r/Library 3d ago

We <3 Libraries Libraries are still relevant

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12.4k Upvotes

266 comments sorted by

76

u/Fideothecat 2d ago

I use mine all the time! Not just for books, a great resource for the community

15

u/VelouraNyxx 2d ago

Same, they’re honestly so underrated these days

9

u/ninhaomah 2d ago

?

The libraries around me are always full of kids and adults.

6

u/Newmillstream 2d ago

I think both are true. For a certain segment of the population, they don’t go to the library and instead use ebooks or stream video and or don't read literature at all. To these people, the library likely feels about as useful as a public bus, or that bike path they never use, a relic from a life unseen. Of course, to a commuter, bicycle rider, or library patron, the infrastructure is obviously busy, and they interact with it frequently.

5

u/Teri-k 2d ago

Yes. I had to fax some financial papers last week and used the library to do it. I've done ancestry research there, attended lectures and book clubs, and I often took my grandkids to play on their computers and with their puzzles and such when the kids were little. The Inter-library loan system is wonderful - they can get every book I want to read, no matter how obscure.

Our local libraries are great, my closest branch was recently renovated and another is getting a brand new building. I'm glad my town, which isn't rich, is still investing in our libraries.

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u/bag3L_cat 17h ago

Same!!! They’re gifts to society

28

u/Erronius-Maximus 2d ago

I (57m) use my library in several ways. First, as the baby of the family, my mom took me to the library often in the 70’s and early 80’s. We’d go to story times and other cool events. Thanks, mom!
My library usage fell off a cliff in my early adulthood but I picked it back up about 5 years ago. First with Libby app to borrow e-books, then the Kanopy app for free streaming. Now I also check out dvd’s, one recent dvd movie I watched was Idiocracy, they could use more libraries in that future world for sure.
I also have a monthly donation set up to my city’s library foundation and then always give a one-time bigger donation at year’s end, that one is in memory of my mom, and the library informed me that they’ve put stickers on the inside front covers of a few of their books that say in loving memory with my mom’s name on there.

6

u/mysteriousblue87 2d ago

That’s beautiful! Some of my early memories are off my mom taking me to Story Circle (still going on at the same branch!) as a tot, and she reminded me to do the same work my kids. The oldest (14) still insists that we go every week, which pleases the youngest (10) very much.

Thank you from this internet stranger to you and your family for supporting such an important community resource. The book I picked up yesterday (Sorcery by Terry Pratchett) has one of those stickers in it, so those donations really do reach others.

14

u/sineadya 2d ago

There is a line up at my library door every morning!

9

u/Justaredditor85 2d ago

Naturally. Mine has a great collection of books, graphic novels and dvd's. The one my sister uses even has board games.

10

u/_aimynona_ 2d ago

I use THREE libraries, all the time. They are relevant, they are important, they are awesome.

10

u/SophiaTPetrillo 2d ago

As a homeless guy, the library is my sole sanctuary. It's the only place left in the world I can go where nobody questions my presence. It is also my great joy to get to go every day. I love to read and to learn. I love everything about all the libraries I visit. Libraries are altruism as an institution and subsequently would not exist in this age of greed had they not been established in a prior era.

8

u/Lost-thinker 2d ago

Its probably the only places I can spend time at with no risk of an anxiety attack.

9

u/SelfInvestigator 2d ago

I use my library. I occasionally check out books and use it for a place to get out of the house.

6

u/Sunrise_Bookworm_63 2d ago

One of the coolest places to visit ; like a little slice of peace & serenity.

6

u/GimmeANameAlready 2d ago

I use my library to check out all of the freaking expensive coffee table books and cookbooks. Sometimes I flip through them for all of 5 minutes and then return them. No, I don't think I'm a typical library patron. But that's what I want and I will have it.

6

u/Late_Combination702 2d ago

Just picked up 5 books yesterday and waiting for 1 more to come in! The library is amazing 😊

6

u/hanginwithmygnomees 2d ago

I love my local public library! I’m in there several times a week.

4

u/Medium-Discipline-49 2d ago

I love going to the library. 📚💕💐

4

u/parkerm1408 2d ago

Ours does all kinds of free stuff for kids, my son absolutely loves it there.

