Do you use your local library? [Archive]

Michelle

29th June 2006, 11:45

I've started going to ours quite a lot. I do often find that I have to request specific books, but I have noticed some on the shelves that I eventually want to read.

I try to visit regularly now, as both my girls have their own cards. They have tons of books upstairs, but they seem to prefer getting library books to read!

And yes, most of the staff are lovely, and are starting to recognise us. :)

Sassenach

29th June 2006, 11:58

We don't use a library. Our nearest one is in Perth, 12 miles away, and we could only go at weekends as I don't drive. Buying books is a much easier option for us.

Kell

29th June 2006, 12:00

I used to go to the library about every other day when Dale & I were in our 1st flat, as there was a branch on the corner of our street. I was in there so often that the librarians knew the kind of thing I liked & since they knew I'd be in within a coupole of days, they used to keep things to one side for me if they thought I'd be interested.

I still go occasionally now, but I haven't been in a couple of months as I have so many unread books on my own shelves that I wasnt to get into. Our main library's not bad at all, but it always seems like the books I specifically want are never there & would have to be ordered in - which costs money every time, so I'd end up spending loads of money all the time - LOL! There's a branch just slightly out of my way on my route home from work, which is rather handy too..

Janet

29th June 2006, 13:01

I use the computers in the library sometimes - if I'm killing time before picking up the children from school etc.

I've taken out textbooks, and did have 'Shopaholic and Sister' from them when it came out in hardback, but I don't really like hardbacks and our library doesn't have a very big paperback section.

The children like going to the library - I should probably make more of an effort to take them!

It's closed at the moment for an 8 week refit, so perhaps it will have more to offer when it reopens.

Michelle

29th June 2006, 13:02

Ours does have a really good selection for the children, and like I say, there seems to be something special about getting books from there.. they're obviously better than the huge pile they have upstairs!

Lilywhite

29th June 2006, 13:14

I go to the library every week/two weeks depending on how many books I took out the last time. I love getting books out there and wandering around the isles to see what they have in :)

They do seem to be cutting back though, unfortunately. My library takes up less space now than it used to and since they 'refurbished' it, a lot of books have gone. They spread the books around Lancashire now, so if you want to read a whole series, you have to pay for half of them to be posted in.

muggle not

29th June 2006, 13:49

We have a great library and I use it frequently. They also have a nice website where you can browse their "catalog" and put a hold on items. They then will notify you by email when the item is ready for pickup. There is no charge for using the library and whenever I have requested them to order a book or music CD they have always done so.

Take a look at their website. I like the "Whats New" feature.

http://aries.jmrl.org/screens/mainmenu.html

Sarahrob

29th June 2006, 14:21

I used to go all the time, but once I went to uni I stopped going. Sadly now I don't get there before it closes. I could go on Saturday morning, but that is when I do my shopping, go to the dry cleaners, do my housework, sort my manicure out, go to the post office, sort out my banking and bills, do any gardening chores and once every month go to the hairdressers.

Understandably, the library never gets a look-in!

Michelle

29th June 2006, 14:47

Our library has a website, and you can browse and request books online. However, they insist on sending a letter, rather than an email.. and charge 80p for doing it! :roll:

muggle not

29th June 2006, 15:34

Oh, another nice feature of our library. It keeps a running list on their website of everything that you have ever borrowed (Reading List) and you can log-in your account and view it. It also permits you to delete any or all of the items on your "Reading List" after accessing your account

Sarahrob

29th June 2006, 15:55

Cool. :D

kitty

29th June 2006, 17:32

Dont go to the library as much any more because I was always getting fines. Ours has a really good childrens section, I use to love it when I was younger beause you could sit on a train and read a book.
Thought most of the staff at ours were a bit strange though, often wondered if any of them really went home, cause they always wore the same thing. :wacko:

Louiseog

29th June 2006, 20:34

I would but I owe them a fine from 1998 and am scared of the interest!

Janet

29th June 2006, 20:46

I would but I owe them a fine from 1998 and am scared of the interest!

