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Original poster

Do you use the library?

95 replies

LegendaryReady · 08/09/2021 08:35

I've always been a big fan. I went weekly throughout my childhood and then did the same with my DC. Both my DC pulled up to standing for the first time using the wooden boxes the library has the tot's books in

However, even I got sucked in by the Kindle and haven't used the library since I stopped taking DC. I also became disappointed at the increasingly limited range of books at my local library, I suppose as they faced reducing demand.

The Kindle makes sense in that it's light, small, if I fall asleep I don't lose my page! But it is somehow less satisfying than using an actual book and the cost of all those just a few pounds purchases does add up, compared to a free library service.

I've recently rediscovered it and it's like having a free Amazon account! You can order books from any library, anywhere, place them on hold and when they're available, they're delivered to the local library for collection. All free. Maybe it's just me who didn't know, but how good it that?

When I see book recommendations, I add them to my hold list and the vast majority turn up within days. You get three weeks and can renew online if you need longer.

Anyway a revelation for me, every book in print available for free and east too. Use it or lose it though.

OP posts:

moregarlic · 08/09/2021 08:37

Yes, I do the same! Our local library isn’t that big either, so I order in and collect. It’s a fabulous service.

whatswithtodaytoday · 08/09/2021 08:38

I stopped during Covid, but I really must start again. Our tiny local library is clinging on by the skin of its teeth, and I'm sure the Tories will use the lack of visitors as an excuse to shut it.

I also lost my ability to read, I just can't concentrate 🤦 But libraries are brilliant!

Aroundtheworldin80moves · 08/09/2021 08:39

No because the local one is only open weekday mornings.
The town one is better, but not exactly convenient (25 mins drive, plus parking fees).

Shame.

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Children's books

WhatHaveIFound · 08/09/2021 08:41

Yes, I use the library all the time. My DS used to go to a nursery next door to one so after I picked him up each Friday we'd go and choose books together.

I also order the latest cookbook releases rather than buying them as i found some books I was only cooking one or two recipes. Also novels that I know i'll only read once.

WeBuiltCisCityOnSexistRoles · 08/09/2021 08:42

My library has a kindle book borrowing service! Admittedly it's not a gigantic selection and there is a waiting list for good books but it's amazing being able to download books instantly for free. (Although I'm still fascinated by fax machines, so downloading books is mind blowing to me )

Highly recommend it.

PurpleHydrangea1 · 08/09/2021 08:43

Yes, I'm lucky to have several a short drive away. My closest one only opens at certain times so can be awkward to get there but I use the next 'main' one a lot. I've currently got 3 books waiting to come in. I've also started taking DD.

Money can be a little bit tight at times and I absolutely love reading, so its perfect for me not having to spend a small fortune to fund my book obsession 😆

onemouseplace · 08/09/2021 08:43

I feel like I'm one of my local libraries most frequent borrowers! Like others, I rarely used it as there weren't that many books in my local branch that I wanted to read. Then I discovered I could order in and now I use it all the time - it's not free to reserve books, but at 50p still cheaper than most other options.

Original poster

LegendaryReady · 08/09/2021 08:44

@WeBuiltCisCityOnSexistRoles

)

Highly recommend it.

I have investigated this. They have ebooks but not Kindle books?

OP posts:

TheDistortion · 08/09/2021 08:44

Yes I do the same. Can only hold 12 or so items so I have a Pinterest “books I want to read” and when I pick up a book I add another. The notification that a book is available is often later than when the book is put on the hold shelf so I just pop into the library whenever I am passing (only live 10 mins away) and see if I have anything.

ThreeKneeRepeater · 08/09/2021 08:45

Yes, every week. I make lists from the MN threads of books which sound interesting and have a look for them, or order them for free if they are not on the shelves.

Original poster

LegendaryReady · 08/09/2021 08:46

@onemouseplace

Of that must depend on the Local Authority then. Definaited free here. I have about a dozen on my list atm!

TBH I think the reason I haven't done it before is because I thought there was a cost, so maybe there used to be here too.

OP posts:

SoftPetal · 08/09/2021 08:47

I used it all the time as a child, volunteered in one as a teenager, took dd every week once she was born. Now I haven't been once since the start of covid, it still doesn't feel right to go somewhere indoors and linger around (I like to spend a lot of time browsing) it's a shame really.

UnfinishedBunting · 08/09/2021 08:47

Yes, we use our small village library nearly every week. Reserving books on the app is brilliant.

parentalhelpline · 08/09/2021 08:48

Even using your library in person a little bit makes a difference. We have to count people numbers every day, so even if you just bring the children in to read them a book for a few minutes and don't borrow anything, it improves our statistics.

