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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

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Stack of Library Books

Photo by EmZed at stock.xchng

Public Libraries in the Blogosphere

Tuscarawas County Public Library announces summer programs
All programs are free and open to the public. Events and contests begin June 11. The library is at 121 Fair Ave., New Philadelphia. For more information, call 330-364-4474 or visit www.tusclibrary.org. The Tuscarawas County Public Library has announced ...
Citing patrons' right to read, local libraries offer 'Fifty' trilogy
Unlike a smattering of libraries in other states, Massachusetts libraries seem to have no objection to stocking the much talked-about ?Fifty Shades? trilogy, but enthusiasm for the novels among library staff is far from unanimous. At public libraries ...
Mooresville Public Library Board to meet
The Mooresville Public Library Board of Trustees will meet Monday at 7 pm in the Bonita Marley Room. The library is located at 220 W. Harrison St., Mooresville. Agenda items include an overview of the May 12 ?Journey of the Century? centennial event ...
Weir Public Library to transition for summer
By SPECIAL TO THE MORNING SUN Weir Public Library is making the transition to summer reading. Themes will be ?Dream Big, Read!? and ?Own the Night.? Registration for the program will continue until June 16. Scheduled sessions will revolve around the ...
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Library Patrons Sound Off

  • dyharris May 27, 2009 @ 6:19 pm | delete
    My favorite place to visit is the library. Check out my lens on a children's library that I setup in Jamaica. www.squidoo.com/dyharris
  • ElizabethJeanAllen Dec 29, 2008 @ 11:45 am | delete
    I was so excited when the new branch of the county library was built less than a half mile from my house. My husband claims that spend as much time there as I do at home.
    Great lens
    Lizzy
  • annalaurabrown Nov 26, 2008 @ 1:40 pm | delete
    thanks for such a great lens. As an academic librarian, I of course, love the library.
  • Stazjia Nov 1, 2008 @ 5:21 am | delete
    I'm passionate about public libraries and have used them since I was about 7 year old. Great topic.
  • Jimmie Oct 31, 2008 @ 12:51 am | delete
    I'm a huge fan of libraries! That's one big thing we miss, living abroad.
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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 myself... more »

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