I know lots of people here on Gather are addicted to reading.. but books ain't cheap. The Public Library. of course, is the perfect solution.. except.. some people don't live close to one, or they have kids and it's too much of a hassle to find time to go.. or maybe you don't have transportation to get there. Did you know that many public libraries have a website, where you can download free ebooks or videos? They also have online databases, if you have something you want to research but don't have time to go to the branch and get books. Libraries today offer lots of services .. like homework help and "Ask a Librarian" services to answer questions for you. You can also search for a book you're interested in and put a hold on it, or have it sent from one branch to your local branch if your branch doesn't have it in stock. Then you just have to go pick it up when it's in, without searching or having to drive to a different branch.
But the best thing some public libaries will do, if you have a valid Public Library Card and don't have transportation to get to the library or you're disabled,..they will let you order books and they will mail them to you at your home! They even pay postage both ways in most cases. Not every library will do this.. for instance, the Jacksonville, Florida Library will do this.. but the Middleburg Library.. of course, because it's where I live.. doesn't do it. Of course, most libaries have DVDs, CDs, VHS tapes and/or books on tape there to lend as well.. a search of the Jacksonville Library pulled up movies like "The Bucket List" and "P.S. I Love You".. It might take a while to get the newer releases. unless you're really quick, but if you're patient and put a hold on the ones you like, you can see them for free...and possibly get them delivered to boot! So, if you haven't already been there, and you think you might be interested in getting some books delivered or downloading an ebook, etc., go check out your local libraries website and see what kind of services they offer. If you're lucky, you might be able to get a ton of summer reading done, without even leaving your house.
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Comments: 16
I go to my local library quite often and they're really good about ordering books from other libraries if they don't have it in our library. Which is awesome because I have a lot of books I want to read that they don't have in our local library.
But you left out another feature of a public library that I now take advantage of: most public libraries have used book sales. Some sell used books whenever the library is open, some (like mine) has a used book store open twice a week, some have quarterly used book sales, etc. I hit up the used book sales at all the public libraries that aren't too far from where I live so I can fill my new shelves.
Used books at public libraries are always cheaper than those you can buy online. Mostly that's because there's no S&H charge.