When Did You Last Visit Your Library?
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When Did You Last Visit Your Library?
| Tue, 06-21-2005 - 10:00am |
One of the biggest joys I've discovered in my journey to be debt-free is my local library.
| Tue, 06-21-2005 - 10:00am |
One of the biggest joys I've discovered in my journey to be debt-free is my local library.
I haven't been to the library since I moved here the first week of April. I got my library card, but didn't take any books out. I should check to see if they have the Victory Garden books, because I can't find mine since the move.
Lee Ann
Lee Ann
www.werenotafraid.com
It's funny you should ask, because I was there last Friday, but it wasn't exactly a money-saving adventure, lol.
I am TERRIBLE about returning books on time, and I have a habit (which I have begun to curb) of checking out about fifteen books at a time, then skimming through and reading only two or three of them. This is convenient, because I'm often there with two little kids and I don't have time to choose carefully, but it's also quite expensive if I miss by even a day or two the deadline.
As a result, I had not been to the library in months and months because my fines were so high it would cost me over twenty dollars just to get my borrowing privileges back (and my total owed was nearly $40).
But of course, the kids suffer for it too, as they love to check out books.
So, Friday, I finally bit the bullet and ventured in, with $11 in my wallet (and unsure how much additional I would have to take out of grocery money from our account to bring my account current). The lady took my $11, then turned to ask someone else there a question about my account. She said something about a lost book, and when I protested (I'm often late, but I've only once ever lost a book, and that was years ago), she assured me she was talking about something else entirely. Anyway, the upshot was that after some confusion and me getting out my checkbook while chasing the kids around to keep the baby from going behind the desk and so on and so forth--the lady said not to worry about the rest of my fines, because when she entered the $11 as paid, she accidentally updated my account to show paid in full.
I think she probably could still have taken my check and just put it in the drawer to cover the amount she accidentally wiped out, and was probably just being nice. And I appreciate it!! :)
I was so excited to get off so easily. Of course, I will be looking for ways to support the library (I sometimes help with fundraising, for instance), and will probably write them a check or two out of our charity money to make up for it.
So, that's my library story. We'll probably go back again either Thursday or Friday for books for the kids and to return the two books I've already finished. I disciplined myself and checked out only the top three books I was interested in, reminding myself that I could come back again soon and check out the others if I was still interested. Likewise, I allowed my oldest son also to check out only three, which he shared with his little brother. So even if they're late it won't be for as much. And, I wrote the due date in my calendar so maybe they won't be late at all.
(fingers crossed)
Heather
ROFL!!! Yesterday! But that's because I was working, LOL. (For those that don't know, I'm a junior librarian in the town library)
Honestly, though, I use the library a whole bunch. I have a notebook that I write titles down when I'm out and about, then come and check the catalog when I get home. Most I can get, some I can't. Some are too new, and I know our system's other libraries will refuse to send them (but that's a whole 'nother story...). I'm pretty patient, though, and there's not too many books that I HAVE to read right when they come out. Mostly, when a new book comes in, we (the head librarian & I) give our patrons first crack at the books.
I do all the ordering of said books for our library (it is truly a dream job), so many times as much as I'd like to read all of them, I have to tell our patrons that I am living vicariously through them, so they have to read the books and tell me what they think. All the time I used to get to read is now taken up with library stuff!
Don't be afraid to go use your library. Your tax dollars are helping to fund it-go use it! When it comes to overdue fines, there have been many times that I will work with the patron rather than have them stop using the library. Of course, there have been other times where I don't, lol. Besides-where else could you possibly get all that information FOR FREE????
Lisa
Oooo... I love the Tightwad Gazette. I borrowed it from my neighbor and ended up purchasing it because it's one of those rare books that I actually find myself wanting to reference periodically. Actually, it sits in my upstairs bathroom and I re-read it slowly over and over again while I'm, you know, in there. LOL
I get something new from it every time.
I only buy two or three books a year, but I read dozens. I just bought my first book this year a couple days ago--advance order of the new Harry Potter book. :) Nearly anything else I can wait for and check out of the library, but I can't stand to have to listen to people buzz about a new Harry Potter book before I've had a chance to read it. Drives me crazy! LOL
The only book, besides the Tightwad Gazette, that I bought last year, was a gardening book that I checked out of the library first and now reference frequently.
Can we all share our favorite recent picks from the library? I am currently HIGHLY recommending a book by Adele and Faber called "Siblings Without Rivalry." I checked it out on Friday, and read it in one day. I am having my husband read it too, and we are each reading one chapter each week (I'm rereading) and practicing the skills in each chapter. I have noticed an IMMENSE difference in the way my children interact and the way we interact with them as a result of those skills. I can't believe it! Anyone with more than one child can get enormous benefits from this book.
So, what have you checked out of the library lately that everyone should read?