Libraries- A Great American Freedom

Last Monday, my phone calendar dinged to remind me to call my local library, as it was opening day to sign up for July's summer programs for children. My children and I were excited as we browsed through the events list and picked out several interesting programs to look forward to, including a planetarium display and a self defense class to include their ages. It dawned on me that many people under appreciate their local library and all the wonderful things it can provide for the community.

I shouldn't have to point out that a building full of books to borrow for free (unless you, like me, contribute financially in late fees) is amazing in and of itself. But it goes beyond that. Libraries help local authors by buying their books and hosting them for signings and Q&A sessions. And I know my library also has a writing group that meets twice a month, encouraging writers regardless of genre or journey and offering constructive criticism along the way.

Libraries also provide internet access for those who wouldn't otherwise have it available to them. Be it for job searching, homework, or just browsing the web, it's there and ready to be used. Not sure how to use a computer? Don't worry, some libraries provide classes for this, resume building, ancestry research, and other valuable skills.

Looking to make friends? Go to the library. My children have made new friends during story and craft time, playing in the children's room, and reading to therapy dogs. I've made friends reaching for the same book as someone else. My brother and I also connected with some trivia buddies at a 90s themed trivia night (I'm still bummed that I've missed both Harry Potter trivia nights aimed at my age range). Another thing my library offers that I love are gaming events. Pokemon, board games, and even video games. OH! And the 75th anniversary of Batman event! That was amazing!

I'm sure I'm forgetting a few benefits of libraries outside of the obvious books option, but these are some of the ones we've utilized in my family. Libraries truly are wonderful places, often overlooked and brushed off without consideration for their community building efforts.  

Why do you appreciate your library and what do you use it for? Any unique programs you've found?

Fall Equals Book Sales

IT'S FALL!

Fall is my favorite season. What's better than snuggling up with a blanket and a book in front of the woodstove?

Well, I'll tell you. Book sales.

Every spring and fall my local library has a book sale. I'm always too busy in the spring with gardening, writing (remember the Seasons of Writing post by Beth?), and a few volunteer projects that I never end up making it to the spring sale, much to my wallet's approval. But I happened to be in the vicinity of the sale last weekend after work, which meant I also didn't have my kiddos in tow.

So, of course, I stopped. And I spent some money.

I mostly spent money on books for my homeschoolers, including Charlotte's Web and a few junior novels for Disney Channel movies my daughter loves. But I also bought these:

I happen to be a HUGE Cassandra Clare fan, so I snagged the book without a second thought. And it's in amazing condition! I could stare at it all day if I wasn't so interested in actually reading it...

I also picked up The Giver, which I read in elementary school years ago, because I figured it would be a great discussion book for my daughter and me. Also, I feel like I'd appreciate this book much more as an adult choosing to read it, rather than a child being told I have to read it, especially because I have a special appreciation for dystopia now.

And because I'm also an audiobook lover, I had to grab these:

I haven't actually started the Dresden Files yet, but my brother insists I need to and the first book glares at me every time I step into my office. I took proactive measures in buying it, knowing I'll get there at some point. And Neil Gaiman...I don't believe he requires an explanation.

I feel like I lucked out. My daughter would actually say the best find was Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets on DVD (she reminded me almost daily that we didn't have it).

Do you visit book sales? If you do, what's the first thing you look for?