And middle-class people who can afford to buy books using libraries help to keep them open for those who can't, and who need the books, information, internet access, and human contact that libraries provide.

Original poster

LegendaryReady · 08/09/2021 08:48

You'd think with all this reading I'd be able to spell!

OP posts:

Bontanics · 08/09/2021 08:49

Yes I use it for ebooks and audiobooks. Never been into the actual library yet. I'm sure I will when there's a physical book I would like to read. I just prefer audiobooks.

TornadoTrinity · 08/09/2021 08:50

Yes, my dcs do. Thanks for this thread as you've reminded me we should go and take out some more books for them.

I read a lot, but I have a Kindle and tbh, haven't looked into whether our library offers a lending service for Kindle books!

bakingdemon · 08/09/2021 08:52

Got out of the habit during covid (and our local libraries have been very very slow to reopen, and are still not back to full opening hours), but used to reserve things constantly from inter library loan service. Took DS this weekend for the first time since covid and he was transfixed - we've read the books he borrowed multiple times each day since.

InDubiousBattle · 08/09/2021 08:52

I love the library. I use the online Borrow Box to borrow novels on my tablet and the actual library for cookery, art and craft books. My dc are 6&7 and just love getting books out, my eldest especially rockets through them. Years ago when we were young and very skint the library was mine and dhs main entertainment! We used to borrow dvds and jigsaws as well as books.

LindaEllen · 08/09/2021 08:59

I used to love our little village library. They had big comfy sofas and I used to actually go and curl up and read, with a hot chocolate (they also had a machine). Lots of other people used it in the same way, and it was always quite busy.

They shut it down a couple of years ago, though, and the big library in town soon followed - leaving me with nothing!

confusedofengland · 08/09/2021 09:05

I both use mine & work in it

There is so much to offer. Books, DVDs, free internet & PC use, photocopying, groups for all ages of people, recycling of batteries & small electrical items & more! You can reserve books at home for free (or we do it at the desk via the website) or there is a small charge if we do it via our system (which we never do if we can avoid it). There is a decent selection of ebooks available too. The village library I work in is open every day except Sunday, some of those days with volunteers. We are also a community hub & people of all ages come in for a chat as much as anything. I know that we are the only people some of our customers will to speak to that day, which is sad but good to know we can help.

Agree with PP who said that we have to count footfall so even just popping in for a browse is great for us. I worked the Summer Reading Challenge & our tiny library recorded 60 customers in one morning I was working, I wish that could be every day!

RobinPenguins · 08/09/2021 09:08

I used to go regularly pre-covid, for DD rather than me as I’m not a big reader. Things haven’t properly reopened since, so only one family at a time can use the children’s section (so risk walking there to have to leave without being able to go in) and the story time sessions haven’t restarted. I really hope it can become a facility for families again sometime soon.

SkepticalCat · 08/09/2021 09:11

I'm an occasional library user and feel as though I should borrow more books from there. It costs £1 to reserve books in my area though.

I feel a bit bad, but I sometimes feel that since I often buy books I want to read on my Kindle for 99p (I get price drop alerts) or two books for £1 in charity shops, that I don't want to spend £1 to borrow from the library.

Also, when I reserve books from the library, they don't always come in at a time when it's convenient for me to actually read them (ie I am very busy at work or I have another book currently on the go).

I remember once waiting months to get my hands on a copy of a particular book from the library (wasn't recent release, but there were only a couple of copies in the county) and I saved reading it until I'd finished my current book. I then got an alert to say that another borrower was waiting, so I had to return it on its due date, or incur fines. I felt somewhat put out that I'd paid to reserve the book, waited ages to get it, then had to speed read it!

But, I realise its churlish for me to feel these negative thoughts as the library is an amazing resource and we'd be much poorer without them.

amillionmenonmars · 08/09/2021 09:13

I love the library service. It was a huge part of my life as a child and was an essential port in a storm. I would not have had the education and career I had without it.

I also stopped using due to covid and I must make an effort to get back in there regularly. They used to offer free access to ancestry sites online - I wonder if that is still the case? If so I am getting back to my family research.

If we don't use them we will lose them. The current gov will cut anything they think they can get away with - especially if they think their loyal voters will not be hit. Poorer children need libraries.

Farfalle88 · 08/09/2021 09:16

I use the library all the time. I order online and then collect the books. I just don’t like Kindles although I have one. We have too many books in the house and nowhere to put them . So the Library is a great resource.

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