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Original poster

I joined the library this week….

158 replies

Rainraingoawayrain · 09/02/2024 22:34

…and honestly, I think it’s one of the best things I’ve done in a long time.

I used to read quite a lot when I was younger but now (early 30s) not so much. I have a kindle but there’s nothing like picking up and reading a physical book.

Anyway, I signed up online and then went in to pick up my card. A really nice man who worked there was so helpful.

I just can’t believe it took me so long. I had a quick browse and I spotted probably at least 10 books that have been on my “to read” list for a while. It’s probably been about 15 years since I last stepped into a public library and now they all have self service machines where you can borrow a book in about 20 seconds and it’s all processed electronically.

And… it’s all free. And there are about 10 libraries I can go to in my London borough. I just wish I had joined sooner.

OP posts:
NuffSaidSam · 09/02/2024 22:36

I love the library. Everyone should join and use one as much as possible. They need to be protected.

Original poster
Rainraingoawayrain · 09/02/2024 22:37

@NuffSaidSam couldn’t agree with you more!

OP posts:
WavyLines11 · 09/02/2024 22:43

The library is literally one of my favourite places and has been ever since I was a child.

We have a joke in my family that the librarians were my mums unofficial after school care, I'd head there after school most days and she'd pick me up after work.

I love my local library, can happily browse and often wish I'd become a librarian.

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Lizzieregina · 09/02/2024 22:45

I love my library!! I can reserve books online and they put them on a pick up shelf for me, so I only have to go in and scan my card and the books. Then they renew automatically every 3 weeks unless they’re extremely popular, then you have to return them. I keep a basket by my bed with 5/6 books all the time.

When my kids were little we were always there for books and activities.

gavisconismyfriend · 09/02/2024 22:46

You can also get access to loads of audiobooks online as well as magazines, newspapers, e-books, films etc

TwelveKeys · 09/02/2024 22:47

It's bloody brilliant. You can just request any book you want, as well... nice surprise when it becomes available!

Plus my old one used to rent dvds really cheaply so it was often the easiest place to watch a film that isn't on Netflix etc.

I think they are funded based on footfall, so everyone should use them as much as possible!

MarshaMarshaMarshmellow · 09/02/2024 22:48

It's such a good thing! Modern library tips:

  • You can search online and reserve almost any book you fancy, and they will email you when it arrives - costs nothing.

  • You may well be able to borrow ebooks too, so it's not Kindle versus library. Ask / look on the library website. Also costs nothing!

RunningFromInsanity · 09/02/2024 22:48

I love the library. I go hiking around the country often and borrow their OS maps. They have every single OS map available and they are laminated. And it’s free.

MarshaMarshaMarshmellow · 09/02/2024 22:49

RunningFromInsanity · 09/02/2024 22:48

I love the library. I go hiking around the country often and borrow their OS maps. They have every single OS map available and they are laminated. And it’s free.

Did not know this! How handy!

Bumble84 · 09/02/2024 22:50

Libraries must be protected at all costs. They’re a community hub.

jazzhands84 · 09/02/2024 22:54

My local library has an audio book app to listen to up to five free audio books at any one time (BorrowBox), e-books app (Libby) and Pressreader app which allows me to read and download all my favourite magazines and newspapers (incl the ones behind a pay wall like the Guardian), I can keep them indefinitely too.

Its absolutley fantastic and must be preserved at all costs!

AliMonkey · 09/02/2024 22:57

@MarshaMarshaMarshmellow It's not free to reserve books here (or at least only kids books) - but even at 50p a reservation it's a bargain compared to buying the book! Having said that, I'm really tight - I have to be desperate to read the book to reserve it, otherwise I just keep looking for it when I go in, and happily just browse and pick up other books.

But agree OP, libraries are great and I don't understand people who read and don't use them! My DD is an avid reader as well and one of the first things she did in freshers week when she went to uni last year was walk into the city and join the library! She was a bit disappointed that the uni library was full of textbooks etc, with literally one shelf of general fiction - though as she likes classics I did suggest she tried the English Lit section.

Ptrel · 09/02/2024 22:58

Books wise mine is a bit disappointing, but it gives you access to transparent languages (I think the name is!) online which I’m loving for learning languages and access to newspapers online!

spookehtooth · 09/02/2024 23:03

My local libraries are wonderful, and the staff too. It's not because of the funding, but despite it because they deserve more. As someone else said, it's not just about books and facilities, they're genuinely a functional part of the community

mrswhiplington · 09/02/2024 23:13

I love my library. I've been a member all of my life. Its great that I can browse books online as well and then reserve them. Ours is well used by parent and toddler groups, OAP groups, they give talks on all sorts.

Notfastjustfurious · 09/02/2024 23:15

I love the library, I can't sleep without reading. I also don't want to read the same book twice or own a hoard of books. I don't know why everyone doesn't make more use of this amazing resource.

BrandyandGinger · 09/02/2024 23:19

I love my local library. I read about a book a week on average so it saves me a fortune. It was a godsend when my kids were little, I took them there often and they'd spend ages picking. I'm looking forward to joining the library Scrabble club when I retire.

sunglassesonthetable · 09/02/2024 23:22

Also the FREE Borrow Box App! through your library.

Free audible and kindle books. I've cancelled Audible and have hopped onto that. It's great.

spookehtooth · 09/02/2024 23:23

Notfastjustfurious · 09/02/2024 23:15

I love the library, I can't sleep without reading. I also don't want to read the same book twice or own a hoard of books. I don't know why everyone doesn't make more use of this amazing resource.

We live in a world that wants us to value "ownership" and continuous spending to achieve that. Libraries are devils work, invented by hard left revolutionaries who want cause chaos with their wicked Ideas

Paw2024 · 09/02/2024 23:24

Mine is great. I read really fast so they let me take as many books as I want really
Witnessed my mortgage paperwork when I needed a signature witness
Always make me a brew
Save books they know I will like

Paw2024 · 09/02/2024 23:24

Oh and I use all the local ones, lucky enough to have 4 within 5-15 mins drive

PlantDoctor · 09/02/2024 23:24

I didn't visit the library (other than uni library) between my teens and becoming a mother, but it's great! They have surprisingly new releases and it has a fantastic range of kid books. DD loves it because, as well as books, they have Lego, a craft table, huge cuddly toys, and a reading tent! The best part is you aren't expected to be silent any more!

maresedotes · 09/02/2024 23:27

I love my library too. They charge £1 to reserve a book (well worth it). I like that I have 3 weeks to read it. Gives me a deadline, so especially helpful if I'm in a reading slump.

Woahtherehoney · 09/02/2024 23:33

LOVE the library. My local one is very small and is only open a couple of days a week but I can reserve books from any library in Essex and they can order it in from other libraries too - sometimes there is a bit of a wait but I don’t mind as I always have plenty to read in the mean time.

if we don’t use our libraries we’ll lose them and that would be an absolute travesty in all honesty for both adults and children.

thinkfast · 09/02/2024 23:34

Libraries are wonderful but my local one needs to invest in getting better staff.

DS was astounded when the librarian in the children's section hadn't heard of Roald Dahl and couldn't show him where to find his books.

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