When I was a kid, I used to love books and reading so much that I would sometimes stay up until the wee hours of the night reading “just one more” chapter…which of course, turned into one more and one more, and finally I’d finish. Droopy-eyed the next day, I’d never regret the time spent solving the case or digging deeper into the characters.
I’m blessed with a very speedy reading ability (Lucas has often wondered if he can use my powers for evil), which I think I inherited from my mom along with nail biting.
(***BREAKING NEWS: I have now not bitten my nails for 5 weeks, and have a gorgeous new manicure to show off for my hard work***)
I love everything from romance (Nora Roberts, Danielle Steele) to mystery/crime (Dan Brown, John Grisham, Tess Gerritsen) to historical fiction (recently: American Wife and Sarah’s Key). I also read a LOT of professional stuff (Chris Brogan, Seth Godin, Gary Vaynerchuk).
But my habits have become pretty expensive — buying copies of the latest books, reading them once, then shelving them for good. Plus, since I despise clutter, the book-buying habit was getting to be pretty ridiculous.
Then, I had a major DUH moment — courtesy of one of my besties Jackie. She told me how much fun she was having introducing her 2-year-old to the library, and how cool the library has gotten since I last stepped inside.
YES. The library! That place where I spent hours when I was younger, thumbing through books, and in college, finishing papers and studying for exams.
You can get — for FREE — things like:
- Home delivery of books on reserve/order
- Free audiobooks and music downloads
- Videos/DVDs of some of the latest releases
- Free Internet access
- Every magazine in publication, as well as newspapers from around the country
I’ve had a library card for a long time, but it’s never seemed, well, cool to hang out there. But it really is! Our library is small but outfitted with some high-tech tools, and it’s been awesome to reserve some of the books that my poor budget hasn’t allowed to buy.
And the cookbooks…ohhhh, the cookbooks. I’ve found amazing selections on raw and vegetarian foods, and was even able to get my Body for Life book there, rather than buying it. Squee!
I dragged Lucas there this weekend, and I think he was as surprised as I was at how much there is to do and see.
Do you go to the library? What’s your favorite section to browse in? And are there any must-read books I should reserve today?
About Katy
Thanks for reminding me of all the awesome vegetarian cookbooks I could probably find at the library. I think I might need to make a trip there sometime soon myself now
. But yeah- libraries are great. There are usually many services that people don’t even know about because half the ones who would come in (I worked in a library for two summers) just wanted to use the internet. I miss working there (and the awesome hours- 10-6 anyone?), so it’s probably time for me to make a trip back 
.
A book that I read last summer was a A Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick. It seems similar to some of the other books you’ve read. I thought it was an enjoyable read. Enjoy the library.
My name is Monica and I have an addiction to library books – especially cookbooks. It started with my dad taking me to our little, and I mean little, township library when I was, heck before I was, in school. I love the sound the plastic protective cover makes when I open a book. Such sweet memories of time with my dad. My town rebuilt our library in 2003 and it is one of the most beautiful places. The kids area is awesome with loose rules on noise levels, a fireplace and great chairs, tables everywhere, study rooms, wi-fi, I could go on and on, but I won’t. Yes, our libraries are one of the best ways our tax dollars are spent.
I have also been using the library lately – I can’t think of a better service.
Before buying a book, I must check to see if they have it at the library. If not, then it is “buyable”
My sister is mad though – she used to steal my books!
Major love for the library–I just went tonight! It’s awesome to take out books and not have to make a ‘commitment.’ You can pick up a range of titles and try them out. Plus free DVD’s and CD’s and ours has free lectures and classes, too. Love it!
Do I go to the library? Let’s put it this way: a library card in my new town was the very first thing to have my new married name on it.
The library is a big equalizer of socio/economic groups. I was very low income when my kids were young and they built a brand new library very near my house. We loved the library; the books, the videos, the computers, the air conditioning:) One of the librarians from those days, who is retired, still asks me about my kids when I see her at the health food store.
Now, I use the library a lot for books on CD to listen to in the car. Reading isn’t as pleasurable as it used to be since I got my bifocals but I still prefer to have the solid copy in my hand, rather than reading on my Ipad. I too have only so much room for books that I will never read again. The books that I buy tend to be for the birth reading library that I keep for clients (I am a birth doula on the side) and family. Bottom line? I LOVE the library and what it represents and wish it had the kind of funding that it deserves.
We started a book trading group at work! The only rule is that you’re not allowed to give me back the book(s) I gave you. You must pass them along to someone else. It’s worked great so far!
I do plan to join the library eventually though – especially when the books from the gals at work start drying up.
I had used the library off and on when we first moved up north. I’ve had a Kindle for a couple of years now and love it! The books are cheaper and take up absolutely no space whatsoever in my house! Of course, you still have the books that aren’t available on Kindle.
What joy! My mom and I used to hit the library once a week when I was young as well. What memories! Gotta get back there for those books I know I won’t read more than once!
BTW, my mom still sends me shipments of books as she finishes them! I love book swaps!
My kids and I go to the library every week. I love being able to go on-line, reserve my books and pick them up so easily. With kids, it’s been a HUGE money-saver. We also get lots of DVDs and computer games and CDs. I’ve read about a dozen James Patterson books over the summer. Very easy reading if you like a little disturbing murder and crime.
If I know it’s going to be a great book – one that I want to high light, underline, and keep for reading over and over, I buy it, but otherwise I’m lovin’ my library.
I LOVE the library! I used to be and still am a huge reading nerd! In fact my boyfriend caught me walking home, while reading, the other day… he called me a nerd, but I just called it a rare talent (I mean who can read & walk at the same time
). A must read book is The Help, definitely get on the reserve list for it.
Oh, we love the library. We go about twice a week lately.
I have a horrible book habit like you, so I go through books like crazy and the only way I can afford my habit is to utilize the library.
I love the library. My only complaint is that sometimes they don’t have the newer books and it takes a while for them to come in. But for stuff that isn’t super fresh or for trying out a new author, it’s definitely the way to go.