Do you use your local library? If not why not?

Our local library is about 5 mins walk from our house. I don't use it as often as I should because it's open odd hours that don't really work for me, except for the one evening session it has. It's also very small and doesn't have a wide range of stock. I miss the big library where we used to live, which was brilliant and the DC used it a lot when they were small.

I tend to use Borrowbox online a lot more now, for audiobooks and ebooks. I find that really good, especially having poor eyesight now it means I can get audiobooks and enlarge the print on ebooks.

I use my local libraries regularly. Sometimes the central library (in Edinburgh) and sometimes the smaller ones nearer to me. I like to have a browse and see what I can find and also order new books that I am not sure I want to pay for (in case I don't enjoy them). The central library is open Mon-Sat from 10am to 5 and open to 8pm a few days.

I I tend to use it more once retired if it's still there but it's a minor faff when working full time. I do get digital books sometimes but not often as can't put them on Kindle and don't enjoy reading on tablet or phone.

I use borrowbox but don't go to the actual building very often, its a bit out of the way so you have to go there deliberately, you don't walk past it while you're shopping. I like it when I do go in though, it's modern and airy with helpful staff. Uni student DS studies there when he's at home as he concentrates better.

I love my library!! I’m always telling people it’s my favorite place!

I reserve my books online, and they’re on a shelf waiting for me when I go in. If something new is coming out, I can request it before it’s released and I’ll go on a waiting list and get an email when it’s my turn.

I was in there the other day and there were loads of people, most using the free computers.

They’re a great community resource, offering classes in various things, and toddler/child story times.

They’re open about 48 hours per week.

My local library is now open approx 5 minutes a week. Not at any time convenient to me.

And I struggle to remember to return books anyway.

I used to, can't anymore. Now I have to order any book I want, £6.50, takes ages to get, weeks, then the window for picking up is so short that I can't get there. In the end I thought No, no more.

Yes! Really lucky in our city - big central library with a fantastic children's library that's separate from the main space so I don't have to worry about nagging toddler to use quiet voice (special treat for me to go solo and browse their ENORMOUS cook book selection and all the fiction) plus a local branch library ten mins walk from our house for rhyme time. Easy free morning out. I love libraries. Love popping in to other town libraries when I'm away from home just to see what's what... similar to how other people might drop into a village church on a country walk.

I used to use it a fair bit for the dc but then opening hours reduced and it became one of those that was only open on the 6th Friday of months with an M in them on the full moon.

To be fair I think opening hours are better now but the problem with libraries is that you have to give the books back. I'm not very good at that. I'm more the study of person who builds a new book shelf to accommodate the new books rather than actually get rid of any.

I used to use it heavily.
Then I started losing books frequently. Had to pay to replace, how embarrassing.
Works out cheaper to buy books from charity shops.

I think the poor hours are because they are staffed with volunteers and don't have enough to cover longer hours.

Love the library both the kids & I borrow real books, ebooks & audiobooks.
we're lucky to have a 30 books/card limit & they've recentLily abolished Late fines which was a relief when we all had flu (still got the books back only 3 days late)

We also buy books(mostly second hand) but there's nothing better than finding the library has just the book you want!

The freedom to let kids browse & choose books "risk free" is so important- two of mine used to have at least a 70% failure rate 😂 when they were about 8.

We're there at least twice a month but was more than weekly when they were toddlers.

I used to but they keep reducing the hours. It's now 10-5, closed for a couple of hours for lunch and just three weekdays. It costs £1.40 to park anywhere near, then cross a couple of major roads, and into a dodgy area of town.

It's easier to park for free at my local charity shop, at weekends when I'm not working, and buy a book for £1 that I take back once I've read.

I don't doubt that the council are providing such poor hours so they can say "no one used it so we've closed it."

I don't use it for physical books as I have a visual impairment and can't read them. However! I do use it for audiobooks 😊

I use the one in our village as well as those in neighbouring towns, on occasion. I would be very sad if they closed down. As well as finding books to read I also use them for cookery books. I do have a kindle app on my phone as well, so there is always a book in my pocket.

I used to, but prefer to buy books, as I usually read them at least 2 or 3 times each. Plus I tend to read on Kindle.
Also, I'm greedy when it comes to books, and want to read new ones as soon as they're published.
So a library just isn't practical for me any more.

Probably once a year, if that. The staff are unpleasant, the collection piss poor and it's poorly organised. If I need a nonfiction book I'll reserve it so I don't have the joy of looking on multiple shelves for it. I grew up with a wonderful library and am really disappointed that the libraries in this university city are so crap.

I use mine but not enough as I mainly use my kindle. The hours are short because it is staffed mainly by volunteers which is sad. Weekly library visits were a big part of my childhood and that of my daughter. I must try to use it more often.

I have ADHD and can't ever manage to take library books back in time. The fines aren't worth it.

I use ours every week, as does my daughter. It’s always busy, is a warm hub and has computers, recycling, a community room and some lovely staff - as well as a decent selection of books. I live in between two (one a 5 min walk from my house, the other 15) so pretty much spoilt for choice! Love our libraries and would be gutted if they went.

Yes at least once a week. Sometimes 4 times in a week during the Summer holidays!

@Mazuslongtoenail have you looked at the large print section.
I ordered a book once that came from a different branch. The copy sent was a large print one - I was all "whooh this is good" 😂 (I have terrible eyesight)

Can you not borrow books online?

I used it an awful lot when the kids where younger. As it's a pain to gey into town now we often just use the online borrowing library they have, as much easier to access.

I'm having 5 minutes in mine right now.
The ONLY issue I have with ours is that it moved to a smaller building and the selection of books has been drastically reduced so I have to order alot in.
I cant always jump right into a new book so the fact I can't just pick it up when i fancy and have to order it in advance is annoying

Yeah I take the kids every third weekend. But I never get books for myself because I find nearly all books are printed so small and cramped now that I have to read on a kindle in large, spaced out type. (I’m only 40 but feel like I’m ancient when I come to read a book.)