When did you last visit a library?

10-16April 2011 is National Library Week!
April is Schoool Library Month


This site   click here> @YourLibrary   is hosting a "twaiku"contest. 
What's that? 
It's a Twitter Haiku contest. Tweet your submission now! 


From their site: "Twaiku use the same basic structure of 3 lines with 5-7-5 syllables respectively. Unlike a true haiku, a twaiku can only be 140 characters, or 130 with our #nlwtwaiku tag." 


Here is the one I wrote:


book lust I do have
need a new book to fix that
free fix...library


Have you visited your local library lately? 


As a mom of kids who are growing up our use of the library is becoming easier. As the kids age they assume greater responsibility for the things they borrow from the library although I do keep track of the dates that items are due for return. 


Reasons to Use the Library


Savings~ Most public libraries are funded by taxes which we pay whether we use our libraries or not. Why not borrow an item instead of spending money on it?


Internet Searching of Catalog~ These days you can search for items in your library's catalog by means of the internet so that you don't have to visit just to find out if your item is available.


Holds~ Many library websites allow items to be placed on hold via the internet. When the item has been set aside and is ready for you to pick up you will receive notification, usually by e-mail.


Inter-Library Loans~ If your library doesn't own the item you are looking for, it may have a policy for borrowing that item from another library they have a relationship with (at no, or little, cost to you).


More than just books~ These days libraries loan more than just books: CDs, DVDs, ereaders (so that patrons can "try before buying"), ebooks. Most also have banks of computers for patrons to surf the internet.


Increased Lending Periods~ Many libraries are lengthening the lending periods of their items. Having longer lending periods means users may not need to renew a loan. It also means that libraries should have more room for inventory since more things should be out on loan for longer periods. It might mean fewer fines for users too.