How to get the most out of your library!

Awe summer! Summer brings heat, endless movie nights, and lots of down time if you’re lucky. While summers look different for everyone, there’s one thing we can all agree on. Summer is a great season to pick up books and slash your tbr!

And most libraries have summer reading programs which means you can slay your tbr and win prizes!!

And what better way to get books from your reading list than by visiting your local library? Libraries are a great place to start because signing up is free, and so are the books! Most of the books I review on this blog come from the library! Crazy?

When we think of the library, we often think of hushed voices and older librarians with stern expressions. At least, this is what I thought for a very long time. But libraries have evolved so much and have become places of community. And during the summertime, they often become cooling centers for those of us who need relief from the rising temperatures.

Sometimes you might read a book you purchased and not enjoy it. You could return it, gift it to someone else, or keep and forget about it. But if you had checked the novel out from your local library, all you have to worry about is returning the novel. 

But what if you read slowly and do not want to acquire a late fee, or you’ve never returned a library novel you borrowed when you were ten; should you still give libraries a try? Absolutely. Many libraries have done away with fining fees- so if you return a novel a few days later, you’re fine.

@livinginlibros

The best self care days are the ones where I’m the main character.#bookstagram #booktok #librarytiktok #libraryhaul #bookhaul #selfcare #readingvlog #romantic

♬ Valentina – Dreamer Isioma

Libraries have books ranging from traveling to cooking to fantasy, and each library is unique. But if you’re searching for a paperback or a hardcover copy, then your local library is the perfect place for you. But what if your library doesn’t have the novel you’re looking for? While you can always request they add a book to their collection, don’t forget to ask your librarian if your library transfers books between other libraries.

Some library systems are huge and have multiple libraries in their system. When this is the case, they are often able to send books between their various locations.

Another tip is to keep an eye out for city libraries. Your local library might be a city library or a county library. County libraries tend to have larger selections because they serve multiple cities and communities. While city libraries usually serve one city. That does not necessarily mean a city library is limited to residences. Don’t forget to ask when signing up!

But what if I am bad at talking to people? Or I don’t want the librarians to know I am checking out Ice Planet Barbarians? That won’t be a problem, as many libraries have self checkout! Additionally, some libraries simplify the process further by allowing you to place holds on books and pick them up from your local library. My local library even has a self-serve pick up area where I can grab the books I have placed on hold.

While Libraries are full of physical books, some people prefer ebooks and audiobooks. And if you’ve been on booktok, you might have heard of the apps: Libby, Overdrive, and Hoopla. These apps are accessible with your library card. Libby and Overdrive allow you to access e-books and audiobooks, while Hoopla allows you to access both movies, shows, and magazines. And because your library pays for these services they will be free for you to access with your library card!

I like Libby as it allows me to add multiple library cards and switch seamlessly between them when searching for books. Because Libby, Overdrive, and Hoopla connect to your library cards: selection will vary. In my experience bigger cities have a larger e-book collection.

One last resource I want to mention is Little Free Libraries. You may have seen these colorful boxes in neighborhoods filled with books and wondered what that’s all about? Little Free Libraries serve communities that may not have access to public libraries. No cards or registrations are required. And just like a public library, patrons can borrow books from these miniature libraries. 

And just like public libraries, little free libraries are gorgeous!

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A post shared by Little Free Library (@littlefreelibrary)

I have talked a lot in this post about how to get books from the library but did you know libraries also have activities and programs? Programs vary from libraries but some popular ones include: Storytime for the little ones, learning 3D printing, and even sewing classes. Some libraries will now lend you tools (power drills, sewing machines, shovels, baking dishes, hotspots, laptops etc). They really are serving the community so don’t overlook your local library and visit today!

And now that it’s summer lots of library have their summer reading challenge going strong. This program encourages reading during the summer and you may also get some cute swag from it. Check out this tiktok from LA Public Library.

@lapubliclibrary

Happy Summer Reading! What’s in your tote bag? Sign up at lapl.org/summer Summer Reading is open to all ages. Items in bag vary based on age. 📚😎#lapl #summerreading #losangelespubliclibrary #iglibraries #librariesofinstagram

♬ original sound – Los Angeles Public Library

These are all my tips for getting the most out of your local library! I hope you are now confident enough to utilize the library this summer. And if you need some recommendations on books to read this summer. Check out my Summer Recommendations Post!

until next time keep living in libros,

Gabriela

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