You’re here because you want to learn more about the benefits of your local library. Whether you’re a parent, student, or professional, you can find plenty of resources and services at your library to help you reach your goals.
Children
Children will find the public library a valuable resource. It offers resources, information and services to help children succeed in school and in life. Many libraries offer programs that support literacy at home. Whether you are looking for books for your preschooler or a research article for your high school student, the library can provide you with the resources you need.
Library programs can include storytelling hours, parent-child story time, and other special events. These programs are intended to encourage early literacy and help children develop good habits. Kids are exposed to rhymes and fingerplays, and learn about colors, animals, and other subjects.
Children’s librarians have extensive knowledge about finding good books, and can be a big help when it comes to promoting literacy. Librarians can recommend books based on the preferences of your child. They can also help you locate and use databases and other tools that are suitable for your family.
Many public libraries now offer teen-only spaces. These spaces are meant to be safe and productive for teens. These programs could include poetry readings, drama groups or creative writing seminars.
Library resources can also be helpful for homework help. This is especially useful for families during summer months. Summer reading programs can help prevent children from getting bored and wasting precious vacation time.
Nearly every American public library has a summer reading program. Libraries can offer free resources and meals to children who are eligible for school lunch.
Career resources
It is no secret that libraries offer many resources for job seekers. These range from computer classes to online career development guides. While the services vary from library to library, most of these are completely free.
Libraries are a great source of inspiration, as well as providing an abundance of information. By meeting other people looking for work, you can learn new tips and tricks, find out about industry trends, and build your professional network.
A large number of employment agencies are also available in libraries. There are also state- and national-level employment agencies. In addition, some libraries can help you access online databases that provide you with detailed information on specific occupations.
Library workshops can also be offered in writing resumes and using the internet. Librarians specialize in helping patrons locate resources on difficult topics.
Many public libraries offer video-based databases on topics such as project management and programming. These tools can be accessed through your library card. You may also have the option to download free eBooks.
Some libraries offer virtual or in-person careers coaches for those who need a more personal approach. They can assist you in your job search by reviewing your resume, discussing your career goals, and helping you develop a networking strategy.
VetNow is another resource that assists veterans in finding civilian jobs. Veterans can request live navigators to help them with academic or vocational skills.
Quiet study spaces
Whether you are researching or simply need a place to work, your local library has a quiet study space. Some are free while others require you to have an ID.
Some libraries allow you to make a reservation to use their study rooms. Others may be available on a first come, first serve basis. These spaces are meant for quiet study. However, you may need to wear headphones to avoid disturbing others.
A large open space with many tables and chairs is another common type of study space. These are usually found in university libraries. Depending on the library, it may be possible to study in this room with 2-4 people. However, you must be at least 18 to enter these rooms.
In addition to a quiet study area, your library may offer you a variety of other services. For example, it may offer power stations to charge your electronics. A library may have a WiFi network that you can use. A public library is a great place to meet with friends or study on your own. Depending on the location of your library, it may also offer meeting rooms.
The library’s upper floors often have quiet study areas. Many of these spaces are equipped with electrical outlets, tables, and carrels. Other features include whiteboards and booths.
Meeting rooms
Many local libraries offer meeting rooms for community members. Be sure to read the rules and regulations before you use a library’s meeting rooms.
Meeting rooms are not available for commercial or religious activities. They can only be used for public programs or to exchange information. Admission is free. The library’s policy also prohibits the use of alcoholic beverages on the premises.
To reserve a meeting space, you will need to complete an application form. You can complete this application online or in any branch.
Meeting rooms can be reserved for groups of any age. However, children under 18 must have an adult complete the application form for them. For more information, visit your library’s website or Facebook page.
Meeting rooms must be kept clean. Items left on the floor must be discarded and the room must be cleaned before closing. For questions regarding the meeting room, please contact the service desk at your library.
Meetings held to raise funds or promote a product or services must be open to all. Fees may be required to help cover the cost of the program.
All groups using the meeting room must follow the policy regarding the police department. Meetings must start and end on time. A 15-minute notice must be given before canceling a reservation. The library can cancel or reschedule meetings in an emergency.
E-book borrowing classes
You can learn how to use an electronic book by attending an E-book Borrowing class at your local library. But there are a few things you need to know before you can borrow a book. You may even need to get a library card.
The first thing you should know about e-book borrowing is that there is a waiting list. Nearly half of those surveyed indicated that they would likely take an e-reading device to the library.
However, a third of the respondents would be more interested in taking an e-book downloading class. This is because many people don’t realize they can borrow e books from their local libraries.
You can search your library’s catalogue to find popular books. Many e-books have an option to extend the loan period. You can also use OverDrive.
OverDrive is a service that lets you search for free e-books at multiple libraries. Once you find the right title in a library, you can download it directly to your device.
There are other services for borrowing e-books and audiobooks. For example, the Alexandria Library collection has titles that are available for use on mobile devices.
EBSCOhost allows you to read e-books or audiobooks on your computer. You will need a library card and an Adobe ID to access EBSCOhost.
Sidewalks and active streets
A recent survey of the Chicago metropolitan area revealed that more than two million people a day take the train on the CTA. The metro area is one of the busiest in the continent. It makes sense that libraries would seek ways to make their communities more pedestrian-friendly and walkable.
Here are just a few examples of how public libraries can help. Some of the most common initiatives include helping community organizations with strategic planning, identifying best practices and building and maintaining relationships with local businesses. Libraries also prove to be valuable ally’s when it comes to implementing community outreach programs and events. This includes attending community meetings and events, hosting informational and educational workshops, and volunteering for projects. All of these activities are free and uncomplicated.
While the topic is too broad to cover in a single article, one of the best places to start is with your local library staff. Ask them what interests them most and they will gladly share their knowledge and resources. If you’re lucky, you might even end up with a few cool new patrons and a few useful ideas. Make the most of it. The rewards are well deserved. Luckily, there’s nothing like a cool project to keep a cool librarian busy.