Best Uses for Your Public Library

On summer days like today, when temperatures reach 90 degrees or above, the public library becomes a haven for those seeking to beat the heat. While soaking up the air conditioning, patrons may decide to browse the stacks or settle down with a magazine. Or they may sit down at a computer and search the Internet.

Image via http://www.communitiesconnect.org

However, public libraries are much more than comfortably cool places to relax, browse or read books and magazines, or get free access to the Internet. As a person whose tax dollars go toward supporting such public institutions, you'll be glad to know that you can get much, much more from your local library.

According to Lifehacker, in its article "The Best Uses for Your Local Library (That Aren't Just Books)," you can 1) rent A/V equipment (such as Blu-Ray players, laptops, and projectors); 2) get access to paywall content (many public libraries have their own subscriptions to newspapers, magazines, and research material); 3) get tickets to museums, concerts, and events (many libraries offer free passes or discounted tickets for local entertainment); 4) print off legal forms (for doing taxes, starting a business, writing a will, etc.); and 5) load up on e-books (at most libraries, you can check out an e-book like you can a physical book - all for free).

In addition, libraries offer a variety of free workshops and classes that teach computer and research skills, English and foreign languages, crafts such as knitting and crochet, meditation and yoga, zine making, gardening, diet and nutrition, and more. Of course, you can still check out DVDs and CDs, comic books and graphic novels, and video games at your local library. And you can still reserve rooms for community get-togethers and take your children to storytime.

Libraries are much more than places that have free AC, books and magazines, and Internet. Take advantage of everything your local library has to offer today!