

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Urban Fiction: From the Streets to the Libraries 

NY Times Article

This article is about how libraries are reaching out to meet modern readers' interests and needs by embracing new kinds of literature. One example of this in my local area is that the library system is carrying manga and anime DVD's. I recently watched Paprika by Satoshi Kon.

From the article by Anne Barnard:

It's not the kind of fare usually associated with librarians. But public libraries from Queens, the highest-circulation public library system in the country, to York County in central Pennsylvania are embracing urban fiction as an exciting, if sometimes controversial, way to draw new people into reading rooms, spread literacy and reflect and explore the interests and concerns of the public they serve.



From the Streets to the Libraries

Seattle Public Library 

Photo by turbidity at stock.xchng

Locate Public Libraries in the U.S. 

This site is a directory of US public libraries with links to their websites.

Public Libraries Online 

Most libraries have websites that can make searching for and reserving materials much easier. This saves a lot of time and makes using the library very convenient.

My public library has the catalog for the whole county system online for searches. Patrons can put a hold on items that they want even if they are currently in another branch. They will send it to the patron's branch and either send an email or a recorded message over the phone when the requested item is ready to be picked up. If all of that book or movie is checked out, you have the option to go on the waiting list. I can also track my due dates and renew items from the website.

My library recently added the ablility to pay fines on their website. Fortunately, since I can track the dates and renew so easily online, I rarely have any fines.

I know that not all libraries will have such a comprehensive system online, but do a search and see what features and services are available at the website.

Poll: Overdue Items 

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Recommended Family Reading 

Stack of Library Books 

Photo by EmZed at stock.xchng

Public Libraries in the Blogosphere 

Library closes at noon Dec. 24, reopens Dec. 29
The Princeton Public Library will close at noon on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, and remain closed Dec. 25-26. The library will close at 3 pm New Year's Eve, Dec. ...
Tompkins County Public Library to host monthly program on opera
Tompkins County Public Library invites opera enthusiasts to join monthly meetings of the Bel Canto Society of Ithaca for informal presentations of recorded, ...
Library treasurer denies $280000 theft
The former treasurer of the Erwin Public Library pleaded not guilty in County Court Monday to all 28 felony charges for stealing roughly $280000. ...
Little Elm Public Library holds ESL classes in January
... email library@littleelm.org or visit the web site at www.littleelm.org/library. Tina Hager is director of the Little Elm Public Library.

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by cappuccino136

I am a freelance writer living in the magnificent Pacific Northwest. Formerly I taught ESL to adults in Korea and in the US. I have always expressed m... (more)

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