With the summer months coming, you want to be
able to keep the kids busy on a budget.
We use our library a lot for a free and good time. Here are some ways that you can use your
library to keep your entertainment budget low for the family.
Free books
This
is the primary reason for the library’s existence. Most libraries offer free
check out privileges for local residents or there may be a small charge to
obtain a card for a week or two . Many
library now also offer books for the ebook reader like nook or the kindle. Our local library has had classes on how to
borrow ebooks.
Audio books
If
you have a long commute or going on a road trip, they have audio book as
well. You can upload to your ipod or mp3
for easy listening.
DVD’s
Many
libraries offer DVD’s for check out. They may not be the newest releases and
you may have to get on a waiting list for popular titles, but it can be a great
way to get some free entertainment.
Book sale
When
the library cleans out it’s old materials and unneeded donations, they sell
those books to the public to raise funds for new materials. Prices vary, but
it’s not uncommon to find hardbacks for under $2 and paperbacks for under $1. Some sales even
have clearance days when you pay a flat fee for a bag or box of books. I have been able to pick up some great books
to sell on ebay and half.com
Museum passes
Many libraries offer free passes to area
museums, cultural attractions, botanical gardens and zoos. Some are good for
multiple family members over several days, while others are limited to one or
two people and must be returned the next morning.
You can reserve
passes online or by phone. Do this, because anything free is a big hit with
parents.
Internet access
Our
library offers free internet access, either on their own terminals or over a
WiFi network that you can use with your own laptop. Some sites are,
necessarily, blocked, but the vast majority of sites are accessible.
Computer access
Beyond
Internet access, the library offers computers loaded with Microsoft Office
applications and other utilities. They are free to use and you only pay per
page if you need to print something. If you don’t use a computer that often and
don’t want to own one, this is a great resource.
Book clubs
You
can find a book club for almost any interest, from fiction to non-fiction. Some
are narrowly focused such as those dedicated to certain authors, genres, or
non-fiction subjects. At my library, folks are encouraged to request a book club or offer
to start one if one doesn’t exist that suits their interest.
Exhibitions
Our
library hosts free exhibitions of the art works, collections, and other talents
of local residents. Fun to look at and a great way to gain exposure for your
own work if you have something to exhibit.
Free classes
There
are all kinds of classes offered including language courses, writing classes,
how-to courses, business and finance classes, and computer classes. There are
also other, more specialized classes throughout the year offering varying
levels of instruction.
Children’s entertainment
Games,
puppet shows, arts and crafts, story times, scavenger hunts and other
entertainment are available for children.
Reference assistance
Can’t
find what you’re looking for? Most reference librarians are very good at
helping you track down obscure works, facts, or statistics. At some libraries
you don’t even have to leave your house as they offer online access to a
reference librarian. Their help is free.
Lectures, storytelling festivals and speaker
series’
Authors,
important citizens, professors, artists, storytellers, and other notable people
are often invited to speak on topics of interest or to promote their endeavors.
These may be one time appearances or ongoing series’ covering a variety of
topics.
Free movies
No,
they’re not first run movies, but the library frequently offers free
screenings. During the summer months,
our library has a weekly afternoon free movie for the kids.
Free concerts
Local
bands and musicians sometimes play at library hosted concerts. The music may
have a theme, such as music from a literary time period or the selections may
be holiday based.
Summer reading programs and contests
In
the summer, the library offers reading programs for both adults and kids.
Readers are entered into weekly prize drawings and a drawing for an end of summer
grand prize. Kids also get other incentives like stickers and gift certificates
to local book stores. They often have
the books the reading list
Tutoring and homework help
Kids
can get free help with their homework or receive additional tutoring. The
library keeps a volunteer staff of subject experts with teaching experience to
help kids navigate their schoolwork. In my
town, during the summer months, they
have a reading classes for kids who are having some issues with reading
comprehension
Teen activities
Many
libraries offer social activities just for teens such as book clubs, classes,
pizza nights, karaoke, and games. One day a week during the summer they have a teen wii night where they have a
pizza party It’s a safe environment for
teens to meet other teens.
No
matter the size of your town library you’re likely to find many free or low cost
resources that will interest you. A library is one of the best benefits you
have as a resident of a particular
community and I encourage you to take advantage of whatever they may offer. I
