Library Card Sign-up Month! Why YOU Should Have a Library Card

 As today is the last day of Library Card Sign-up Month, I wanted to share some of the reasons I feel that it is so important to have a library card and to use your library. I'm aware of the very controversial opinion piece put out by Forbes, about why Amazon would replace libraries. Unlike many, I didn't get angry, I just laughed because I know it's going to take something even more amazing than Amazon (and I love Amazon) to replace all that libraries have to offer.

•  Books, Books, Books!

So, obviously, my favorite thing about libraries are the books. I love reading and there isn't anything quite as magical as a space filled with books. I love that I can check out anything I want, whenever I want and it's free. If I really enjoy a book, then I can seek out buying a copy, but if I didn't enjoy the book, I am not out anything. I love browsing the shelves to find authors that I've never read. I love book displays. I just love books. And libraries have a little bit of everything- stories for me, stories for children, cookbooks, history, poetry, how-to...the list goes on forever!

• Libby

 On top of physical books, I love ebooks. My library cards (yes, cards. I have three cards for three different libraries in my state) are connected to Libby app and I literally can check out books at any time of the day. There is nothing worse than finishing an amazing book and realizing the library is closed. With Libby, the library of books is never closed! And they are still free to check out! Plus, because they are on my phone (my chosen devise) I can read where ever I am- in line at the grocery store, while waiting at the drive through, on my lunch break- any time! Seriously, if you aren't using this service, you're crazy. 

• Newspapers and Magazines

I know it's not as common for people to have subscriptions to newspapers anymore. I really appreciate that I can access my local (and surrounding area) newspapers at the library. Sure, it's not as convenient as  getting it delivered to my doorstop, but it is cheaper. I also like that if there is an issue of a magazine that I am interested in, I can go read the article, without having to pay for an entire magazine. 

• Computers, Internet, and WiFi

 We live in an age, where the majority of people either have a computer at home or a smart device. But not everyone has access to these devices. Libraries are a great resource for those that can't afford a computer or internet. In addition, many libraries offer free WiFi as well (my library requires that you have a library card to offer these services. What a great deal!) On top of that, libraries often have the ability to print from the computer and make copies. It may not be free, but it's probably cheaper than your local office supply store.

• Movies and CDs

I heavily utilize my library's media collection.  Yes, I have Netflix and Hulu, but not everything I want to watch is on these site. Additionally, sometimes I come across a DVD that I had no idea existed, but looks fascinating. It's so easy to check out a free movie! The same goes with streaming music. I don't have a fancy car that allows me to have an endless supply of music, so I still check out CDs quite often to listen to when I am driving. And on the note of driving...

• Audio Books

Again, my car isn't fancy, so I check out a lot of books on CD to use in the car. It really makes drives go by so much quicker. I also utilize the audio book feature on the Libby App. I've started listening to audio books when I clean, and it makes the process far less painful. I get caught up in the story so I'm not focused on how boring cleaning can be. And, because I want to keep listening, I stay motivated longer- my house has never been cleaner! 

• Free Online Databases

This is a service that I personally don't utilize as often as I should. My library offers a wide variety of databases. Some are great for research, some show how to repair cars or things around the house. Some can teach you a new language or information on genealogy. It blows my mind as to how much information is available to me, and all for free with my library card!

• Free Programs- for all ages!

Because I have a toddler, we utilize the programs geared for his age. But there is so much more than that. My library offers programs for all age groups. Babies, toddlers, afterschool, teens, adults- everyone! There are storytimes, movies, book groups, authors, musicians...I can go on and on. They've even done programs for the  Pokemon Go crowd. And again, it is all free!

• A Location

This one is probably a little weird, but bear with me.  Libraries are a great location. Sure, they may not be a great place for a loud and rambunctious activity, but if you need a place to hang out with friends, try your library. Most libraries offer various seating so if you want to get together and play board games or work on a project together, it's likely okay. Some libraries offer separate study places if you need a quiet area to work. Some libraries have coffee shops. I love writing at my library because it's peaceful, but not dead quiet. I also love that when I am stuck, I can people watch. Another thing that I love about my library, it that it has a very nice outdoor space. It's wonderful to sit under a tree and read or even hang out with friends. Also, I mentioned to Pokemon events above, my library has two stops and two gyms, so it's a great location for that too!  

• It's Free!

Okay, I know that not all libraries are free. I am very lucky that my library is. But even if your library isn't completely free, I feel that it is a worthwhile investment. And unlike many locations, you can still use the location without paying anything (and not risk being kicked out because of it).  

Happy Reading!

