Education Short List

Recently, I was tutoring a student who failed to bring any of his materials to our session. Luckily, we were at the library and I knew that we wouldn’t be spending the next hour staring at the ceiling. Instead, we used the Internet, the resource books, and free homework supplies from the library and created a powerful lesson that the student was then able to incorporate into his work at school.

That experience made me think that most people probably don’t realize just how much our local libraries are able to do for us. Practically everyone knows that their local library is the place to go and get books for free. And even though this is true, there are multiple resources available at the library that you might be missing out on.

1. Quiet Spaces

a. The library is a place where a person can take a book or magazine, find a quiet place to read, and just relax with their written material.
b. It’s also a great way to study or to conduct business there (I’ve seen people tutoring, using a Public Notary, and getting their taxes done at the library).
c. Most libraries have quiet areas to read; as well as couches, lounge chairs, and tables to work, read, or study on.

2. Free Resources

a. People already know about getting books there, but you can also rent DVDs, audiobooks, and CDs from the library. These can include David Bowie’s CDs, historical movies, and children’s programs.
b. Plus each library has pamphlets, brochures, newspapers, and magazines from organizations in the community – letting patrons know what is happening in their city.
c. The Internet is available as well for those who have a valid library card.

3. Knowledgeable Staff

a. Every library has licensed and well-trained librarians, technicians, and staff. From individuals who can assist you in doing research online, reserving books from other libraries, to finding out when the next class for Flower-Pressing is.

4. Seminars and Classes

a. From Toddler Time, Mommy and Me classes, Story Hour, to AARP enrollment programs, seminars on how to do your taxes, all the way to having local health care programs available – the library is a community resource.
b. Also ask a librarian about their ‘Cultural Pass’ – through the library, a person may be able to get a pass to their city’s museums and gardens without having to pay an admission price.
c. Most libraries have calendar of Events newsletters or brochures that highlight what news or programs will be coming there. Another of the great resources available.

5. Research Tools

a. Online Resources – downloading audiobooks, having an index to periodicals, utilizing microfiche, dictionaries, encyclopedias, business directories, and more. There are even some libraries that have lesson plans that teachers, schools, and homeschooling educators can use.
b. Inside of the library, all of the same online resources are available and more. Whether it is to find out about local city planning and development, research one of Shakespeare’s play, or to create a timeline of David Bowie’s catalog of musical achievements – there are a plethora of resources available from the library.

6. Community Outreach and Support

a. As mentioned in the seminars and classes component, local businesses and entrepreneurs can utilize the facilities and meeting rooms that are available at the library. This creates more opportunities for those establishments to connect with the local community.
b. Don’t forget about the free brochures, calendar of events, newsletters, periodicals, magazines! These materials from local groups, community partners, educational programs, performing arts organizations, etc. are available to the public. They can be found when looking at the community bulletin boards in the library.
c. With all that libraries provide to its residents, there are ways to give back – and the easiest of those is to volunteer. All libraries are looking for volunteers, and that doesn’t necessarily mean just adults. Children, teenagers, adults, and the elderly are all welcome to give some of their free-time to assist the library in maintaining their high level of service. There are also libraries that have partnerships with city agencies that assist adults with mental or physical limitations, in allowing them to gain on the job skill training.

Overall, it’s obvious that your library has many untapped resources that are just waiting for you to go and claim. Surely, whatever you are looking for – something fun or educational – the local services at your library will be there to assist you.