Surely they'd have waivered them by now? :shock: Or perhaps there is a maximum?

Kell

29th June 2006, 20:47

You should call them, anonymously, & ask what the fine would be for that length of time...

Louiseog

29th June 2006, 21:11

You should call them, anonymously, & ask what the fine would be for that length of time...
Not a bad idea!

Sugar

29th June 2006, 22:38

I go to the library nearly every day - but then I wouldn't get paid if I didn't!!!

Louise - there is usually a maximum fine limit (of a few pounds) that stops increasing when the book is returned, or when it reaches a certain time limit of lateness.

You are only allowed to keep financial data like this for 7 years by law as well - so as of last year you should be free!!!

1sillywabbit

30th June 2006, 11:16

:) I really enjoy going in my library, for a good browse 8-)
but like to keep most of my books so don't often borrow, and I would forget to return them on time :oops:

Wabbit x :wave:

Angel

30th June 2006, 16:20

We've started to use ours alot - especially since Tiger and I have joined here!!! LOL. As a result the boys have started to take out books :reading:

lovesreading06

14th April 2007, 18:07

The library i use is quite big the popular books i would have to reserve but its free so i don't mind.

The staff are nice.

Louiseog

14th April 2007, 18:44

I paid my fine and am a library convert!
reserve stuff on my wishlist and reckon am getting my council tax moneys worth!

samgrosser

14th April 2007, 19:50

I use my local library a lot, but mostly to pick up books I've reserved online from other branches. I tend to use it for non-fiction, particularly when I'm doing research.

The staff are very friendly (mostly!) but it's quite a small library and has a small selection of books. It also, very annoyingly, has all the non-fiction under the heading of Information Books, which is quite useless really. I know now where the appropriate sections are, but it's infuriating to start with, and sooo unnecessary.

Like most libraries, it seems, it has a lot of computers and dvds, which is fine, but not if it means the range of books has to be limited.

Still, without the library my research would cost me a fortune and I really like being able to browse at home and reserve things on line for 50p a go. It also has a great children's section with a reading area which my son loves.

Nici76

14th April 2007, 19:56

I go to our local Library for non fiction but not for fiction as i like to own fiction books and keep them on my bookshelf....

However our local Library is very good and the children's section is very good.

Our local Library was on Richard and Judy a couple of weeks ago as they were reviewing a book there!

lovesreading06

14th April 2007, 20:35

i meant to say my library does all the games aswell

Pc, nitendo ds will gameboy advanced. xbox £1 for 1 week. (max 2 games)

A good range

Laramie

14th April 2007, 20:52

I voted "only occaisionally", cuz the one in town I can only get to in the summer holidays (although I do usually end up going every few days...they always seem to be the same books, though) The library at my school is actually really good. I go in there before school (mainly just to meet my friends LOL, but I sometimes return books or book a computer) at break (meet friends, go on computer, read, or borrow/return books) and at lunch (same as break)

The Librarians at my school library are really nice: they know what books I like and are always trying to find me new books to read (and are the primary reason my TBR list is so enormous!:lol: ) and you can request books, too...although I requested a book halfway through year 7 and they haven't got it. I'm now in year 9. They're also really good if you want information for homework and stuff, as well.

JudyB

14th April 2007, 21:00

Since working at the library I've used it a lot more - it's hard to resist the books when you're with them all day. The branch I work at is fairly small and as a result everyone knows each other - I've always likened it to the Kabin in Coronation Street. Because it is small we have limited space for books but are always happy to track down titles for our readers or put forward their suggestions for new books. One of the benefits of working in the library is that I'm on hand to pick up books for my daughter - she's always loved reading but now permanently has a book on the go.

happyanddandy

14th April 2007, 22:31

I am able to access several libraries as I live in suburbia. They have loads of computers for free use although you have to book a space in advance. The nearest library is nearly always full with students and adults alike - it has a good atmosphere. There is a large selection of audio books and because of the area I live a big selection of Gujarati books.

