#librariesareforeveryone

[fae-or-foe]

Volunteering at the library was rough, however...

It was my favorite job ever. It was tedious and mentally taxing, like alphebetizing and taking inventory of every single DVD, and sometimes emotionally taxing, like going through library memberships and deleting accounts of those who passed, including my beloved grandmother, however, it all felt worth it. My bosses, the librarians, were always very kind and very patient with me. The library offered snacks and hot or cold beverages for a dollar a piece. They let me take breaks any time I needed and my schedule was very flexible. The library was nice and quiet, but they let me listen to music with headphones as I worked, so I had a choice of controlled sounds or silence in case I got overstimulated. (They even let me stim in peace!) Working at the library was a genuinely enjoyable experience. Even apart from the whole "giving back to the community" aspect. It was easy going and nice and I'd love to do that every day.

[upcycleability]

Utilize Libraries More Often

Libraries have a huge wealth of information and other things that you can use for free. Sadly, fewer and fewer people are taking advantage of them due to online businesses. Utilizing libraries can help you to reduce your environmental footprint, and not buy books and other items that will only be used once and donated a few years later. 

However, a lot of people do not know that libraries provide a lot more than just books. Some larger libraries have a lot more to offer than smaller, more local libraries. So let’s look at the myriad of things that many libraries may offer:

* Ebooks and Audiobooks:

Many libraries are partnered with apps like Hooplah and others that provide you with access to ebooks and audiobooks that you may want without you needing to pay for them. Many libraries even offer e-readers for rent as well. 

* DVDs and Videogames

Many people do not know that libraries may also offer video games for rent. These may not be the latest releases, but it is a great way to play some awesome games on the cheap. It also reduces the plastic used to make a new case and disk. 

* Clubs and Classes

Many libraries use their extra rooms to host many classes and clubs, such as yoga classes, language classes, and even D&D sessions for some libraries. Check with your local library to see what you can take advantage of.  * Business Help

Libraries are a great place to work on your business for free, with free wifi. They may even offer business classes to help you with things like resumes and business plans. 

* Tools

Need a tool, but don’t want to buy a brand new several hundred dollar drills for one-time use and never use it again? Well, certain libraries have things like this for rent as well. Much better than to create a demand for a product you will never use again. 

* Images

Royalty costs a lot of money, and most of us cannot afford those. Thankfully, many libraries have a myriad of images that you can use for free. These can be combined with Pixabay, Unsplash, and Wikimedia Commons for some great images to use for web articles, photo manipulation, and the like. 

* Free tickets

Many libraries provide free or heavily discounted tickets to nearby museums and attractions. This is a great way to learn more about history and art for a class or inspiration. 

* Crafting supplies

Some libraries lend out sewing machines, knitting needles, and the like to help with people who may want to learn how to sew or knit, etc, but do not have (or want to spend) the money for a craft they may not stick to. Besides, crafting is awesome, it helps you to reduce your impact on garment workers and the environment. 

* Musical Instruments

Want to learn an instrument without paying hundreds for a new one? Some libraries provide them for rent. That way you can see if the instrument works for you without having to provide a lot of money for it.

And a lot more. Check out your local library to see what is available for you!

***

If you like what I write, consider buying from:

My Etsy shop for upcycled bags, jewelry, and crafting supplies.

Or

My poshmark for reclaimed clothing.

[bklynlibrary]

Today across Brooklyn and beyond, we gather together to honor #Juneteenth. #blacklivesmatter #blackhistory . . . #librariesofinstagram #librariesareforeveryone #brooklyn #brooklynpubliclibrary (at Brooklyn, New York) https://www.instagram.com/p/CBnwVn5nYdp/?igshid=1xrvoa0jiuxrn

[foxbookworm]

What’s the Library Technician student reading this week?

[elemental-pea]

We “bitches” applaud your excellent judgement, sir. As a Librarian, I appreciate a man who values and endorses his public library. . . . . . #armiehammer #librariesrock #librariestransform #librariesmatter #librariesareforeveryone #librariesareawesome https://www.instagram.com/p/B7KL16egHSJ/?igshid=rxg0du7kfreq

[tomsfoma]

But, Nobody Uses Libraries Anymore!!

Except more people visit their library than attend the NFL, NHL, NBA, Nascar, or the movie theater COMBINED.

Fun fact: more people visit their local library than attend NFL, NHL, NBA, NASCAR, and movie theaters each year COMBINED.

[woodlibraryteens]

Talk about diversity, on one side of the Hamlin Room we had a babysitting course and the other our New Yorker Discussion group was getting ready to meet! #librariesareforeveryone (at Wood Library) https://www.instagram.com/p/BuKG_hQAmSR/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=6glsn8424vgr

[djzibaz]

So proud of my hometown library system for hosting this #DragQueenStorytime!! #🏳️‍🌈 #💖 #💞 #support #librariesareforeveryone #lbcitylibrary #Repost @xochi_mochi ・・・ I got to read to the children today and it was one of the best experiences I’ve been given as a drag queen. It’s so important to have representation and normalize all the letters in LGBTQIA+ in everyday lives. I saw so many excited faces it filled my heart with so much joy and hope to come back again soon! Thanks again to everybody who made this opportunity a reality and make such a successful LGBT event #🏳️‍🌈 #Repost @lbcitylibrary ・・・ Thank you to all who joined us today for a special Drag Queen Storytime with @xochi_mochi, celebrating #LGBTQHistoryMonth! 📚❤️💛💚💙💜 (at Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library)