I remember going to the library when I was kid but it was never too often because I was not a book-loving kid. Don’t get me wrong I was bright but I just didn’t see the need to read. It was a bore. To add injury to insult in elementary you had to be able to say the word library without mispronouncing to go to it during class. I had a tendency to say ly-berry, so I didn’t get to go too often.
On top of that, I loved new things so the idea of getting a used book that hundreds of people had touched bothered me. If I wanted a book I bought it. I loved the crisp pages and the sense of ownership.
It really wasn’t until we moved to Colorado that I really spent time in a library. It was more out of necessity than interest that I started going there. We didn’t have internet. I needed a job. I needed to be able to update my resume and search for jobs. The library has free internet access with their computers. It was a match made in job hunting heaven.
I quickly got a library card and used it like it was my job (until I found a job). I was bringing home movies to watch with the Mr., getting books to learn about eco-friendly practices, and generally enjoying getting a lot of free ideas for work. (I worked with children before.) I came to love the musty smell of the books and knowing that every time I read one I am sharing the knowledge that hundreds of people got from it when they read it before and after me.
Here are some of the reasons why I love the library:
1. It is FREE. Just get a FREE library card and return your stuff on time and you will never pay a dime for anything you borrow.
2. It helps reduce clutter in my house because I don’t have to buy everything I want to see or read.
3. It helps to stop paper wasting by not buying new books every time I want one.
4. It allows me to read books and watch movies that I am not sure that I will like without worrying that I am paying for it.
5. I can just browse for books that I otherwise would have never heard of had I just been buying from a bookstore.
6. I am supporting my local community by going to the library. (How simple is that.)
7. I can walk there. Thus, saving me gas…and money.
Do you use the library? What are some of the reasons you go or don’t go there?
Picture from http://shelfelf.files.wordpress.com/2008/01/trinity-college-library-dub.jpg
I purchased this book off of Amazon this week. The Mr. and I have been talking quite a bit about getting our finances in order so that in a couple of years or so we can expand our family. I have been wanting to figure out costs of raising a child and doing it in an eco-fashion so when I saw that this book was coming out I knew that I wanted it.
