Visit your Neighborhood Public Library For an Affordable Family
Night Out
Want to read the latest best seller? Listen to a rock or jazz
CD? Find a movie or exercise video? Discover speedy recipes
to feed your hungry family? Unravel the mysteries of home plumbing?
Do you need to access the Internet? The answers to all those
needs, and more, are at your neighborhood library.
 Take
your family on a cheap date night to the library. Since kids
are told not to talk to strangers, it's a good idea to introduce
yourself and your children to the children's librarian. Also,
help your child locate the rest rooms. Doing these two things
will help your child feel at home in the library. Take an informal
tour of your neighborhood library and ask about services and
activities. Librarians truly believe that there are no stupid
questions, so don't be afraid to ask about anything.
If you do not have a family computer or do not have access to
the Internet, the library is the place you will find that access.
Librarians have devoted their lives to public service. They
want to help you. If you do not know how to use a computer or
how to get online, they can assist you. They also know how to
do research on the Internet and can help you find the information
you need. Of course, if you bring the kids along, they will
be able to help you, too!
It's very easy to get a library card. Most libraries need only
proof of residency, like the Verizon bill sent to your home.
Some libraries even issue library cards to children the day
they're born!
Are you worried about returning materials and overdue fines?
All libraries have after hour return bins and most libraries
allow you to renew materials over the phone. Some will even
pick up and deliver books to your home. Taking out and returning
library materials is as easy as renting videos, only better,
because everything is free at the library.
Libraries have story hours for young children and book discussion
groups for teens. They offer private literacy tutoring for adults
who have difficulty reading. They show movies and sponsor live
musical performances. Many offer free family passes for area
museums. You just need to make reservations in advance.
Libraries provide important information for families. If you
are job hunting, librarians can help you find employment sources
on the Internet. They will have print resources they will show
you on how to write cover letters and resumes. Libraries stock
tax forms and instructions. They have local community information
and carry local and national newspapers. They also provide current
information on everything from child care to gardening to urban
sprawl and stock "how to books" on every imaginable subject.
Most importantly, libraries have librarians. Librarians can
find the right book for your nine year old, your child that
loves basketball but hates reading. Librarians know how to navigate
the Internet. They know the best electronic information sources.
Librarians know which magazines will entertain your mother while
she is confined to bed after surgery. They know which "book
on tape" will keep the kids occupied on the six hour car ride
to your family reunion. And, if your library does not have a
book or the materials you need, or if you library does not provide
some of the services discussed in this article, talk to your
neighborhood librarians. They will do everything in their power
to fill your family's needs.
So, go ahead and take your kids and spouse on a free night out
to the library. Chances are you will find riches untold!
© 2001 Mary Brigid Barrett
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