Getting the Most from Your Library
by Jen Collins Moore
Like most of our Sleuths & Sidekicks readers, I like to read. A lot. My TBR (to be read) pile is constantly growing, and I always have an audio book in progress. And while I love to support my fellow authors, I get as much content as I can from my local library.
I’m always amazed when I hear smart, financially savvy friends saying they never go to the library. Some of them seem to think it’s just a place to pick up books for their kids. Others vaguely think it’s a hassle. I couldn’t disagree more. Here are nine ideas for making the most of your local library:
1) Get a library card
This might be the most important step of all. Get yourself to your local library, provide proof of residency (usually a bill or driver's license) and get a card. It’s free, easy, and the library wants to have you in their system. After all, the more residents they serve, the bigger their budget. Remember, you’re doing them a favor by going in, so they’ll be glad to see you. I promise.
2) Put books on hold
It’s wonderful to go into a library to browse, and you can make some great discoveries that way. But if you want a “click & ship” experience similar to what you can get when you buy books online, put books on hold. If your branch has your book available, they’ll put it aside for you. That makes picking it up fast and easy. Two minutes or less is my guess, about the same time it takes to open a package from Amazon and discard the packaging.
3) Get on the waiting list
If there’s a book you want that’s not available, put your name on the waiting list. Chances are, you have about fifteen other books you’ve also been meaning to read. Pick up one of those while you wait, and when it’s your turn to read the hot new release, you’ll appreciate it all the more for having waited for it.
4) Check out ebooks
Libraries have evolved past their physical collections. Most have robust ebook offerings which you can download directly to your Kindle, Nook, phone or desktop. The interface is extremely smooth–just one click more than buying an ebook directly from Amazon.
5) Extend your hold with airplane mode
This may be a controversial tip, but I’m sharing it anyway. If you’ve ever checked out an ebook and had it automatically returned before you can finish, it can be maddening, right? Well it doesn’t have to work that way. If you keep your kindle on airplane mode, you’ll keep the book on your device indefinitely. The library will consider it returned, but you can keep reading. Pretty neat, right?
6) Use Libby for audiobooks
I have a platinum Audible subscription and love many of the books I find there. But I never buy a book without checking Libby first. Libby is the free app that connects you with your local library’s online content. And this content includes audiobooks. The collection isn’t as big as Audible’s, but it has many titles that my family and I love.
7) Request a book if they don’t have it
Library systems are constantly making choices about what books to add to their collections. If there’s a book you’d like to read and your local library doesn't own it, request they purchase it. Librarians often have a discretionary budget and will be delighted to add a book that patrons are interested in.
8) Keep a list of what you’ve read
I’ve found many people like to own books so they have a personal record of all the books they’ve read. I understand this impulse, but I argue there’s another way. Rather than dedicate precious space in your home as a shrine to your reading, keep a list of what you’ve read. You can keep one monthly, the way Tina, Carol, Lida and I do here. Or you can keep a running list on your corkboard, you could take a photo of each book cover and post it on Instagram, or you could create a file in your computer. There are a lot of ways to capture memories that don’t involve purchasing–or storing–books.
9) Don’t be shy about using libraries
Some readers think authors hate libraries because they loan out our books for free. This couldn’t be further from the truth.. Libraries host author readings and they help spread the word about our books. When a library system buys copies of our books, that’s a lot of purchases. So use your library with abandon and give a shout out to your local library below.