August Libby Haul and Why You Should Get a Library Card

by Donna Huber

September is Library Card Sign-Up Month. If you don't have a library card, you are missing out on one of the best resources in your community. In my state, almost every library is part of the statewide system. That means that with one library card, I can check out books at any library in the state (there are a few county systems that aren't part of the system, but the majority of the library systems are). Where I live, I have at least 5 brick-and-mortar libraries within a 30-minute drive. Here are some of my favorite resources I have access to with my library card.

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1. Libby

The resource I use the most with my library card is Libby. It is a digital library that allows library cardholders to check out ebooks and e-audiobooks. Because of our statewide system, I'm connected to the state consortium, which means I have access to the digital collections of every library that is part of our statewide program. Recently, Libby introduced partner libraries. Because of the statewide consortium, I don't have any partner libraries, but if your library card limits you to your community library, this new feature might give you access to more books. Check out the audiobooks I borrowed in August.

Shades of Grey by Jasper Fforde

I've recommended this book to my post-apocalyptic book club a couple of times, but it has never been chosen. I've heard great things about this author, so I decided to go ahead and listen to it. I enjoyed. I thought it started off a little slow, and I wish there had been more world-building upfront. I'm not sure I will pick up the next book in the series or not.

Buy Shades of Grey at Amazon

Final Jeopardy by Linda Fairstein

I listened to this book for my mystery book club at the library. It was okay for a book published in 1996. I'm not a fan of police procedurals, and though the main character is a prosecutor, there was a lot of details about investigations. There wasn't much action until the last 20% of the book, and even that momentum was broken by a super detailed description of how a police lineup works and videoing crime scenes.

Buy Final Jeopardy at Amazon

The Summer Share by Jenn McKinlay

I got an electronic advance reader copy of this book for review, but I didn't get it read, and then the next month review copies needed to be read. So this is when I really love my library. Though I had to wait a few months, I was able to get the audiobook. Since I listen while driving and on my daily walks and other times when I'm doing something mindless (like cleaning the house), audiobooks are great for getting reading in when you can't hold a book. I prefer McKinlay's cozy mysteries, but her summer rom-coms are fun. I don't care for the descriptive sex scenes, though. Read my full review.

Buy The Summer Share at Amazon

By checking these audiobooks out with my library card, I saved more than $50! I usually listen to 4 to 6 audiobooks a month, so the savings really add up. If your library doesn't have Libby, it might use Hoopla. Hoopla is similar, but usually you don't have to wait for a copy to be available, plus there are videos. My library system recently ended its subscription to Hoopla, so they added Kanopy so we can stream video (I have a couple of movies on the watch list that aren't free to stream anywhere else).

2. Book Clubs

I belong to two book clubs at different libraries. My mystery book club meets at my closest library (it is 1.5 miles from my house). We just selected our next year of reading at the end of July, but I haven't posted it yet. Check out the books we read last year. My post-apocalyptic book club meets at another local library (it's about 9 miles from my house). We also selected our new year of reading in July, and I posted that list. The great thing about that book club is that it has a virtual option, and we do get people from other states. Book clubs are great for getting you to read books you might not have picked up otherwise, and they offer a social aspect to a rather isolated hobby.

3. Non-Book Resources

Technology: There so much more available at libraries than books. Most have computer labs and other technology. We have a 3D printer and equipment for recording podcasts. We have technology to check out as well, such as laptops and hotspots. A new service is being offered: Google Career Certificates. Many of the certificates are IT related but there are certificates for management, AI essentials, digital marketing and more. 

Passes: If you read my June Library Round, you might remember I checked out the State Parks Parking Pass - this saved me $30 on vacation. The zoo has discontinued its library pass program, but when my niece and nephew were younger we coulod get 2 adult and 2 children tickets to the zoo for FREE! We have several other passes for activities and places in my state.

Seed libraries, puzzle swaps, and more: Two libraries near me have seed libraries were you can get seeds with the idea that you will harvest the seeds at the end of the season and share them with the library. During the summer one of the programs was a puzzle swap where you could bring in one of your puzzles and swap it for one of the libraries puzzles. It was so popular that it is now a regular resource. We have a community puzzle set up at my local library and I think the other library has an ongoing Scrabble game set up. Some libraries allow you to check out baking pans and cake decorating supplies. 

Social Services: The main library in my system has a social worker several days a week. That library is a gathering place for homeless people, but anyone in the county can make a appointment with the social worker (and it's FREE). The branch libraries, like my local library, have kiosks that help people find information and apply for governmental resources. Need a passport? There's a photo booth at the main library and at least one library in a region can process the passport (this isn't free but really useful when you live in a rural area). 

Geneology: We have access to a lot of databases for research family history. The main library also houses the Heritage Libray which contains a lot of local historical documents that would useful in researching the history of the area as well as family history.

Events: Community interests groups, live music, author visits and special reading, classes, arts & crafts, lectures, etc.

Do you have a library card?

So that's just a few of the things that my area libraries offer that I love. With rising costs of just about everything your library card can be a great resource for trimming your budget. If it only saved me $50 a month for the audiobooks I check out that resource alone saves me $600 a year - what other card in your wallet saves you that much money in a year?

Oh, and many libraries are offering giveaways and raffles for signing up or renewing your library card this month. So go get FREE stuff!

What do you love about your library? 

Donna Huber is an avid reader and natural encourager. She is the founder of Girl Who Reads and the author of how-to marketing book Secrets to a Successful Blog Tour.

 
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