Use your local Library
I have such fond memories of visiting our local library when we were little. We would all be let loose to mill about and select which books we wanted to borrow, and it is through this freedom that I first discovered some of my favourite authors and genres. It also felt incredibly special to me to have my own library card and to be allowed to choose my own books and be responsible for them.
Being active members of our local library helped teach us the need to look after things that do not belong to us; something we aim to pass on to the littles in our lives. It also supported us with our time management and understanding of sharing with strangers as you do not have unlimited time with the items you are borrowing, and sometimes there is someone waiting to borrow the book you temporarily have.
Signing up to your local library is free and takes just a few minutes. All you need is a copy of your address and proof of ID, I used my driving licence which ticked both of these boxes, and was handed my card just moments later. Borrowing books is usually free, although there can be exceptions to this rule, and some books must remain in the library, but they can still be accessed.
Libraries are such a wonderful resource and one that is ever-changing to keep up with the world. When someone says library my mind immediately thinks of shelves upon shelves of books (the library from Beauty and the Beast essentially), but the reality is that libraries cater to so many more needs.
As well as being able to borrow books you can also borrow films, music and audiobooks, all for a fraction of the price of buying them new. You can borrow multiple items at any one time and will be given details regarding how long you can keep the item for, how to return items, as well as late fees and other such admin when you sign up.
When it comes to books most libraries have an extensive range and variety, anything from encyclopedias to fiction, and often they can request a particular book be shipped to them from another local library should you be so keen to read it, which is wonderful. They are also likely to have quiet spaces to sit and read which I always like if I am trialling a book that’s a little ‘out there’ compared to my usual tastes, although I appreciate this might not be plausible for those of you popping in with little people!
Livvy’s favourite thing about the library is the app. You can view your account and it will list all books, DVDs etc that you currently have out as well as their return dates. If you wish to renew an item you can do this on the app (unless it has been requested by someone else). You can also search on the app and it will bring up all of the options across Kent. To get it sent to your library will cost 80p for adults, but is free for under 18’s. Another quick thing worth noting is that children’s books taken out on a children’s library card don’t occur late fees.
Speaking of little people, did you know that libraries often have children’s groups? Whilst these all came to a stop due to Covid-19, now that the UK is reopening we will likely see these options returning, providing a safe, educational environment for your littles and the chance for a sit down for you bigs. It’s best to enquire directly with your local library as these vary depending on location and I do not want to give out any false information!
Libraries also provide access to computers, printing and photocopying and for those who would benefit from it, they offer computer courses, teaching you how to set up an email address and use the internet. These courses and use of computers are usually free although you may need to book yourself a slot in advance. Printing and photocopying are very reasonably priced and offer both black and white and coloured options. For most people printing and copying at the library is a cheaper and more environmentally friendly option than having a printer in their home that is rarely used.
Library opening times are not always the most extensive, however, to help prevent issues with returning books and accruing late fees, you can safely and securely return items out of hours. I really love this aspect of libraries as if I am unable to pop in at the weekend I don’t automatically face late fees for not returning items as I can pop them in the returns bin at any time of day.
There are also mobile libraries that bring the goods to you (or rather, to your town) and whilst the selection is obviously reduced, heading out to our mobile library during the day with my mama is such a special memory of mine. If you would like to see when the Kent mobile libraries are going to be near you next you can do so here.
As well as all of the above, it is worth touching on how environmentally friendly libraries are; think how many people get to borrow and return a book throughout its lifetime, as opposed to it being read once and then left on the shelf. One book can serve dozens of individuals, hundreds even, and the amount of water that is saved by borrowing an existing book as opposed to creating a new one is phenomenal as it takes approximately two glasses of water to produce each page of a book.
We do hope that you will sign up to your local library if you haven’t already, who knows, you might discover a new favourite author.
Happy reading,
Summer and Livvy
