April topic: The second week of April was Library Week. Tell us about your local library and what makes it special to you.
I am so thankful to live in a city with a stellar library system. There are 20 branches throughout the city so I'm never far away from free books. :) The main library downtown is simply beautiful and it's always a treat to go there. Check out these stats: 300,000 sq. ft., 4 floors, 250 public computers and a parking garage. Just talking about it makes me want to go!
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| MAIN BRANCH DOWNTOWN |
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| MY LOCAL BRANCH |
One of my favorite things about the library is the ability to request any book from any branch in the city and have it sent to my local branch. I go online, request my book, and get an email when it's at the branch I choose. Love it.
My other favorite aspect of the library is Overdrive. If your local library uses Overdrive and you're not taking advantage of it... you're missing out! It's a fantastic way to borrow digital materials in a snap. I can download books (Kindle version or pdf), audio books, music, video... it's all available with just a click.
I admit, most often I want to own the books I read, either physical copies or on my Kindle, but there are times when I'm mildly interested in something but don't necessarily want to buy it. Those are the times when the library really comes in handy.
#ShelfLove Progress:
The goal I set back in January was to read (at least) 31-40 books from my personal library this year (library books do not count). I've read 12 books so far that qualify so I'm right on track for the year.
Do you use your local library?
The #ShelfLove Challenge is hosted by Julie and Lynn at Chapter Break, Terri at Second Run Reviews, and Brandee at BookwormBrandee.
Yay for having a great library system. I love to use overdrive :)
ReplyDeleteOverdrive - one of the best things for books ever. :)
DeleteHooray for libraries! I also have a great local library system, which means I am lucky enough to be able to request most YA books and have a fantastic selection of audiobooks. This past year I've been trying to use my library more - it's a great way to try a book without pressure.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping by! Jen @ YA Romantics
Exactly, Jen! There are plenty of books that I'm iffy about, or that get mediocre review but I'm still curious about and in those cases borrowing the book is the perfect solution.
DeleteThe main branch is gorgeous!! And I love the bright blue sky in the background! :D It seems as though I really need to figure out the Overdrive function. I am technology challenged sometimes though and so I'm scared! *haha* Thanks for sharing your library love, Tanya!
ReplyDeleteOh yeah, the main branch downtown really is something to behold. I need to go down one Saturday soon just to wander again. And the Overdrive thing is so easy to use, Brandee! Believe me, I'm not all tech savvy and if I can figure it out... LOL It's great for those times when you don't necessarily want to buy the book but you're still a little curious about it.
DeleteLove this post Tanya and totally agree re: Overdrive! I just discovered it through our library and I am LOVING it! So fun to have that instant access!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Eva! So glad you discovered Overdrive! It is such an awesome tool and you're right - the instant access is a book lovers dream! :)
DeleteOMG I totally went book hunting (looking for some vintage copies) this week and I didn't even know about this, how cool! Love this!
ReplyDeleteOh boy, vintage copies... sounds like a treasure hunt! :)
DeleteThat's a lovely library! Good job using it! I keep saying I need to use my library more and stop buying books. Read them from the library first and if I like them enough, then I can buy them. Save myself spending money on a book I hate and then get rid of.
ReplyDeleteI do use Overdrive enough. Especially for audios. But not enough.
I do the same, Brittany. I *should* use it more but most of the time it's just sooo easy to one-click those Kindle versions. And usually inexpensive, too. I tend to go the library route when there's a book I'm kind of iffy on and not sure I want to spend the money. Then I'll borrow it and if I love it I'll buy a copy later. Overdrive is awesome, though.
DeleteThe library is my favorite place. For a while it was the only place I can go where I can escape the issues of my daily life. I am so grateful and so in love with the library. Where I live, my favorite is the 5th avenue location in NY, but if it's a library I love it--no matter where it is!
ReplyDeleteSounds like you definitely have a personal connection to the library, Jazmen. It was a lot more than just a place with books - it was a safe haven. I love that it meant that much for you.
Delete4 floors at your library? WOW!!!! My local library isn't that great in terms of what they provide but the interlibrary loan is amazing. I too love Overdrive. Knowing the fact that I can pretty much pick up any book from the library makes me extremely happy! Great post!
ReplyDeleteWell, that's at the big main library downtown. My local branch isn't anything like 4 floors. LOL I don't do a whole lot of browsing there, really. Like you I depend mostly on the interlibrary loan and Overdrive. Those are the best!
DeleteYour library sounds wonderful. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteLooks like you have made great progress on the challenge.
Thanks Terri! :)
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