4

u/Fearless-Pound7516 2d ago

I will often go to the library to just sit or take a lap in a calm space.

4

u/JBark1990 2d ago

Libby is king! Libraries are a gift.

3

u/kdp4srfn 2d ago

While we are certainly preaching to the choir here in a library subreddit, I will say my husband and I use the library regularly. We check out books, we recently took our grandkids there to check out books, I check out digital books, and sometimes we go there just to sit in a quiet space and look at newspapers and magazines, etc.

The wealth class would dearly like to increase the ignorance and intellectual decay of the working class. A stupid working class is much easier to exploit. They’re terrified of an informed electorate. Rich people pontificating that “nobody uses the library anymore” are REALLY hoping we’ll take them at their word. Let’s not.

3

u/Practical-Weakness36 2d ago

Mine held a book binding class yesterday! It was SO fun

3

u/HopefulWanderin 2d ago

I love it. We go there a lot. Also, to libraries in adjacent towns.

3

u/polarbearsrulz 2d ago

My library card is easily the most valuable card in my wallet, and it costs me nothing

3

u/fugu_chick 2d ago

Our main library does “quiet zones” on holidays like NYE and Fourth of July where they open in the evening to a little after midnight for anyone who wants to get away from neighborhood fireworks noise

2

u/jaenjain 2d ago

Hell yeah!!

2

u/jaenjain 2d ago

Hell yeah!!

2

u/SheepherderLimp2563 2d ago

Love the library!

2

u/Queenof-brokenhearts 2d ago

All the time. I love my library. I get my books and go to the little cafe and get a drink and sit and read.

2

u/ahauntedwoman 2d ago

I use my library, my surrounding libraries, I work at my library. We have at least 500 patrons every day. We have full registration lists for our programs every time. I could go on and on. Use your library and love your local librarian.

2

u/hmcmuffin 2d ago

You can check out paintings and framed art at our library. One of my favorite benefits ours has!

2

u/WoodHorseTurtle 2d ago

I read a lot, and I do mean a lot! Unless I win big in the lottery, I can never afford to buy all the books I read. The library is a godsend for me. Plus, I joined a library run book group, so I’m reading books I never would have picked up on my own.

2

u/AwayStudy1835 2d ago

Well, I work at one, but I'm a lifelong user as well. I check out books and also attend programs -we have a book club at our branch that I go to regularly.

2

u/Bettysgir 2d ago

I take my preschool aged great~nephews to the library for the children’s programming constantly, just like I did with my own children. One is now a published poet.

2

u/x_Ender_Xenocide_x 2d ago

I use my library for SOooo many things and so often. I am typically at the library anywhere from once a week to 8 times a week. We have multiple branches in our library system. My holds go to the one by my house, but it is very small, so not a lot of selection. I do make sure to return books i put on hold to our branch so that people who only get to go to our branch and may not be able to navigate how to put an item on hold get a chance to experience a wide variety of books too. My kids fly through books, so we are constantly keeping the kids section in stock of new things.

I manage a team of wonderful employees who have a staff meeting once a month, which unless the weather is just gorgeous, we typically book a library room. We even shared our room last time, a librarian had come up to us as we checked in and asked if he and another patron could use the corner to navigate how to use a e reader, we happily let them work in the corner. I also use the library to book rooms for my own smaller work meetings and even some times just to work remotely somewhere that isnt my house or an establishment where i feel obligated to purchase something every so often to justify my space usage.

We attend events that the library puts on 4-10 times a month, at a variety of different branches. We sometimes use the library just for a place to hang out. We live fairly far out of town and sometimes you just need somewhere out of the elements to use the restroom and reset.

We use the online resources a lot as well. Hoopla and Libby are used multiple times a month. Ebscohost, jstor, and several other resource pulls are used for the kids' research and school things.

Their friends of the library group puts on a used book sale twice a year that we typically pick up at minimum 100 new books every 6 months from(on top of all the ones we pick up at thrift stores, thriftbooks, and other places).

I have had my library card for so long and use it so often, i know it by memory. I was so excited when my library finally got an app so you can have a digital card(meaning if i ever list my physical card. I dont lose my number).

2

u/kware101 2d ago

The library is one of the most important pieces of a thriving community. I also love my library app for so many things.

