7 More Reasons To Visit The Library
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Borrowing books may be the primary reason we choose to visit our local library, however libraries across Melbourne offer so much more to the local community than just access to printed pages.
Becoming a member of your local library is free, and with membership comes many additional low cost or completely free services that some people may be unaware of.
This article lists 7 more reasons why community members should feel encouraged to join and visit their local library:
Internet Access
Not everyone has access to the internet at home, which leaves just a few options for surfing the World Wide Web. One option would be to pay for internet access at an internet cafe, however local libraries across Melbourne offer internet access completely free for members, quite often up to one hour duration.
DVD and Blue Ray Rental
As mentioned in a previous article, addressing the question of where to find
Movie DVD rentals in a Technologically Advanced World , the library offers completely free DVD and Blue Ray disc hire. New releases are not always accessible; older movies, TV shows, kids movies and documentaries are more commonly stocked. Members are not limited to one DVD rental per visit, usually there will be the option to hire quite a few at time.
Music CD Rental
Similarly, it is also possible to hire music CD's to take home and listen to in the comfort of one's own home. Library members will find an array of genre's to choose from ranging from pop, classical, rock, jazz, world music and more.
Free Magazine Reading and Rental
The cost of buying a new magazine can be a little excessive. It is just as easy to head down to a local library for the latest magazine publications, or to find back issues of favourite magazines to read.
Recent magazine publications are not allowed to leave the library until their next edition is released, but can be read and referred to in the library branch. Back issues of magazines can be hired and taken home to enjoy.
Photocopying, Printing and Scanning
Did you know, that libraries offer photocopying, printing and scanning of documents? Particularly useful for those that do not have access to a printer or scanner at home. Photocopying and printing facilities are generally
not offered for free, however the costs associated with such services are not high. My local library offers photocopying and printing documents at 20c a page.*
[ADVERT]Tip: When printing a document at the library (particularly a PDF), I recommend saving it to a USB stick at home first, which can be inserted into a library computer on arrival. This saves valuable download time, which can take a while if using the internet on a public computer.
Scanning a document onto a USB stick is offered by my local library completely free of charge.
Costs may vary depending on library location.
Storytime for Preschoolers
Children love story books, and what better way for them to enjoy a new book than to listen to the story read to a group of similar aged children at their local library? Such activities, often referred to as 'storytime sessions' at local libraries, involve book reading, sing songs, and sometimes associated craft activities.
Storytime sessions are a great way to stimulate little minds by encouraging book reading and imaginative play. At the same time, such activities offer the opportunity to socialise and make friends for both children and parents.
Talks, Seminars and Events
Libraries invite authors and industry professionals to provide talks and seminars to community members. Examples include an introductory lesson on how use the internet, how to buy and sell items on eBay, learning the history of vintage fashion, or a book author meet and greet. Check local library noticeboards or speak to a library staff member for upcoming events.
Whilst talks, seminars and events are often free of charge, registration is required as spaces can fill quite quickly.
I hope some of the above reasons encourage more people to join their local library, and take advantage of the wonderful free and low cost services offered to their community.
I would also like to know if there are any other additional services that local libraries offer members in your local multiplicity?
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131187 - 2023-06-13 07:35:25