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Original poster

How often do you use your local library?

134 replies

Ricekrispiebun · 28/01/2022 22:23

I have only got back into going to the library since lockdown lifted but have been really enjoying it and I always feel like getting new books for free is like a present. Also if I discover new authors, I am then able to buy their books.

Sadly so many smaller libraries have been closing so I hope to keep going regularly becase it would be a shame for such a great service to close

OP posts:
JemimaMuddledUp · 31/01/2022 19:04

A couple of times a month. I currently have 8 books on loan... I reserve them on the app then pick them up on a Saturday morning when I'm in town, I haven't actually browsed the shelves since before Covid. There's often quite a long wait for popular books (eg Booker Prize shortlist) so I've always got a few that I'm on the waiting list for.

amusedbush · 31/01/2022 19:08

I grew up across the road from the local library so I was there all the time from the age of about 9 until I was in my teens. I constantly borrowed books, plus it was the only place I could use the internet until my parents finally got it at home in 2003 Grin

I moved around a few times and have been in the current area for 8ish years. I think I’ve been in the local library twice. Once to look at books and once to work on a uni assignment when the campus library was closed. I couldn’t get a thing done because it was full of screaming kids, then a drug addict had to be removed for shouting at the staff Sad the building is tiny and they seem to host kids activities every day, so there’s no escaping the noise!

BreakingUpWithMyPhone · 31/01/2022 19:11

Usually once per week. The week before last was brilliant - we had 12 books to collect between us. It felt like Christmas 😄.

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Adatwistscientist · 31/01/2022 19:16

Every week for the DC. I would go weekly too if read myself but the only time I have spare is usually spent on a dark room trying to get a toddler to sleep (like now).

I've also got into using world of books (wob) or second hand ones if I buy them for us or Hive if it's a present.

RaininSummer · 31/01/2022 19:26

I was about to start getting ebooks but it seems they have killed my library card. To rejoin I have to go in apparently so that's a giant pain which will probably take me 6 months to get round to.

hugoagogo · 03/02/2022 20:18

@RaininSummer

I was about to start getting ebooks but it seems they have killed my library card. To rejoin I have to go in apparently so that's a giant pain which will probably take me 6 months to get round to.
My library would just need a phone call or email for this. It might be worth you getting in touch if you haven't already.
bagsofbats · 03/02/2022 20:25

Once a month as I don't have loads of time to read. During lockdown we could fill in an on-line form of what sort of things we liked and they would pick books for us. It was great to each get a bag of surprise books every few weeks!

RaininSummer · 03/02/2022 21:22

Thanks hugago. Have registered for a new card but I have to go in next apparently. Annoying

emmathedilemma · 03/02/2022 21:24

Never!
They’re only open when I’m at work and my family read faster than me so keep me well supplied with books.

hugoagogo · 03/02/2022 22:03

Lots of people sign up for a new card when they could have called or emailed to update the old one.
The website really needs sorting out. Hmm
Of course it may be different where you are.

BeefSupreme · 03/02/2022 22:23

Once a week. I've read a new book to ds every day of his life.
You've reminded me to get off the bloody internet and go read my library books. Grin Thanks.

Chishnfips · 03/02/2022 22:28

I've always got an audiobook out on loan on borrowbox and I pop in to use the printer every month or so. But rarely get a physical book out.

RaininSummer · 03/02/2022 22:33

Indeed hugoagogo. I actually tried to log on with my card. Didn't work so emailed them and they said it was deregistered as unused for 2 years. Hence registering for a new one which you have to collect in person.

Zwellers · 03/02/2022 23:43

Our local libraries are pointless and obsolete. All the books are really old and out of date. And what's the point of waiting for a book to come in when you can get them new off amazon in no time.

Cromple · 03/02/2022 23:54

Never in person, but I use the online language learning stuff as I'm trying to learn German.

Treeroo · 04/02/2022 00:09

Used to regularly for decades. Since reopening they have made it flash with hardly any book, so no longer any real choice and the new staff do want to be asked anything it’s all use the machine to ch3 k out and return books and you should Look online. Local charity shops have more options. Lovely sofas though so if I’m waiting for someone I may chose to meet there.

Hawkins001 · 04/02/2022 00:14

@Ricekrispiebun

I have only got back into going to the library since lockdown lifted but have been really enjoying it and I always feel like getting new books for free is like a present. Also if I discover new authors, I am then able to buy their books.

Sadly so many smaller libraries have been closing so I hope to keep going regularly becase it would be a shame for such a great service to close

The issues I think are time, and with kindles ect, the model of the library has altered, yes I prefer the old fashionable way of the library, but it's similar to tapes, then cd,s ect when new technology is available
Littlehouseonthefairy · 04/02/2022 00:18

Once a fortnight. Twice a week in the school holidays to keep the kids in books.

InexperiencedDogOwner · 04/02/2022 00:21

About once a month. I'd like to use it more but it's in the city centre so difficult to access without paying tons for parking. Also not open on Sundays anymore.
I absolutely love Libby and BorrowBox though, I'm so grateful to the poster who mentioned it on here about a year ago! I can read my trash mag Closer for free and don't need to feel guilty that I've got a half-read mag to recycle! Great for home decorating mags also for ideas that usually cost at least a fiver each!
BorrowBox is great for kids audio books in the car, just not enough of them as most are already out on loan so you have to wait for them on reserve for a while.

DonttouchthatLarry · 04/02/2022 00:24

The mobile library parks about 100m from my house once a fortnight. I always get far too many books but that's in case it doesn't turn up (staff shortages, vehicle maintenance, ice/snow etc.) or I'm out and miss it. There are no overdue fees either - it's like a childhood dream come true, free books delivered to me on a regular basis Grin.

AlfieandAnnieRose · 04/02/2022 07:03

@InexperiencedDogOwner is that on the Libby app where you can read magazines? I can’t seem to find it

BreakingUpWithMyPhone · 04/02/2022 07:04

@Zwellers

Our local libraries are pointless and obsolete. All the books are really old and out of date. And what's the point of waiting for a book to come in when you can get them new off amazon in no time.
Libraries are pretty much the only place you can go where there isn't an expectation to spend any money. They're so important to different parts of society - people with children, older people, people who don't have a computer, but need to apply for a job. Library apps mean that you can request books that you want, then you get an email when they arrive.

Libraries are not obsolete, nor should they be allowed to be reduced / limited by any government. They're a critical part of a sustainable and equitable society.

notacooldad · 04/02/2022 07:10

Never.

Beachhuts90 · 04/02/2022 07:31

Every couple of weeks. I always have books out. They're only open Saturdays when I'm available so sometimes have to renew books I'm done with until I can return them, which is annoying.

SushiGo · 04/02/2022 07:40

Every 2 to 3 weeks.

Low usage is actually not why they close, more people go to the library than a football match every week. They close because local authorities have a severe funding crisis caused by years of Tory austerity.

If your library is ever threatened with closure please remember that the local council has a legal duty to provide libraries and that lack of money on the councils part isn't a legally valid reason for them to close a library.

Many councils have lost in court over this.