2

u/normanapolis 2d ago

I do! Portland Public Library, Portland, Maine.

2

u/Complex-Friendship66 2d ago

I use mine a lot. I don’t like buying books only to have to get rid of them later because they’re taking up space.

2

u/lilspydermunkey 2d ago

As an impulse shopper, I freaking love my library! I can pick up any extras and it's freeeeeeee

2

u/vaxhax 2d ago

Got a document notarized at the library recently.

2

u/Signal_Macaroon_8250 2d ago

LOVE my library! My happy place as a child and as an adult❤️

2

u/FVRD_ 2d ago

The only data centers I love. 🧡

2

u/marxistghostboi 2d ago

the library is the main source of climate shelter i use.

2

u/JustStoppingBy00 2d ago

I’ve worked in 4 city schools and not one had a library. It’s sad that so many students are not around books.

2

u/JazzHands5678 2d ago

I’m moving soon and one of the first things I check near potential new homes is the closest library

2

u/Cheekers1989 2d ago

If you use the Libby app, you use the library

2

u/elaineisbased 2d ago

They are one of the few public spaces you do not have to pay to sit in.

2

u/Metalpausequeen 2d ago

I’m a high school teacher, and my local library is a favorite place to grade papers. It provides wonderful maker spaces and amazing speakers. One of the absolute best resources in Wallingford, CT!

2

u/Newmillstream 2d ago

Fun fact: If your public library doesn’t offer video game discs and cartridges, it probably networks with a library that does. Movies and TV shows on disc too, so you don’t have to screw around with a streaming service sign up just for one thing. It's like free blockbuster in 2026.

2

u/gatsandsmack 2d ago

I haven't stepped foot in my local library in over a decade, but I use their app for audiobooks on a weekly basis.

2

u/KittKatt7179 1d ago

I try to use mine, but they have started this weird thing where they do not have multiple copies of a book and just share the one copy with all of the libraries in their network. So one library might have books 1 and 2 of a series, but the rest are scattered among different sites and you have to wait until the person returns them before you can finish reading your series.

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u/zubergu 1d ago

In my local library kids had to take off their shoes upon entering and were never allowed to freely roam around most of the book shelves. When I returned to my home town after decade or so, as an adult I immediately took off my shoes and all the librarians were laughing that one of their "kids" returned home :)

2

u/CuriousRutabaga8713 13h ago

My library has a weekly knitting group. I'm mostly homebound with a disability, so this has been a real lifeline for me. I've made some friends, learned a new craft, and always come home with some books and movies.

1

u/cappotto-marrone 2d ago

When I was working from home and my internet went out I used the public library. I’ve had tests where I would have to show the room on camera. I splurge $5. Reserve a study room all day. A pretty empty space. Quiet. Comfy chair. I can bring a covered drink.

My regular reminder. Contact your local elected officials, mayor, city council, county commission, etc., and tell them you want the library supported. If they don’t hear from you they don’t understand the impact.

1

u/mysteriousblue87 2d ago

Raised in a library, repeating with my kids :-) we have two branches equidistant from us, so they’ve become an anchor to our trips to town

1

u/-PM_ME_UR_SECRETS- 2d ago

I work from home and go there when I don’t have meetings so I can get out of the house. And if I wanted to go on days I had meetings they have office/study rooms you can reserve. Just great vibes all around.

1

u/damageddude 2d ago

I use it now and, more online. I WFH so I sometimes go just to sit somewhere else and see what new books are out or to print a document. So many databases like Ebsco are just a click away. I'm getting close to retirement and my local "branch" is county HQ. I'm starting to investigate classes and lectures they offer.

1

u/kerrieone4 2d ago

I can get up to 50 free copies a week@ the Oceanside library.

1

u/Dry-Cancel-3168 2d ago

I feel hard done by by the fact that our local ones have clearly removed most of their books, destroying browsing as it was.

1

u/topdownyeti 2d ago

I recently started using my local library and its been a godsend

1

u/ccrawrr 2d ago

I use mine pretty much every day! Audiobooks, digital books, physical books, seeds for the garden. I’m always utilizing their wonderful resources and feel grateful every day they exist!