I borrow regularly - my current reading book is from the library. There is a very grumpy librarian - my husband is determined to make him smile one of these days. :)

JudyB

15th April 2007, 07:39

There is a very grumpy librarian - my husband is determined to make him smile one of these days. :)

How can you be grumpy working in a library? I have to confess though that one or two customers scare me a bit but even then I just smile! - nervously!

happyanddandy

15th April 2007, 09:28

Exactly - we can't believe he has chosen to work there - he is stony faced and barely speaks. Fortuantely there are lots of others who are great.:lol:

Ronny

15th April 2007, 09:41

I visit my library weekly, I also volunteer there, I do story time for the preschoolers and sometimes shelf, stamp new books, discuss and plan activities for the kids. I love the staff and they have a good selection, I do occasionally have to order something from other branches.

Bunny

15th April 2007, 09:52

I visit the library for books when I'm wanting design ideas but when it comes to novels I admit I should go there more often and save money instead of buying loads of books

angerball

15th April 2007, 11:33

I visit my local library quite frequently, sometimes several times a week. :blush: Even though I have a ton of books on my TBR list, I just love browsing through other books at the library. :mrgreen:

lovesreading06

15th April 2007, 11:38

I got about 6 books out i think thats enough at the max amount of books i can get is 14

My pal can get Max 20 books

Louiseog

15th April 2007, 11:46

My library is brilliant...
I can get 15 books, story tapes are free, kids can get 10 each. No reservation fee and all online!

Rosie

15th April 2007, 17:41

I use my library quite often. I usually take three or four books out at a time but always end up having to renew one of them :blush: Luckily I can renew books online and also reserve books and check the library catalogue on-line too. Libraries are wonderful places:)

Tiger

15th April 2007, 17:44

Angel and I use our library a fair amount, they have some very interseting things in there.

kitty_kitty

15th April 2007, 17:53

No but i am looking forward to moving as they have a huge library which i am looking forward to using

Michelle

15th April 2007, 19:45

Reservations are 80p at mine, and I'm sure I saw that was going up to 90p!

madcow

15th April 2007, 19:47

My library charges 60p per reservation, it's only a small library so If it is a popular book I am after I need to reserve it.

lovesreading06

15th April 2007, 20:39

my library used to charge but i don't think anyone reserved books. Its now free to reserve and plus there have got an online site.

Ronny

16th April 2007, 09:38

I would be in trouble if my library started charging for reserved titles, but so far I don't think it's in the plans. I did like my prior library's online system (I could reserve up to 100 items at a time, keep track of when they would be in, suspend items if I was going out of town and didn't want to lose my hold spot, renew items all from home) better than my current library's system (it is a much smaller library and you must go in to reserve or renew and often have no idea when your reserved copies may arrive).

Icecream

16th April 2007, 15:59

It seems I need to reserve quite a few of the books I want on line. It is a nice sized library, but is small compared to many others, however, they don't seem to stock popular books very much (so it is good for finding something different). I have therefore, paid a few 60p reservation fees.

My library seems to be good for reference books and they have a good children's library. We might as well have a children's library upstairs. When I sort those books out properly I will decide if it is worthwhile enrolling Katie yet. If we have enough picture/baby books I might wait until she is old enough to appreciate goin and can get something out of visiting.

pontalba

16th April 2007, 18:44

Our library doesn't charge to reserve a book, but I still rarely use it. Only if I am fairly certain I won't like a book that is scheduled for a reading thread have I done it.

I guess I just hate giving back a book. Especially if I've enjoyed it a lot. Plus I write in my paperback books [in pencil!], and of course we can't do that with a Library book.
So I voted for the occasional use.

Michelle

16th April 2007, 21:23

Louiseog

17th April 2007, 15:26

Emma, our library were encouraging parents to enroll their babies and toddlers. Amy loves coming home with a new selection of books to look through, even though she has loads in her bedroom! And she loves having her own card.. makes her feel important! :)
Was just going to say the same, Littley loves having his card and choosing, he often chooses things that he already has and that's a new lease of life for that book but also he picks stuff that is quite hard and he is now desparate to unlock the reading code!

