Libraries-more than books! pt 5 : Online and in the library

Our local library offers a large number of helpful items online such as free music downloads through Freegal (available by clicking on the movies and music link on the home page), classes through Universal Class, legal forms, genealogical resources, and many more by clicking on the Research Room link on the homepage of the library webpage at: http://www.slcolibrary.org

If you choose to visit your local library, you may be surprised to find more than just books, magazines, movies, audio books and music. There may be computers for surfing the internet, cubicles with free WI-fi and outlets for surfing the internet with your own laptop, computers for searching the library database, reading spots for adults and children, study tables for research and tutoring, story-time activities, story-time and/or conference rooms, copiers (remember that it's okay to copy items for individual use for private study, research and or scholarship within reason), current newspapers and periodicals, microfilms and readers for perusing old newspapers such as the New York Times and colorful displays of current and upcoming activities at your local library. Don't forget that your helpful local librarians can aid you in locating an old favorite or directing you to a new gem. They can help with research projects, proctor tests, and offer assistance with that hard to find item.

From top left:

1. flags of the Menorah and Santa and page from the storybook walk book all on the windows of the story-time room
2. activity table-right now you can write a letter to Santa and put it in the mailbox (notice the alphabet carpet letter-we have all the letters plus colored carpet blocks scattered throughout the carpet in the childrens area)
   
3. giant books that children can play on-notice more red arrows and another page from the storybook walk on one of the giant book pictures
4. reading carousel with displays for the new release picture books on the shelves outside the carousel
5. current newspapers: both local and national with copying machines behind the newspaper display cases
   
6. microfilm reader and file drawers of microfilms for back copies of the New York Times and some local papers
7. reading area with comfortable chairs and lots of natural sunlight from the huge windows
   
8. one sample of the banks of computers for patrons to access the internet at the library
9. wood cubicles with outlets for patrons to access the free WI-fi on their own laptops at the library

From online resources to in person story times at your local library, there's a lot more than just books! Be sure to look into all the programs and offerings available and feed your mind with the new, the classical and the just plain entertaining thanks to your local library!

Libraries-more than books! pt 4 : Music

And music? Well, the library's got something for just about everybody.










Country, Jazz, Folk, Sound Effects, Soundtracks, Worship, Holiday, Childrens, Pop, Easy Listening, Rock, Classical, New Age, and World Music such as the Japanese CD featured in this post. Don't forget to check out all the great musical choices the next time you visit your local library!

Libraries-more than books! pt 3 : Audio Books

Short on time to read traditional books? Then check your local library for many wonderful books on CD!



Childrens, non-fiction, classic, mystery, best-sellers, biography and many more!




Featured in this post are The Sign of the Beaver by Elizabeth George Speare (very good!), Garlic and Sapphires by Ruth Reichl (interesting story of the life of a food critic), The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer (made me wonder if it was loosely based on real stories...), The Pickwick Papers by Charles Dickens (listening too now), and Driven by Larry H. Miller with Doug Robinson (next on my list to read/listen to).

There are also dozens of language learning books on CD like Complete Irish (which just looked like fun.) So, whether you want to learn some travel Italian, Russian grammer, Japanese street slang or teach yourself Urdu, just check your local library to see what world-wide options are yours!

Libraries-more than books! pt 2 : Movies

Some of the highest circulating items are movies from your local library. Choose from Dvds in many genres including mystery, western, biography, comedy, drama, science fiction, musicals, tv shows, and informational shows on everything from exercise and cooking programs to social commentaries and travel shows. Don’t forget the large selection of children's movies-entertaining or educational and sometimes both!

Featured in these blog pictures are the British mystery series Pie in the Sky, the British science fiction series Doctor Who, the comedy series I Dream of Jeannie and the following movies: Dumbo, Bell, Book and Candle, Mrs. Santa Claus, 12 Angry Men, and The King's Speech. Your local library may carry old classics, new releases, foreign films in many different languages, and many great films that you may have forgotten about over the years or many great films that you have yet to discover.

See something special or spectacular courtesy of your local library! The only caveat with movies is that they generally have a shorter check-out time than other items. Our library has a 1 week check-out for dvds. But remember, you're checking out the movies without the rental fees from other sources so it's still a great deal.

Pop in a dvd, pop some popcorn and view something popular tonight!

Libraries-more than books! pt 1 : Magazines

More than just books! Part 1 : Magazines. For adults, teens and kids. Dozens of titles. Featured: People, Time, PCWorld, LDS Living, Consumer Reports, and Arthur Frommer's Budget Travel. Check your local library for issues available. (The only caveat with magazines is that generally the most current issue does not circulate.) So, if you're looking for something a bit different to read, or want to catch up on some of the latest trends, crafts, news, recipes or reviews, just remember to check out the magazine section of your local library.