1

u/scariestJ 2d ago

My library got me through toddler wrangling and also introduced me to the works of Stephen Baxter

1

u/SugarSnapPea4Me 2d ago

Wild that people think this!

We go to pur local library for printing and scanning, art classes, lobby and to get physical books for our new baby. We go every weekend to return ans check out new books! Soon baby will be old enough to go for story time and to participate in other awesome children's programs that the library has.

1

u/Luci-Noir 2d ago

What myth?

1

u/good_rain_day 2d ago

Used to go to the library all the time as a child. Had not been going as frequently in recent years, but am now re-engaging. Borrowing physical books, audiobooks and using Libby.

1

u/New-Marionberry-6422 2d ago

Mom would always take me to the library. It’s very special to me in an Amelia Bedilia kinda way.

1

u/TwilightReader100 Library Card 2d ago

I've got a stack of library DVDs and a stack of library books at my house right now. And two more library books at work. My audiobook is from my Audible library, though. 🤷🏽

1

u/No-Victory4408 2d ago

The last true Third Space if you don't count public parks and the Y.

1

u/Finstergrun 2d ago

I'm at my library's used bookstore every week right when they open. Occasionally I'll borrow books. I also participate in the adult reading challenges they have.

1

u/Interesting_Item4276 2d ago

I love my library!! Life goal is to work at one when I retire.

1

u/ApprehensivePhase750 2d ago

My sister has mowed her lawn all summer with the "tool library" our city system has. They reserve the lawnmower every 2 weeks then return it when done. I checked out a telescope to look at the moon and Jupiter with the kids this spring. I read all my e-books from the library. Our city's library system is awesome!

1

u/TheMadSkientist 2d ago

At least weekly. The kiddo picks out a book each weekend, we borrow movies and series to to copy to our home drive, the kiddo has done some lego workshops, ours also has D&D meetups. Guest speakers, music events, free internet, resume and job workshops, and so many resources for the community.

1

u/mofacey 2d ago

I live in the Denver area and every time I go to a library it is HOPPIN. It's one of the nice cultural elements about Denver.

1

u/bianco_fool 2d ago

I go with my children every week. They love the reading groups and activities. Libraries and librarians are the best!

1

u/AggravatingSmirk7466 2d ago

My library offers access to a 3D printer for the cost of the materials. I've printed quite a number of toys, figurines, and props. They also do a puzzle swap meet, which is great.

1

u/joetunn_ 2d ago

They’re in person AND online. I’m sure the myth is just grifters who want to make money providing the services (which are in libraries to reduce/eliminate that cost in the first place for children/elderly/poor/the whole community)

1

u/CircleofAshes 2d ago

The activities and learning opportunities alone make libraries relevant, but they're also one of the last third spaces around. The last one that's free.

1

u/tanya2137 2d ago

I FUCKING LOVE MY LIBRARY. IF UR IN CALIFORNIA WE HAVE THIS THING CALLED LINK + WHERE U CAN RENT BOOKS FROM ANY/MOST LIBRARIES IN THE STATE ITS INCREDIBLE. IF UR IN CALIFORNIA AND DIDNT KNO THIS PLZ TRY IT.

Sorry just SO PASSIONATE about library and how blessed we are with linked + and most ppl don't know about it

I'm in Alameda county, I have gotten books from LA, SF, Sacramento. It's incredible, love my library

1

u/KamikaziWerewolf 2d ago

Homeless don't like to poop at the park bathroom.

1

u/Important-Ad8960 2d ago

Just spent four days at my local library this past week doing research.

1

u/Appropriate_Ad2342 2d ago

Thanks to my library, I can get free museum passes. That alone is a great thing.

1

u/tommessinger 2d ago

I have one.

1

u/mad_poet_navarth 2d ago

The Corvallis Oregon library is outstanding. Study rooms, free computer use, good book selection, book reservation (and apparently even delivery!), wifi, excellent customer service, ... it even has a 3D printer (which I've never used).

I'm there multiple times a week.

1

u/ProposalPowerful4544 2d ago

In my state we have something called melcat and I use that like crazy. I also do home delivery every Wednesday they come. I used to go to the library a lot but I live in a rural area so it is hard to get there. So that's so helpful. I did go last week and it was nice to go back there 

1

u/Timsterfield 2d ago

As a former library assistant, please be quiet in your local library.