Icecream

17th April 2007, 21:39

I know kids like libraries. That's what I mean. Katie is far too young to uderstand what books are at the moment. As long as we have some picture books and baby books I can look at those with her for now. When she's old enough I'll then take her to the library..

Pilgrim

18th April 2007, 01:43

When my daughter was young, I'd take her. It was a wonderful experience. Every week or so books and tapes.

Polka Dot Rock

18th April 2007, 10:44

Katie is far too young to uderstand what books are at the moment.

As babies go, I think Katie will be among the first to know what a book is, with a mum like you Emma :)

kitty_kitty

18th April 2007, 12:52

I loved libraries as a kid but i stopped going to my village library as the woman who worked there was an evil miserable witch so we used to go to the bigger library!!!

My friend who was pregnant read loads of kids books when she was pregnant so the baby could get happy book vibes!!!

lovesreading06

18th April 2007, 15:47

My friend who was pregnant read loads of kids books when she was pregnant so the baby could get happy book vibes!!!

I bet she loved reading kids books.

Kell

18th April 2007, 16:56

My friend who was pregnant read loads of kids books when she was pregnant so the baby could get happy book vibes!!!My Mam used to bring home bags-full of children's books from the library when she was pregnant with me and read them all aloud so I'd get used to her voice rhythms as she read to me. It must have worked because I still adore books! She tried it again when she was preggers with my sis and encouraged me to "read to the baby" too (although I was only three at the time). I guess my childish tones put Leni off as she's not much of a reader at all - LOL!

JudyB

18th April 2007, 19:05

Icecream - have you had your book bag for Katie yet? They're free and you get them from your health visitor or the library - there will be two more bundles when she's a bit older. Sorry can't remember off the top of my head whether it's 18 months and 3. When she gets a bit older a lot of libraries do reading schemes where you can get certificates for taking out/reading a number of books. Your local library may also do storytime or rhyme time.

Icecream

19th April 2007, 16:37

Aww thank Amy.

Judy - I thnk I heard omethng about it but haven't received it yet. It's when she's a bit older I think..

JudyB

19th April 2007, 19:35

Judy - I thnk I heard omethng about it but haven't received it yet. It's when she's a bit older I think..

The scheme is called BookStart and the first bag is 0-12 months, 18-30 months and then 36-48 months. I think they generally give the first one at 7-9 months.

Michelle

20th April 2007, 10:42

Ooh.. Amy is due the treasure chest one soon.. that looks good. :mrgreen:

Renniemist

20th April 2007, 13:36

As long as I can remember I have visited a local library. The library nearest to me at the moment is very small, but the ladies there are very nice and there usually is a big choice. I very rarely ask for a book to be reserved.

I really should stop going for a while because I have so many books on my shelves.

madcow

20th April 2007, 13:37

I keep saying that Rennie but fail miserably :lol:

Renniemist

20th April 2007, 13:40

Unfortunately so do I Jules.:mrgreen:

rock_faery_666

21st April 2007, 15:44

I should probably use it more...but I live in the middle of nowhere and it's a two-mile walk to the library, so perhaps I can be forgiven a little bit...

Amy

22nd April 2007, 19:47

I tend to visit the public library maybe a couple of times a week, whenever I think of something that I feel like looking up. I trained to be a librarian - I'm now lapsed - and I love the atmosphere of libraries. One of my clearest memories of late childhood is going into Plymouth - the nearest reasonable size city to my home town - on late night opening evenings. Dad would go to the reference part of the library, as he was doing family history research, and I would head for the ghost section and be fascinated and slightly scared by local ghost stories from Dartmoor. :hide:

I have been a university student for a couple of years now, but I have nearly finished and I know that one thing I will really miss is the library. Public libraries are great - and the one in Exeter has a great drama and music section - but an academic library has even more scope for exploration.. :readingtwo:

mrstrecool

23rd April 2007, 11:17

I love going to the library, but ours is very small. They get all the new books in, but I usually have to order them because there are so many people after 1 copy! The staff are very friendly and know me and my children really well now. My boys have their own cards and enter all the reading schemes the library do to encourage kids to read. My eldest has got 3 medals from there, and my little one is reading towards getting a teddy bear!
The only problem with going to the library is that my TBR pile keeps getting bigger instead of smaller!

