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Original poster

I’m really embarrassed to ask but..

56 replies

MyMabel · 03/10/2021 22:22

How do libraries work? (Feel free to cringe as much as I did at that question)

I haven’t been to a library since I was a really small child, probably 5/6 years old. I now have a toddler DD and our local library have just had a renovated child area that looks so lovely I really want to take DD, she adores books.

I suffer from quite severe anxiety and social phobia, I’m constant terrified I’m going to make a tit of myself. - I don’t want this to hinder DD’s enjoyment, so I want to take her but I’m unsure of library etiquette and because of my anxiety I need to be ‘prepared’ and know what I’m doing and what to ask for.

  • Can we just go into the library, sit in the child area and read books - or are there sessions/need payment ect?
  • do library cards still exist.. or is it something like an online account now? I’d love to take out books for DD to bring home so we can read different books before bed (we’ve tired out all of her books and I can remember each story off by heart now.. we need new material!)
  • is there a limit on how many books we can take out at a time, and for how long?
  • how much roughly does it cost to take out books/get a card/membership?

Sorry to ask such stupid questions that I could easily just ask the people who work on the library, I’ll just be too embarrassed to ask when we get there 🙈

OP posts:
NotMyCat · 03/10/2021 23:00

Once you have the library card you can usually use other libraries in the region too. I go to a few different ones as I read a lot! Doesn't cost anything to join
Ours is 15 books for 3 weeks but I am allowed 20 (I've been a member for about 15 years)

They also witnessed and signed a form free of charge for me that I needed recently for my mortgage and will make me a cup of tea as I come in Grin
It's been very quiet recently as it's a shame as there's so many free resources and they often have groups - my local before covid had baby/toddler groups, reading ones, crafting, a knitting group...

crispsinasandwich · 03/10/2021 23:01

Not a stupid question at all.

There has been lots of excellent advice above. I just wanted to say that time at the library was some of the loveliest I spent with my dd ( who is now 21 - how did that happen!).

I hope that you enjoy the library as much as I did - and I pray that libraries continue to be the lovely spaces that they are. We've lost so many local libraries over the years - it's heartbreaking.

Pouffeycat · 03/10/2021 23:02

Don't worry at all about using a library.
Most are run by volunteers these days, who would be more than happy to help you.
If you want to take books or other available resources away, the library people will help.
All you need is paperwork to say you live in the area. Bills, bank statements. Dont worry, all they look at is the address and name.

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about these subjects:

Children's books Culture
TimeToChangePassword · 03/10/2021 23:03

It will be free, but you might need to take something to prove your ID. Utility bill or driving licence.
Thinking of doing this too - spending too much money on books!

NotMyCat · 03/10/2021 23:05

You've actually reminded me to renew mine! And you can renew online as well

Have a look at the local website, it usually has all the info like this

https://www.sthelens.gov.uk/libraries/how-to-join-the-library/

User478 · 03/10/2021 23:06

You can almost certainly join online, Google your county, library and join, then you probably won't need so much ID as they send the card in the post so that confirms your address.

You can also get loads of free audiobooks (adults and kids ones).

Give it a go :)

nauticant · 03/10/2021 23:08

I really like this thread, it's lovely. I hope you feel more confident in getting to the library now OP.

DamnYouAutoCarRental · 03/10/2021 23:09

We were given library cards for the DC when we registered their births, i didn't know that was just a local thing, it should happen everywhere.

CleopatrasBeautifulNose · 03/10/2021 23:11

Having a library card gives you access to loads of magazines online in our area. Kids books have no fines for late returns. Can borrow up to ten at a time in one card. Check your own books in and out on the computer. Atmosphere is friendly and certainly in the kids area no one would sush anyone though people tend to be on the quiet side generally. They do a Lego club and provide a mountain of Lego to use, have rhyme time, loads of good and lovely things.

Megan2018 · 03/10/2021 23:14

@MyMabel I suggest looking at your local library website, usually just comes up in a search or if not start on your council pages. Ours has the answer to all your questions and a link to join online. Might not be the same everywhere but I found out everything about my local one online. I had to turn up with id to collect my membership card. But the actual form was online, as was all of the info about how to take books out, how many, fines, opening hours etc

Forgothowmuchlhatehomeschoolin · 03/10/2021 23:14

People who work in libraries tend to love books and want more people to read so if you go into one, l am sure they will be more than happy to assist you but it is a great place to take children, especially in the winter when it is cold and dark outside!

