Library's: They're Not Just For Books Anymore

When I was young the only thing I remember that was available were books, books and more books. At that time they were just hard cover not paper back. And if you were to blind fold me and take me around town I would still know that we where were at the library. How you ask? It is the smell. Yes the smell of the books was unique and relaxing at the same time.

More recently I have found that there has been a library within easy walking distance from where I work. OK so easy walking distance for me is two mines or less. In fact people know that If they couldn't find me on site then to check the local library.

In the good news my wife also enjoys reading and spending time at the library. With that said our kids also like spending time at the library. Our oldest actually spends more time there they we do. In fact she has a tenancy to go at least once a week. Our youngest has a friend in the next town that the library is just a stone throw away. The only problem is that we only seam to visit on Sunday's when the library's closed.

All images unless otherwise marked are mine.

The next thing I remember added to the check out list were the periodicals. Starting with the news papers and then the magazines. With then newspapers there was not must that interests me. Except the comic page. Even today that is the first part of a news paper I check out first. That is as long as the paper has funnies included. And the magazines I tend to swing towards the computer publications. It helps that the current month can not be checked out. It gives me a chance to read the newest issues. That is unless someone else currently has it in their hands and reading it.

Yes pictures. There have been more than one library system that have had pictures to check out. Usually for three weeks at a time and both in the kids section. The first one had a sort of turn style for all the pictures. And the second one had the images hanging on the wall.

It started with cassettes and is now on CD's. I don't remember them having 8-tracks. In general I would take out the music as a way to preview music. I would then go out and get the ones I liked to add to my collection.

Another use for this is around Christmas. I have many albums but sometimes its nice for something else.

They started with VHS then moved to DVD and currently Blue-Ray. This is where having several libraries associated together comes in handy. I am able to do an inter-library loan. Currently this is handy as there were a couple of new movies that I wanted to see.

To be honest I tend to check out the used section as much as possible. This tends to be for the music. I think I have over a dozen albums on CD. The used books tend to go to the wife and kids. And most recently I actually found a move that I was happy to get my hands. In fact it was a two disk set with DVD and Blue-Ray of Who Framed Roger Rabbit. Some of the other libraries in our area also have this available but music is not on their availability.

Sometimes you have to set up a special place for the teen age crowd. As you can see this one has a place for them to sit together and talk or study. The center section actually has several games that they can play and interact together. In fact our middle child (teenager) started going to the library after this was set up. Not sure if he started reading more but getting to the library is a good first start. Especially with the materials in this section. They're directed towards what teens are liking these days.

You notice the first picture has the word "Catalog" on it. Looking back the term used to be "Card Catalog". Where you would open the drawer and get the information you needed. It was easier if you were not sure of the spelling. The newer version seams to be more sensitive to exactness. Not to mention Dewey and his decimal system. For those of you who have no idea what I am talking about - Google it. The main advantage to this is the ability to find out if the item you want is available and at which library. Or even to put a reserve and get it sent to your local library.

The second image is set up for printing. It's not just a copier anymore. You can not scan in your info or hook up an online document and print it off.

And finally on the list is Wi/Fi. The ability to bring in your own laptop and still surf the net. Or open up the "Catalog" on your own computer. This way you can walk to get what you want with computer in hand. or if this library does not have it put it on reserve without getting up.

This is one that the daughter pointed out to me. There were a couple of games that our youngest was happy to find. They were for the DS3. Sort of a nice way to preview a game before purchasing it. With most games it is better to preview before purchasing. In fact we had done a five day rental and returned the game after three days because my son blew through the game. Also I have spotted a couple other locations that have video games available. Downside they don't have any in the format of our XBOX 360.

As I look back the one thing I remember is no food or drink in the library. That seams to be changing. I have started to see people coming in with their water bottles. Now there is a one cup coffee maker and a soda machine in out library. The coffee seams like a good idea to a point. Something warm to drink helps you relax while you are reading. But you still have to be careful that you do not spill your drink.

Yes I actually had an idea of something for my local library. I haven't shared it, yet. But that is soon to change. There are several places that this could be used. Sort of a fun way to enjoy your local library. And to think I came up with this at work. Yes its a way to make people think about their visit. See what happens while you are waiting for a call. A sort of way to help people have fun thinking about and learning about their local libraries.