Libraries. Are you a member?

Yes, I've been a member of my local library for the past 48 years. Noticed on a recent visit that they were doing a head count of visitors. Methinks that may not bode well.... Hope I'm wrong.

Our library went online during lockdown. Having previously said I would never read books online I am now a convert as is my husband. I manage a couple of books a month but my husband reads 4 or 5 a week.
The library proper still exists and in fact is moving to bigger premises so maybe going online has encouraged some new readers

Love our library. We can order books for free, which is great.

I was the first to get ‘Spare’ when it came out!

👑

Why buy books when you can borrow them for free?

We have a lovely library/theatre/cafe/museum in our town centre and I feel rather guilty reading these comments that I don’t use it.
Enduring a very unhappy childhood, the local library was my refuge and I became a complete bookworm. Books often mean more to me than people.
So, I have a huge collection of books and pick them up from various places constantly. I like to take my time now with a book and don’t really want to keep renewing it. Apart from a work of fiction, I always have other books on the go, biographies, diaries and letters.
What can I do to support the library without taking out books I don’t need?

Visit the library at least twice a month. Both my sons went weekly as children and completed the library run reading challenge every summer holiday. My little grand daughter was registered and had her library card within hours of her birth - youngest child to receive a library card in our region! Libraries are a wonderful resource. Use them or lose them.

I'm a member of my local library but I can't remember the last time I visited it. It was probably about 4 or 5 years ago when my GC lived nearby. They were members too and I'd take them every week. They moved 2 hours away so I can't take them anymore. I rarely read much these days as I much prefer to listen to an audio book or a podcast, mainly due to a lack of concentration now (fibrofog wins again). I used to be an avid reader, going through 8 to 10 books a week. (As a teen I out-read my local library and had to start going to the main library in the city centre...). I do miss curling up with a good book, if only I didn't need to read each page half a dozen times before it sinks in....

0ddOne - have you thought about using the free digital service from your library? I use the audio book services from my local library.
Borrowbox is an easy app to use but they also subscribe to uLIBRARY and Libby

I’ve used libraries for most of my life - I worked in the library at one of the NATO bases we were stationed at. We got the pick of all the new books and I used to write book reviews for the base magazine. I use our local library here and belong to one of the groups that have a weekly presence there. It’s a valuable resource for readers but also a valuable social hub. It’s a shame that so many libraries have closed in recent years.

I'd be lost without the library as I certainly can't afford to buy new books at the rate I consume them!
I use an app called Fantastic Fiction to find out all new and soon available books then reserve them from the local library. All the newly published books from my favourite authors for £1 reservation fee!
I also use Libby, Borrowbox and ULibrary apps for ebooks and audio books, all free.
The other big bonus of being a library member is free use of the Press Reader app which enables you to read all current newspapers and magazines ! So no paying out for a daily newspaper

Rejoined the library when I retired. It’s a joy to be able read books for free. Also able to order books for free.

The biggest benefit of our library has been allowing a larger number of books per customer. It’s a great place for a meet up as well. I also use online books, but there’s not always the books I want.

I'm a member and just had a brilliant session on Ancestry with someone there. They really inspired me to get cracking on a fascinating journey.
I borrow children's books too to discuss topics with the DGC. Stuff like Florence Nightingale, Anne Frank, fossils etc so I can refresh the old brain over details!

Our local library is like stepping back in time. Its small, warm and friendly. They hold all sorts of events in there. I use it regulary to the point that the libraians all know me by my first name and greet me warmly when i go in. Id be lost without it.

Our town has a lovely library ith Council Offices above. It is bright and warm in winter and cool in summer. Encourages groups (eg knit and natter) to meet there.

During the summer holidays each year I am a volunteer with the Summer Reading Challenge (run by libraries nationally). Love chatting to children about the books they have been reading. All the librarians are such nice people.

Many years ago I remember being told by an uncle that 'If you can read, you can do anything!'. He taught himself to to do electricity, plumbing, buildingto be a small holder, built canoes for his children, etc. etc. I know there is u-tube now, but I point out to the children that virtually ALL knowledge can be found in books, without worrying about wi-fi, etc.

Our local authority seems to place little value on the library service and neither we nor the two grandchildren living in it have one within a decent walking distance now. All three were closed recently after years of neglect, left with huge repair bills that volunteer groups had no chance of funding.

Fortunately our grandchildren in the “next door” authority have lovely libraries that they use all the time, one still Council run, one staffed by volunteers. Our children were brought up on frequent trips to the library and I’m glad to see them taking their own children there. I do miss ours. Yes, we can download books and audio books from the central library service, but I wonder how those people who used them to fend off isolation at the reading, jigsaw and knit and natter groups, or those who needed the basic computer facilities for job hunts, etc, are getting on.

I recall during the Thatcher government some Tory Minister (can't remember which one) saying we didn't need public libraries anymore because 'everyone' bought books.

We use our library every week. It is in the middle of our small town. Has a cafe. Has a small theatre and cinema in the same building. Tourist Information. Staff very welcoming. They have lego out for the children and there is always a jigsaw on the go.

I had withdrawal symptoms when the library was closed during lockdown, e-books were no substitute.

Me too Suzie!

I have absolutely loved reading these comments because I have the privilege and joy of working in a library. Our fairly small authority ( Salford) still has 16 public libraries. I work in three of them. A tiny one, a busy one and a wonderful old neighbourhood one. I love the work and the huge variety of borrowers and service users. Fortunately, most of the libraries are well used, especially in the summer holidays when we have a huge variety of special activities for families. At 68 I am seriously thinking of retiring, but I will miss my work , my colleagues and my borrowers so much.

We all love books, daughter has MA in literature, her partner is the local librarian.
I joined my daughter ages 1 in our local library bringing home board books and cloth books as well as joining toddler story times, I joined at 8 in 1962, I’ve been a member now for over 60 years. My idea of a day out includes a visit to the library, maybe a coffee and then home to read. I love the feel good aura of having a bag of books to open

Love the local library, as I love books! Our local library has local history talks and sometimes a large jigsaw, which anyone can add to.

I don't buy books as I only read them once, and it just adds to the general clutter!

I have been a member ever since I can remember and took the children when they were small. I don't use it quite as much as I did as I use a kindle as well and don't read as fast as I once did. The GC don't seem to use it at all and read fewer books generally.

Our village library is Commu its run. I was part of the team that was instrumental in keeping it open when it was threatened with closure.

It is a huge asset to our village offering all sorts of groups and activities. It is available to hire when it isn't open as there is a volunteer shelf moving team.

Although I no longer volunteer for the library, I am proud to have been part of it's early development.

*community not communist run.