Verbena87 · 03/10/2021 23:15

Libraries are magic - all of what everyone else said plus ours has an app you can use to borrow audiobooks which is awesome if, like lots of us, you’re too busy/knackered to sit and read much. A chapter or two whilst cooking and washing up is easy and a joy.

This is praise not an insult, but our library is staffed by reassuringly quirky, shy people who are universally lovely and will help! I’m a bit socially awkward/anxious myself and it is totally not one of those places run by intimidatingly cool people who seem to eat and breathe confidence and make me feel like some kind of clueless mess.

Let us know if you go, even just to sit and read the first few times while you suss out joining.

Washeduponthebeach · 03/10/2021 23:19

This is a great thing to do with your child! My father used to take me every Saturday and started a life long love of learning.

I would phone your library first and ask what they need to get membership. It is free. You will probably need proof of address . They will issue you a library card. You have a set number of books you can take out at one time and usually about three weeks to keep them. You can renew them if no one else is waiting for them after that time.
Books can be returned electronically by scanning them, or by handing them in to the librarians or a drop box outside.
You can order books online using your library card, and they will let you know when the books are ready to collect.

A lot of libraries have a mother and toddler group for reading.

You can go in without being a member and just enjoy reading for as long as you want. There is a special section for children.

Anoisagusaris · 03/10/2021 23:23

Lots of great advice already but can I just say bringing your child to the library and getting her immersed in books and reading is one of the best things you can do! Feel the fear and do it anyway!! And enjoy your new experience….you’ll love it!

JanglyBeads · 03/10/2021 23:23

This is almost worthy of being a MN classic it’s such a good question and the answers are all great!

Librarians (including me) are very happy when someone wants to join, and they know full well that some people are a bit hazy about how they work.

mrssunshinexxx · 03/10/2021 23:29

Mine is free unless I'm late returning a boom then there's a small charge. I registered when my child was about 12 month we go once a fortnight sit in there for a while and read then choose some to take home plus all the staff are lovely, I hope your library is similar x

Dixiechickonhols · 03/10/2021 23:36

Your local council website should have lots of info. Maybe go in one without dc if you can then you can suss things out before taking dc. Good luck.

Original poster
MyMabel · 03/10/2021 23:37

Thank you all for the kind replies!

Thankfully it sounds like most libraries have similar routines so that’s given me the confidence I need.

I loved the library as a child, I guess as social media progressed my head turned to statuses instead of books (she ironically posts to mumsnet Grin ) This might be my calling to get back into regular reading - I want DD to have the same experience I did growing up, there’s nothing quite like using you’re imagination while reading.

I’ve dropped a Monday at work to spend more time with DD one-on-one so I’m hoping we can visit the local tomorrow.

I’ll be back to update I’m sure! Flowers

OP posts:
CherrySocks · 03/10/2021 23:44

Take a few pieces of ID with you and just go up to the counter and say "How do I join the library?"
They answer this question all day long!

RobertaFirmino · 03/10/2021 23:55

Libraries are fab! You'll be doing your DD a massive favour. Enjoy!

starfishmummy · 03/10/2021 23:56

Our libraries have touch screen self checkout/check in machines which are easy to use. They so sometimes go wrong but there will staff nearby to help.

claretblue79 · 04/10/2021 00:04

What a lovely thread. I spent a lot of happy times with my son at the library and felt the staff there were always very friendly and enthusiastic. He's a really good reader now and that's down to going there and also children's centres which were all free at point of access. Long may they continue

BookShark · 04/10/2021 00:11

Top tip - tell your DD that books have to be handed back every xxx days. DD didn't get this concept and we ended up buying copies of her favourites as she demanded them every night. Which was extra irritating as they were all terrible!!

Waterfallgirl · 04/10/2021 00:38

What a lovely thread. Lots of great advice! I used to love taking my two when they were small. In my county all libraries do ‘baby bounce and rhyme’ too, for babies and toddlers and their parents - reading and rhymes/musical instruments etc as well as looking around the children’s section.
I still use our local library, I usually now order books online for a small charge 50p and collect them when they are reserved for me.
Sadly many councils are slimming down their library provision which is such a shame.
Have a great time with your DD and do please come back and tell us how she got on!

ohfook · 04/10/2021 06:07

Everybody's already answered most of your questions so I won't chip in to just repeat the same info back at you. But I read something the other day that said 'libraries are unique because they're the only public building where you're allowed to exist without the expectation of spending any money.' I love that because it's so true. I often used to take my ds just for a look at the books. We could easily fill in an hour.