Public Libraries

I don't know when the last time you visited your public library, but you really should go check it out. While I was not a big fan of reading as a child, I certainly did visit my public library. And while you might think that West Virginian's can't read, I was able to, and there was a library downtown, where I'd spend many afternoons.

It's a great concept, and probably why I was so attracted as a child, to gather a resource for all to use free of charge. All you need is a library card, which takes just a promise to return the material at a certain point. WOW! That's a lot more trust than you see from most government organizations.

Sure, you pay for the material through your taxes, but is there a better reason than that to GO use this resource. You're already paying for it, so why not USE it. I check out a few books a month, but a library has so many OTHER resources, too. I borrow magazines all the time. Why pay $20 a year, when you are borrow them for free. I read about 4 magazines a month this way (and check out about 4 others randomly throughout the month, too).

Oh and if I can't find it at my library, I can request it from another library and they will send it to mine (for FREE, in my case)!! This includes DVDs, CDs, Wii games, magazines, and books. What more could you want?!?!

One last thought...why not pass the buck and donate some of your media throughout the year to your library. How many times are you really going to read those books your mother got you when you were 14 and you still haven't read. Most libraries will take used books and other media so long as it is in working condition. This is also one of the reasons libraries are environmentally friendly. Reducing the amount of waste you contribute to landfills and reducing the need for short-lived consumer products.

So, if you are bored some weekend, Google public libraries near you and go check it out! At least for the free Wi-Fi.