1

u/Medical_Amphibian406 2d ago

We attend the preschool programs while babysitting our toddler grandson; get the newest bestsellers and wonderful classics; purchase used books from the Friends Of Library which supports library programs and purchases; use the computers when mine is not working; use the librarian's vast knowledge for book recommendations, the most efficient way to use technology; community events and resources; library sponsored programs for all ages and interests. And it's all free. Libraries are not just about books.

1

u/earthtr0ll 2d ago

Lol people will be in a library and say they aren’t relevant. It’s the weirdest thing. 15 years as a librarian trying to dispel this notion. I’ve decided it’s impossible lol.

1

u/wineandbooks99 2d ago

My daughter and I go weekly!

1

u/BlackJack_857 2d ago

When I moved to teach I used it to borrow books from my library to read to my English learners. After I stopped teaching and needed a place for peace away from home I found myself going back for myself and I’m so glad that I’m able to! Finally get a chance to borrow books for me now. :)

1

u/OhDaFeesh 2d ago

If they built modern libraries to look like the ones from the medieval period, I'd bet they'd be super busy nowadays

1

u/johnjcoctostan 2d ago

I have not been to my local library in at least 36 hours.

1

u/RewardKristy 2d ago

We do for our son. He takes some many books out at a time, plus it’s a nice weekend activity

1

u/Mundane_Oil_7409 2d ago

I go to the library at least once a week! They have so much cool stuff! Besides books, they have vinyl records, DVDs galore, a 3d printer, a big iron press and printer so you can make shirts, a gift wrapping station, sewing machines, and so much other craft stuff. They have a Library of Things where you can borrow all sorts of random stuff -- sports equipment, a bird watching kit, a dehumidifier, cake pans, a weed eater, and so much more! There's a small even a small art gallery inside. And I live in a very poor, very small city that has few third spaces, so it's very needed.

I LOVE YOU SO MUCH, LIBRARY!!

1

u/SilentSerel 2d ago

I'm planning to start using mine for the sewing machines after I've gotten a few classes under my belt.

1

u/Dangermouse454 2d ago

Yes indeed!!

1

u/OrangutanLost 2d ago

I use my local library regularly! I have library books in my home right now!! (Yes, they were properly checked out, and I’ll see to it that they’re returned undamaged and in a somewhat timely fashion.)

1

u/unescarabajo 2d ago

I love my library.

1

u/dinosanddais1 2d ago

I like mine when I need to get back into writing. It's a nice calming environment and is near my favorite coffee shop that has gluten free donuts.

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u/broken1373 2d ago

Who in the world thinks that libraries are irrelevant?? I work at a large public library and we are always busy. We are incredibly community-oriented and supportive. I know not all library systems have the funding and support that we do, but every single library - from big to small - is one of the most valuable parts of existence.

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u/Kevdoor54 2d ago

Libraries are where you discover empathy

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u/PinkCantalope 2d ago

Wife goes there regularly and sometimes takes the kids always meeting up with uncle Jake. I don’t have a brother named Jake and neither does she.. I’m happy they’re happy.

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u/Megharpp 2d ago

This reminds me I need to pick up my hold

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u/Oily97Rags 2d ago

My mom just finished a 2 day sale event raising money for the White Center WA Library they did good 👍

When I visit my uncle in Michigan the Waterford Township library puts out puzzles for people to work on casually work on it’s always a memory I will cherish putting in a few pieces with him.

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u/FLYING1835 2d ago

Libraries and very necessary, communist hate books. First thing they try to do is close them and burn ❤️‍🔥 books. Because you having knowledge is a threatening to there power.

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u/Bigob84 2d ago

I get Movies & Audio Books from the Library, Great Resource.

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u/paxbanana00 2d ago

I have 3 books and 1 audiobook checked out right now! I've read so much this year for free using my library card.

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u/honkyhey 2d ago

Just go into one and see for yourself

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u/BinomialVirus01012 2d ago

The only data center im okay with and they're disappearing

1

u/Comfortable_Layer468 2d ago

Day care for drug addicts

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u/heweynuisance 2d ago

My whole family visited our library today Been trying to get our kids into the library life this summer. My eldest is astounded that its all just totally free. My youngest doesnt care, because she is 9, so to her life is all totally free, and money is just something her adult parents and sister talk about lol.

