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!