Hello to all,
Music, movies, newspapers, magazines, computers – and oh yeah, books, lots and lots of books.
When was the last time you visited your local library? Has it really been that long?
I am a certified library addict, just ask the customer service folks. The Barr Branch here in St. Louis is my local repository for all things entertaining,
informative and just plain fun. The Barr Branch Library was the first local branch opened in St. Louis on land donated by William Barr and with money donated by Andrew Carnegie. The lion sculpture (see the pics) that flanks the stairs greets you with the ever- grinning face of the Cheshire Cat.
Let me remind you what your local library can do for you:
MUSIC: I did an experiment to show what you can find. The St. Louis library system had 85 of Rolling Ston
e Magazines top 100 songs for 2006 and 47 of the top 50 albums. Add the classical, jazz, soundtracks and kids tunes and you have a cornucopia of tasty ear food.
I have discovered all sorts of music: Jamie Cullum – Karla Kilstedt – Citizen Copeland – Pink Martini to name just a few.
MOVIES: DVD and VHS (remember those?) – Every genre. BBC series like Monarch of the Glen, American TV series like Buffy or Six Feet Under, Nova and many of the newest releases.
NEWSPAPERS & MAGAZINES: It would be perfect if you could have a cup of coffee. Did you know you can check out old issues, take them home and read them at your leisure? That way you can have the coffee.
AND BOOKS, BOOKS, AND MORE BOOKS: Every other month I get Pages Magazine and I order new releases that look interesting. Hear about a good book on NPR - order it. A friend mentions one – order it. Or, just browse. It’s like a bookstore with the Dewey Decimal System.
Do I need to mention that all this is free?
Take advantage of it wherever you are. It is your taxes that make all this possible.
Thanks to the folks at every St. Louis library branch I have visited for their customer service. Extra kudos to everyone, past and present at the Barr Branch.
Namaste, Wayne
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Comments: 10
Fishing poles? No kidding? Today I'll have to ask my librarians what else they offer.
Namaste, Wayne
Isn't it great. I can order whatever I want through the library website, then go pick it up. Like a pizza.
Namaste, Wayne
One library in a rural community where I lived would even loan out power and hand tools, from a rather extensive selection...all donated from a local estate for this purpose.
It is amazing what else I am learning that local libraries loan out.
Hello Barb,
I just returned from mine, too. My favorite place is the check-out desk. Our library folks always have great suggestions and conversation.
Namaste, Wayne
And yeah, it is nice to be able to check out whatever book, dvd, or music CD you want and not pay a penny unless you return it late. I cannot understand people who buy every book they read. Who has that kind of money? If I did that I would say goodbye to $1000 every year and have no room in my house because of all the books.
Please also remember that if you do have books, DVDs, or music CDs that you no longer want, your local library is usually happy to take them and give you a receipt in case you itemize taxes. They will add what they need to their collections, then sell the rest to get additional $ for their collections.