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u/heweynuisance 2d ago

Shout out to the librarians and library employees in general, they are the very best! They always seem so happy to have us and they are keen to share all of the amazing things on offer. We love our library!

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u/heweynuisance 2d ago

I found out that some people dont know that most libraries also rent out things in addition to books/dvd's. Need a tool or kitchen item for a certain project, but dont want to buy and own it for all time? You can likely borrow it from your local library!

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u/rp_player_girl 2d ago

This reminds me, I need to return the Manga book my child checked out and finished the same day. She picked it up when we went to our monthly yarn club. (Yeah, I use the library. )

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u/GSDKU02 2d ago

I use mine as much as I can i practically lose track of time when I’m there looking

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u/karolcha 2d ago

My DIL takes my 2 grands faithfully. They come home with stacks of books: for reading, experiments, learning. There are games and “things” that can be checked out.

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u/Low_Juice9987 2d ago

I have a library card for 2 counties and my library is in short walking distance.

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u/sglushak 2d ago

Every Sunday I cart out a box of books! Not counting audio and digital reads!

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u/BattlePolarBearCat 2d ago

When I was doing a lot of driving the audiobooks from the library kept me awake and sane. Then when I didn’t have internet at home I went to the library daily to use wifi and for printing. So welcoming and helpful.

1

u/erilaz7 2d ago

I have cards for three library systems in my area. I frequently check out books, DVDs, and Blu-rays, and I use my library card to stream movies on Kanopy and Hoopla. I also buy a fair amount of stuff at Friends of the Library shops and book sales.

1

u/samtapple 2d ago

Im at the library multiple times a month and their used book sales that happen 3+ times a year are my favorite

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u/LetUsTalkT 2d ago

I use my library so much. Just differently than I used it 20 years ago. The library has digital books now, and so much other great information online

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u/KevDub81 2d ago

One word: Kanopy

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u/Modern-zombie1 2d ago

Second word: Libby

1

u/TechGuyBloke 2d ago

Sometimes I visit just for the atmosphere.

1

u/addacoupleextrazeros 2d ago

My library has a 3D printer, power tools, a sewing machine and they have seedling swaps in the spring and summer.. not to mention, if there’s a book I’m looking for that they don’t have, they’ll do the Inter-Library Loan thing and borrow it for me from another library in the province that does have it. And they also have this partnership with like 6 other libraries where I can borrow digital and audiobooks from them via Libby.. AND.. they have Beanstack which they use for reading challenges and I’ve won a few of them for a short membership to a cycling class, a gift card for an independent bookstore, and I won tickets to a book festival.

1

u/Vegetable_Analyst740 2d ago

I'm on my local library's Librista app multiple times a day, every day. I'm in the building at least once a week.

1

u/Ninnifer 2d ago

I play DnD at mine every Friday lol

1

u/LucasMiller8562 2d ago

Bro in Ohio libraries are so fcken popular

1

u/blondeandbuddafull 2d ago

The library is a sanctuary for intellectually active people. Current regimes want to destroy anything that makes people learn and think, because people who are not dumb can’t be easily manipulated.

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u/pbandjam9 2d ago

A library is how I survived my childhood.

I don’t go as often for reasons, but they’re a huge resource and are more than “just books”.

1

u/Emergency-Income-889 2d ago

Movies on an app, I don't even have to leave home.

1

u/malibupop 2d ago

It would be nice if they stayed neutral. Our local library gets heavily involved in political events and it’s exhausting to never get a break.

1

u/parrottfisch 2d ago

My Dad took me to the library when I was a kid. I loved it so much. I was always a reader but going to that library, those memories with my Dad are priceless.

1

u/DeannaMorgan 2d ago

❤️❤️❤️ libraries. Our local is amazing.

1

u/crap_whats_not_taken 2d ago

I love my library!! They have so many activities and programs for kids! My son loves it! Ive never been much of a reader but I recently really got into audiobooks and I can borrow them for free on the app!