A friend of mine used to live in London and she says their library had a cafe in it so you could have a coffee while looking at the books you were thinking of taking out! How blissful would that be :D

ellie

24th April 2007, 16:20

vampire82

24th April 2007, 16:26

Hi, just joined this site. I am an avid library goer and now that mine is open on a sunday i go a lot more often.
:readingtwo:

lovesreading06

24th April 2007, 16:28

you so lucky vampire82. My pal one opened on sunday. Mine isn't :(

Squawk

24th April 2007, 16:52

The library near me just recently started opening on a Wednesday. You can forget the Weekends!

As I said in another thread, I got to the library and will until I'm dead...Fred.

There is my local one, and then there is all those South-East/Mid Essex county ones where I can reach easy enough (Southend/Chelmsford etc.).

One more thing I'd like to ask though, has anyone ever been to the British Library in London? And how do you go about getting books out there, I mean do they have cards?

I have no idea how it works, yes.

lovesreading06

24th April 2007, 17:05

last year or the year before. It used to close at 12 noon on sat but stayed open all wedenday. I think a lot of people complaned so it back to the way it was. wed half day sat till 4

Amy

24th April 2007, 20:22

Amy,
I am new to this site, hope I am doing this right.:readingtwo:
When I had finished my studies at Birmingham University, I applied for an Alumni card, it cost £30, This allows me access to all the library's on campus, and the loan of 6 books. I am a regular visitor, and I really enjoy the amphosphere
Ellie

Thanks, Ellie.

I used to work at an academic library and they had a similar scheme. I haven't looked into whether they do at my current university, but I was hoping they might. Now I know a couple of university libraries do it, it makes me a bit more hopeful that mine might also.

And I'm quite new as well! :)

Michelle

24th April 2007, 20:33

Welcome to our new members.. always nice to see. :) We have an introductions forum (http://bookclubforum.co.uk/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=11), if you'd like to tell us a little more about yourselves.

Essexgirl

29th April 2007, 20:59

I use the library all the time and my local one is very good. They recently closed for a month for refurbishment and I was lost without them.

Squawk

29th April 2007, 21:41

I use the library all the time and my local one is very good. They recently closed for a month for refurbishment and I was lost without them.

Yeah I saw that, was the first time in ages I need to use them and they weren't open.

They have re-opened now though right? I mean what did they do with all the books whilst they were closed?

Essexgirl

30th April 2007, 19:08

They reopened 26th April. They've installed a new self service computer system and generally re-arranged everything. I think the books just stayed there while they did it all

Squawk

30th April 2007, 20:04

Ah I see. Hockley Library has had one of those for ages now! :tong:

Stadi

1st May 2007, 11:04

After deciding I should read more I got myself a library pass a few months ago. Not for the library in my village because they have an awful selection, they probably have like 10 english books xd.
So now I have to travel 2 hours every few weeks to get the books I like, and being as impatient as I am I just got a pass without checking their selection first.
Which as it turned out was a pretty stupid thing to do because they don't have a very good selection, either that or I just read the not so popular books :o

The first week I decided to request a few books from another branch, but that turned out to be quite expensive. So now I'll just have to stop being so picky about the books I want to read or get them from Amazon.
I haven't decided yet whether I should renew the pass next year.

lovesreading06

1st May 2007, 14:52

do yo have to pay for you library card?

Blossom

1st May 2007, 16:48

I used to use my local library quite a lot, but kept forgetting to return my books! I tend to use it more for research/text books than ordinary reading matter.

The better of our two local libraries has just been closed down, despite protest and petitions...

Kerri

Stadi

1st May 2007, 17:27

do yo have to pay for you library card?

