Hidden Library Resources You May Not Know About
In this post, I discuss five resources the public library offers to patrons that you may not know about.
Most of you know that I have a library background. Not only did I grow up using the library, but I also worked in a library for several years and have a master’s degree in library science. I am a pretty big fan of the library and everything it stands for! I strongly believe the library has something for everyone - and not just books.
In this post, I’d like to tell you about some of the resources the library has that you may not know about. I hope it encourages you to check out your local library (or at least their website) to see the many offerings they provide their patrons. The best thing about it - mostly everything is free! Here are five hidden resources you have access to at the public library:
Library of Things
Did you know that you can borrow more than just books from the library? Here is a list of things that I have seen available for checkout in different library systems:
Baking pans & other kitchen tools
Men’s ties & interview attire
Puzzles & games (board games, video games, etc.)
Musical instruments
Hot spots
Laptops & tablets
Crafting equipment (sewing machines, knitting needles, etc.)
Museum passes
Music CDs & DVDs
Learning toys
The list could go on. My point being, there are so many more things available at the library besides books. Definitely check out your local branch to see what other offerings they have!
Ebooks & Audiobooks
Do you prefer using an e-reader? Have you recently discovered audiobooks? Both of these options are available in your library - for FREE! Most libraries use the Libby app for ebooks and e-audiobooks. Libby books can be downloaded and read on your phone, Kindle, or other type of tablet. You can listen to e-audiobooks directly in the Libby app. I always have an ebook going on my Kindle, and 95% of the time, I borrowed it from the library.
If you are not able to use a smart device, most libraries also carry audiobook CDs and Playaway devices available for checkout. Playaway devices are battery-operated and pre-loaded with an audiobook, so all you have to do is plug in your headphones and hit play! These devices are about the size of a smart phone, and you can wear them on a lanyard for hands-free listening.
Interlibrary Loan
Is there a book you’re desperate to read, but your library doesn’t own a copy? They can still get one for you! Most libraries participate in Interlibrary Loan, which is a service library systems across the US (and the world!) use to lend each other their books for patrons. It can take a little longer for your book to arrive, but it’s worth the wait! Most books arrive within 2-4 weeks. I have used Interlibrary Loan countless times when my library hasn’t owned a copy of a book I wanted to read, and it has saved me money in the long run. It is always interesting to see where the book is coming from, too! Interlibrary Loan may be your library’s best kept secret. Make sure you ask a librarian about it the next time you’re there!
Interlibrary Loan is also a useful tool for librarians. They can see which books people are requesting through this service, which can help guide their choices when purchasing books for their library. A librarian may purchase a book for their whole library system because you requested it through Interlibrary Loan!
Databases
Databases are one of my favorite resources the library offers! Most libraries have a wide variety of databases available for you to explore. Here are some of the things you can use the database collection for:
Genealogy
Encyclopedias
Learning activities for young children
Ebooks & e-audiobooks
Educational shows for children (ex: PBS shows)
Movies & documentaries
Language learning
Homework help
High school/college/career test prep
Newspaper archives
Appliance repair resources
Magazine archives
Peer-reviewed journal articles for research purposes
The resources available through databases are endless, and most of them can be used from home. If you are doing a research project, or your child has a report due for school, the databases are a great place to start! If you want to learn a new language, instead of paying for a service, try one of the databases instead. In a world that relies heavily on the internet for research, you can always find safe, reliable, trusted resources through the library’s database collection.
Free Programs
Looking for something for your kids, or yourself, to do? Head to your local library! Most libraries offer programs for all age groups and exploring all topics. This is something you already knew, but did you know about the wide variety of programs that are available? I’ve seen movie/game nights, storytimes for young children, craft programs for teens and adults, a variety of discussion programs (books and otherwise), cooking classes, exercise classes, travel programs, music concerts... You name it, the library has probably done it. The library is a great place to connect with others in your community and learn something new - for free! Most libraries post their program calendars online, so go browse your library’s calendar now!
This is just a small scope of what the public library has to offer patrons. But, in order to continue offering all of these great things, libraries need your support. Please check out their books, attend their programs, and ask them about all of the great resources available! Libraries exist to serve their communities. They are a great equalizer - Anyone can use the library, regardless of social status, race, gender, age… everyone is welcome, always. And that includes you! I hope you choose to support your local library and check out some of the great offerings they have. And make sure to leave a comment about one of your favorite library resources!