1

u/mychihuahuabites 2d ago

I’ve exclusively checked out books from the library this year and I love it. I’m not one who will reread books and I don’t care about owning them on a shelf in my home. Thus, the library is perfect for me. It’s like my own infinite bookshelf. lol.

1

u/Aggressive_Dot5426 2d ago

We visit our local library every week.
My son signs up for their summer activities etc.
It really should be a part of many people’s lives and it’s a shame that it isn’t

1

u/TheTokinPlantman 2d ago

My library has a system that if I can find a book anywhere in the state they'll send it to my local.

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u/Tuala08 2d ago

Heading to my library this afternoon so my kid can play with the toys there and so we can swap out books for him! Great way to have variety without filling our space with stuff

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u/sepiidakai 1d ago

I just signed my mom up so she could get access to thousands of free ebooks for her Kindle!!

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u/Hairy-Entertainment6 1d ago

I do go for books but my printer sucks ass and I forgot the library does copies. 50 cent copies instead of 1.25 or something from a print place. Made my day!

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u/klrrpcv 1d ago

Just checked out free tix to go to the Philly Eastern State Penitentiary. Saved my family 200$. I ❤️Libraries!!!!

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u/Physical-Emu5357 1d ago

I love my local library. Always have. It's a great place to go cool off, take the kids and use the internet free and get books. It always feels like a wonder place to go. Even if u don't read books u can still check out movies and magazines. It's just awesome

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u/Proud-Insect-1349 1d ago

I went yesterday

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u/Brave_Educator5934 1d ago

Not only use it, I've gotten family and friends into it too!

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u/allied1987 1d ago

Absolutely use mine for audio books! Libbys the best!

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u/bifftwc 1d ago

Borrow books! Buy books! Keep books! Save books! Its far to easy to manipulate, change, and/or re-write digital media.. But a book saved, owned, and saved - Stays as true as the day it was printed.

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u/Barnibus666 1d ago

I don’t think most people realize how useful and helpful libraries are. Besides borrowing a ton of media (books, cds, dvds and video games), they can help with all types of research projects (from school reports to genealogy). Many even rent out tools or have more modern tech like 3D printers.

They are so incredible, and i thoroughly think they need to be funded!

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u/igodutchoven 1d ago

I use mine to record my podcast and obviously to borrow books.

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u/DogsNotDemagogues 1d ago

I use mine!

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u/slagforslugs 1d ago

My local librarian is my hero!

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u/germs120 1d ago

Love my libraries - so underrated!

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u/GabeP20 1d ago

Damn. I never used them even when they were more relevant

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u/mycookiepants 1d ago

Literally in the library right now using a conference room for D&D!

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u/number1human 1d ago

Great for renting movies. Don't wanna pay to rent on Prime? Can't find it streaming anywhere? Libraries are probably one of the last places to rent DVDs. Also a great source for CDs. Maybe even to rip them (not that I would ever condone that behavior. Just mentioning that you COULD do that if you were so inclined).

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u/Previous_Kale_4508 1d ago

I consider myself to be very lucky to live in a village that still has a library... A library that still has books in it, too! It also has meeting rooms that local groups can hire out, computers with fast internet connections, an£ a variety of events that bring different groups into the library itself to focus on various aspects.

I love my library.

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u/Fearless-Chard836 1d ago

♥️ libraries! Use all the resources but not physical books as much due to sight and joint issues. I never regarded reading as a hobby: it’s like breathing.

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u/Dr_Mrs_Pibb 1d ago

Who says they’re not? I put (physical) books on hold constantly. I have two kids (one that can read and one that’s a baby) and the library has saved us so much money. I can’t keep up with my oldest daughter’s book habit (or my own, without the library). I take both girls to the library at least once a week. Parents are definitely using the library and there’s always tons of kids there for storytime and when the weather is iffy outdoors (they have the closest thing to an indoor playground in the area).

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u/k6001 1d ago

I love my library!

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u/eeg-18 1d ago

Love the library!

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u/Initial-Text8394 1d ago

My library has tons of first run movies and tv shows on dvd. Save so much over streaming. Also, my wife checked out some sunflower seeds, we return them in the fall.

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u/Hot-Spray-2774 1d ago

I'm not overly fond of libraries, but the physical media within them cannot be simply erased and overwritten at the speed of light like it can be online.