Yep, I think the cheapest card is like €20, but I wanted no limit on the amount of books I could borrow so mine was €35.
It'll be a bit cheaper if I'd renew it next year but it would still cost around €30.

Squawk

1st May 2007, 18:46

:irked:

You should revolt.

Karen

2nd June 2007, 10:50

I'm a regular visitor to my local library. I go every Friday in my lunch hour - that's not to say that I always get books out, but if I see one I like the sound of I'll get it while I see it.

The main library in my town is a fairly decent sized one with smaller ones situated in different ares of the town and you can borrow books and return them to any of them, but I tend to stick to the main central library as it's within minutes of where I work so it's easier for me to get to.

I have to say though that it's only recently, within the last six months or so that I've noticed they seem to be getting newly published books in within weeks of them being published. Where as before you had to wait ages for them to arrive...months even.

maclsj

17th June 2007, 08:02

I have always always used libraries, but then thats because my parents are librarians so I've always been around libraries. My Dad's current job actually means they live in a library (literally) so for the 10 years or so before I left home I used to live in a library too!

I've stopped buying books for the most part as my job means I'm on contracts that can last anything from 2 months to 2 years and I tend to have to move around the country a bit (last job was in Scotland, current job in NE England, new job down in Somerset!). Libraries mean I can continue to read without adding more 'stuff' to cart around the country and I can save money. I also know that if I don't use my local library that eventually the politicians will decide to close it.

The other really good thing about a library is that it can (if its big enough!) give you a whole range of books to try. So in my current mood of expanding what I read the library seems the perfect place to find some of these books I want to try.

Ok so I'm being cheap and not supporting the author by buying it myself but sometimes you have to think about your own situation in life first.

Oblomov

17th June 2007, 12:10

I used to use it more than I do now. Still, I want to revert to the older habit, now that I don't work on Wednesdays. The problem though, is that the local library in Wootton Bassett is rather small and limited in its stock. I suppose I can ask them to order a specific book for me but it can never be the same because it is always nice to browse and thumb through a book before borrowing.

maclsj

17th June 2007, 12:53

I'm sorry to hear that Oblomov.

Thats always going to be a problem, smaller libraries will have limited stock. For many years I've been lucky enough to have my nearest library be one of the main libraries in the area so usually have a good stock of books. Once I lived in a tiny Scottish village, the nearest library was the next village along but it was closed whilst I lived there for refurbishment and opened a few weeks before I left. For my entire time there I had to therefore get on a bus and travel to the nearest town that had a library which was half an hour away (it was also where the nearest supermarket was too). It really made me cut down on what I as reading because everytime I went to the library I was loosing the Saturday morning shopping at all the local shops :(

Anyway, now I live opposite a library (yes, I don't know how I managed it either!) and where I'm moving to next month has a pretty substantial library too so I'm really lucky. I have to admit I'm not keen on browsing too much as I keep managing to pick duds! I'm really glad I've made a 'to read' list here and I'm picking up loads of reviews because its really going to help me find books I want to read.

Janet

17th June 2007, 16:25

I used to use it more than I do now. Still, I want to revert to the older habit, now that I don't work on Wednesdays.
Our library closes all day on a Wednesday. :( It annoys me that our council spent £millions on the Bath Spa (and where I live, we pay more council tax towards it than the residents who live in Bath do) and yet they can't 'afford' to pay to keep the library open all week. What really annoys me is that the library in the next town also closes on a Wednesday - you'd have thought they'd pick different days to close. :roll:

I hope your library doesn't do likewise if Wednesday is your day off.

Fiona

18th June 2007, 00:07

I should - I know I should. I have sometimes, but I'm so bad with taking books back I may as well buy them!

Sometimes, I see a book in the library and get it out but don't really fancy reading it then so it goes on the back burner, that's my problem. Choosing my next book to read is a rather random process sometimes.