-Melly

"Dewey's Nine Lives: The Legacy of the Small-Town Library Cat Who Inspired Millions" by Vicki Myron

 Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World was one of the last books I read before starting this blog. Though I loved it, I didn't review it. But I am pleased to review Dewey's Nine Lives: The Legacy of the Small-Town Library Cat Who Inspired Millions. To give brief back story, Dewey the cat was abandoned in a library book drop during an awful winter. Vicki Myron found him and nursed him back to help. He was adopted by the library and brought happiness to its patrons for the rest of his life. Dewey's Nine Lives has stories from others that were impacted by Dewey (stories that Myron was not aware of until after her first book was published) and other stories of those that have had their lives changed by the presence of cats.

I thought this book was excellent. Though the writing style was a little weak and I thought that Myron sometimes went off on tangents a little too often, the stories themselves are very touching and heartwarming. Those that don't have a soft spot for cats are obviously not going to get much out of this book, and probably won't enjoy much about it, cat owners and lovers will enjoy this read quite a bit. While I do recommend reading Dewey before reading Dewey's Nine Lives, it's not absolutely necessary, but if you like one you will almost certainly like the other. Thank you Myron for recording these beautiful stories!

Happy Reading!

-Melly

Library Book Sale- IT'S CHRISTMAS!

This weekend was my Christmas.  The local library (were I work) hosted it's annual book sale.  The sale begins with hardbacks priced at $1 and paperbacks at $.50.  I cannot pass up such a deal.  The sale consists of books that the library has weeded from it's collection as well as books that have been donated.  It usually contains a decent number of cds, audio books and dvds, but those aren't as high on my list of"needs". 

I arrived at the library about 15 minutes before the sale would open.  Here is where I was in line.  

For those that aren't familiar with the library, I was wrapped part way around the building.  I guess there was at least 50 people ahead of me, many of them prepared with dollies, boxes, and their game face.

Within minutes of my arrival, here is what the line had become behind me.  The library wasn't even open yet and the parking lot was nearly full.

This is the line once the door were opened and I was able to get around the side of the building.  Note that many people had already gone inside.

And here is what it looked like inside the room. 

I spent more time hovering behind people trying to see what was on the table in front of them and what items they were uncovering that I might be interested in.  I have never seen the book sale look quite that crowded.  Usually I spend about an hour there and leave with a box full.  However, I am not super aggressive, so I didn't get quite as much this year, but am happy nonetheless. 

Some of the gems I discovered (but didn't buy)

                          

The books I went home with.  That's 22 books and I paid $15

(And yes, that is two copies of Notorious Nineteen.  One for me, and one for my mom)

"Unshelved" by Bill Barnes and Gene Ambaum

If you have ever worked in a library then this is the book for you!  Unshelved by Bill Barnes and Gene Ambaum follows the staff at the Mallville Public Library and the crazy scenarios they encounter.  I can't help but feel that this book will only appeal to those that have worked in libraries or to those that have spent a lot of time in the stacks at their local library.  Having personally been asked where an unfindable book is ('it has a green cover!') I could relate to these comic strips so easily but do wonder if the jokes would be lost on most people.  Characters include: Dewey- who would much rather be enjoying a coffee break than assisting patrons, Merv- a teenage who's always at the library though he's not a fan of reading, Tamara- the children's librarian, and Mel- who tries to maintain the chaos that is the library (with little success).  The book is a collection of comic strips that have been featured on the Unshelved website.  I wasn't sure if I would enjoy these comics, but once I started reading I just didn't want to stop.  In some ways, it felt like a book full of inside jokes since I knew they wouldn't appeal to everyone, but that there would be people (like me) who would have to take breaks they were laughing so hard.  I am really interested to find out what others think of Dewey and the gang- do you enjoy these comics or are they more for librarians and the library-obsessed?  Let me know in the comments!


Happy Reading!
-Melly

"Thirteen Reasons Why" by Jay Asher

Phenomenal!  Jay Asher's Thirteen Reasons Why follows the story of Clay,  a teenage boy that has just discovered thirteen self recorded audio tapes on his front porch.  The tapes contain the confessions of Hannah, a classmates of Clay's that has recently killed herself.  Each tape has the story of someone in Hannah's life and why they were a part of her decision to commit suicide.  The tapes are being sent from person to person until each of the thirteen have listened to them.  The readers go along with Clay and Hannah on one night, and on one incredible journey that will change Clay forever.

Though Clay is the main character, Hannah is the main narrator.  The majority of the book is made up of Hannah's recordings intermixed with the  Clay's reality as he follows her instructions to go from one location in town to another.  This book is extremely powerful.  Readers cannot help but relate to Hannah's plight as she describes some of the torments she lived with day in and day out.  It also has a difficult outcome.  You go into the book knowing that the final outcome will not change- Hannah will never make an actual appearance in the story.  I rarely cry over books, but I came close with this one.  A heart breaking book with jaw dropping moments, but a book that should none-the-less by on your reading list if it isn't already.

Visit Jay's Blog, Facebook, and Twitter!

Happy Reading!
-Melly