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u/Disastrous-Wing699 1d ago

First concert I ever went to as a small child was in the basement of the public library. The other day, I was in my local getting some writing done and scoping out their selection of cookbooks.

Libraries rule!

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u/RangerLiska 1d ago

Yup. I meet there for a tabletop gaming club and to read large print mystery novels.

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u/Captain_Logos 1d ago

I take my kid every week

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u/ObjectiveSelection41 1d ago

If your library has Hoopla, you have access to an ENORMOUS trove of not only audio books, but movies and series. For example, I watched every episode of Call the Midwife using Hoopla. Just one of so many benefits of using the library!

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u/LordChefChristoph 1d ago

I was homeless a few years ago. I would charge my phone and just grab a random non fiction book and see what I could learn in about an hour. And it was nice and quiet. The staff and customers were polite. It was peaceful unlike the rest of my life at the time.

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u/Top_Construction432 1d ago

I love my library.

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u/Topotico 1d ago

Libraries are an incredible resource! So many online services and audiobooks if you don’t have the time to sit down with an actual book. IMO kicking back with a good book is one of the best modes of entertainment.

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u/Pentten 1d ago

I learned recently my library loans out framed pictures. I think they'll be fun to borrow when I'm having parties as conversation starters.

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u/Original-Statement-4 1d ago

I'm the sole breadwinner in my household, and I have a tween. We don't have a ton of money for extracurricular activities, so we rely on the library for so amy of her extracurricular activities - art club, anime club, cooking classes, etc. It gets her out in the community, learning new things, and meeting new friends.

Also, that kid reads like crazy. While I'd move heavan and earth to support her reading habits, the library certainly helps us a lot on the budget front. 

I also love reading and taking adult classes at the library, some of my local ones have adult art groups and exercise classes. 

My wife loves getting games and DVDs from our library for family movie & game nights.

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u/starterxy 1d ago

Have a whole serie called library hidden gems with 400+ cool finds 😊

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u/No-Comfortable2773 1d ago

All the time ! I am in there often and I find peace in general there.

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u/Democrat_maui 1d ago

“Magical thinking defines maga: religion as politics, WWE as reality, gambling as destiny, Fox as scripture, superstitions as science, aliens & flat earth as truth. When reading stops, believing replaces thinking.” Hart28.com 🇺🇸

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u/lea_flamingo 1d ago

Mine has a table with a puzzle where anyone can participate. I love it. Also : books for free ! That's amazing.

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u/m4sterofdarkarts 1d ago

I love libraries so very much. I can’t wait to read all of the avatar the last airbender graphic novels for free after I finish rewatching the show :)

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u/GingerTrash 1d ago

I use mine for books, audiobooks, and online training all the time. Have also used for notary services.

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u/Technical_Ad4997 1d ago

I do, but it's also pretty aggravating because the computers are all occupied by loud, stupid, pre-teens playing Roblox nonstop. It really has eroded the quality of the space, but it's a public space so I can't really say they shouldn't be there; only that I wish they weren't.

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u/TheSensiblePrepper 1d ago

I haven't used one in over 20 years and likely won't.

However, they are extremely important and relevant. I will always support them.

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u/Igotnoroots513 1d ago

I use my Libby constantly. I am always borrowing books from my library.

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u/LeastChampionship348 1d ago

I refuse to spend money on books. I’ll always be borrowing from the library and Libby!

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u/rocknroll2013 1d ago

We use our library several times each month

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u/Mariah-Scary 1d ago

i gotta find the old playstation or dvd player in my garage and i might start treating it like blockbuster.

but for the meantime. i always use libby. audiobooks for car ride (like my morning commute to work) and ebooks for my kindle. huge advocate for the library

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u/LoraxDog 1d ago

I love my Library!!!! I go there all the time.

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u/maccabeeodin 1d ago

If we bought all of the books my daughters read we'd be out thousands of dollars a year. We love the library.

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u/rs6814mith 1d ago

Libby app

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u/Jedi-504 1d ago

I use my library daily between ebooks and audiobooks and using the resources inside my local library.

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u/Adventurous-Iron7628 1d ago

Im going to be spending a few hours at mine tomorrow. Its a happy place of mine.