My problem with libraries is that, they are often in hardback and I despise hardback. I'd much rather read paperback. The only hard back books I'll get is HP because I won't wait till it comes out in paperback! I do have some h/b but not many... it just depends on the size of the volume. I just hate reading them, they're so uncomfortable and heavy and bulky. And the library has 90% hardbacks... although my local (when I'm not at uni) library stocks p/b. However, my local library is also rubbish and seems to contain only the rubbish books. So... :(

Kylie

18th June 2007, 00:43

I paid a visit to my local library on the weekend for the first time in about 7 years.

I wanted to see if they had Terry Pratchett's Discworld books, because I want to read them but don't know if I want to invest all that money buying them. They only had about the last 5-6 books that were published. Looks like I'll be buying them after all!

They had some other books there that I wouldn't mind reading but I couldn't find any books for a lot of the authors that I'm really interested in reading.

maclsj

18th June 2007, 05:47

Certainly in England you can request a copy of any book you want to read. They will charge you a request fee (in my local library that 80p) and either get it from another library or buy a copy. If you want to get a book that is often out you can reserve that too, again for the same fee.

As for not getting through books quick enough before they have to be returned I must admit I find being able to log on and see my library account and request books/renew books has been really really helpful!

Different libraries work slightly differently though, but its worth a try.

Icecream

18th June 2007, 10:25

My local library has a baby group. I'm gong to take Katie next year (it is on at the same time as my current baby group and I think she will get more out of it next year when we finish our current one anyway).

lovesreading06

18th June 2007, 15:23

wed my library close at 12 noon. It used to be open all day wedendsay and close at 12 on sat but there were lots of complants. Sat it now open till 4. wed it close at 12.
The other days it open from 9 am- 7.30.

Icecream

18th June 2007, 21:32

Lot's of libraries do half days on a Wed or Tue.

This morning I went shopping and on the way back I saw a Linrary van coming down the road (towards the library). I don't think I've seen one before (not a mobile library, some type of library service van. I forget the word it said after library (followed by Lancashire County [Service]). Perhaps it was taking books between the libraries.

lovesreading06

18th June 2007, 21:39

is it mabey those vans that takes books to the the people that can't get out the house.

Oblomov

19th June 2007, 14:14

We lived in the outskirts of Birmingham fro 1987 to 1992 and I used to go at least twice a month to the massive library in the city centre. It has a huge collection and was very good to research your pet subject.

angerball

20th June 2007, 12:43

Odd that so many libraries close on Wednesday at noon, or all day. I wonder if that's an English thing - is there some kind of tradition/story behind that? :10_confused: I don't recall any Australian libraries that close early on one day of the week.

My local library closes at noon on a Wednesday too, but the library one town over (in the same local group of libraries) is open all day Wednesday, and closes at noon on Thursday. So it's not too bad - if I feel the urge to go to the library, I can always find one open. :D

Icecream

20th June 2007, 13:10

It isn't just libraries. Universities do it too.

maclsj

20th June 2007, 13:28

My library closes all day Thursday and does half day on Saturday. Wednesday is a normal day!

lovesreading06

20th June 2007, 15:29

The reason my library does most shops a few years ago used to be half day on a wedensday.

JudyB

20th June 2007, 21:35

I know that at the library I work at that even when it is closed the librarians still come in to work to do behind the scenes work. Plus it is open very late one evening a week so it probably allows staff to have time off especially as it (like most libraries) is open on a Saturday.

There are mobile libraries and delivery vans - the delivery van takes the books from one library to another - we have exchanges (where we rotate stock with other libraries), book reservations, and books returned to other libraries in the county coming back to their 'home' library.

Icecream

21st June 2007, 14:43

I think the van I saw was a delivery van for houses as Laura said, unless it does both, as it was very full of books, but I saw another one yesterday coming from the side street by my house.

I saw a school library delivery van today too when I went to baby group (school next to childrem's centre).

As for Saturdays, that is not a half day strictly. Most places have different hours on Sat. I think my library goes to 8 on a Monday but can't remember if it closes one day or not. It's open on Saturdays.

maclsj

22nd June 2007, 07:11

The library my Mum works at seems to be open every day except bank holidays. It's certainly open Sundays as my Mum has to work 1 Sunday in every 4. Its open until 8pm on Tuesdays (her late night) and I think possibly Thursdays too. Rest of the week its open til 5pm (or 4pm on Sundays). It certainly seems to be open a lot!

JudyB

22nd June 2007, 20:28

Talisman

4th February 2008, 22:00

I use mine a lot and not just for borrowing books - also CD's and to collect local information for the newsletter that I edit. The staff there are brilliant and very helpful.

lovesreading06

4th February 2008, 22:32

My pal library. The one in town centre is open everyday. Her local one is closed on a sunday.

March

5th February 2008, 09:54

Yes, i love the library especially the newer, modern ones. Besides the main library (stand alone buildings), there are also smaller in some shopping centres here. They are open everyday from 10am to 9pm, except on public holidays.

Echo

5th February 2008, 11:42

I'm trying to use it, but they don't have anything!:lol:

writeoff

11th February 2008, 18:15

My library's only small but there's a pretty good selection of books. They don't seem to buy hardbacks any more but then neither do I. The staff are very friendly. The only problem is the opening hours aren't so good.

LucyD

12th February 2008, 11:37

roddglenn

12th February 2008, 11:39

I haven't used my library in years actually. I used to love going to the library and mooching around, but I tend to use the internet for research purposes now and buy books either from bookshops or online through Amazon or eBay.

Michelle

12th February 2008, 12:03

Lucy, I'm jealous.. I can't get my daughter interested in Enid Blyton!

Icecream

12th February 2008, 19:17

I use it every few weeks, largely for the kids' books (they are all voracious readers too especially my eldest daughter who seems to be on a mission to read everything Enid Blyton ever wrote at the moment). Occasionally, I'll pick up something for me - like a hardback I'd feel guilty about buying myself! - but I have copped a lot of library fines over the years so never get more than one at a time.

That is what I tend to do. I take my daughter to the library every two or three weeks and we choose new books together and now and again I will look for something I am interested in reading, or browse and something will catch my eye. I look forward to taking both my children to choose their own books when they are older.

My old Enid Blyton books are in Katie's room so in a few years she might see them herself.

Michelle - Is that Beth? Has she tried reading Blyton at all?

happyanddandy

13th February 2008, 11:28

Lucy, I'm jealous.. I can't get my daughter interested in Enid Blyton!

I didn't succeed either!!

Ice Cream - do they have Storytime at your library? I used to take my children to storytime at the library for under 5s - they were both engrossed in amongst all the other kids wandering around making noise and stuff :lol:

Nici76

13th February 2008, 11:34

And Robbie wouldn't read them either and he is probably too old now. :irked:

kateleopald

13th February 2008, 12:31

I love libraries. o many people just think of them as book lenders, but they are real treasure troves for local stuff (history etc).

Icecream

13th February 2008, 19:05

I didn't succeed either!!

Ice Cream - do they have Storytime at your library? I used to take my children to storytime at the library for under 5s - they were both engrossed in amongst all the other kids wandering around making noise and stuff :lol:

Yes. I just haven't got around to getting there, for lots of reasons. I thought Katie was a bit too young for the storytime until recently, the music session is on at the same time as baby group, and then there is getting out in time to walk downtown for the session. It is time for a change now that Katie is one and can't go to baby group, so I think we will either go to toddle group and the music session at the library, or the storytime and the 0-5 group (the library groups are on the same mornings as the other groups). I am going to go to both toddle groups this week to see how Katie likes them.

Karen

13th February 2008, 19:29

I have a real problem with my library...as in I can't seem to go in there without getting more books out. I'm trying to get through my hugh TBR pile at the moment so I'm not allowed to buy books and I'm trying not to get books out from the library until the pile is considerably smaller, but even when I go to the library to take books back I somehow find myself walking past the front desk and going in...just for a browse mind you and before you know it I'm checking half a dozen books out. I'm a hopeless case!

happyanddandy

13th February 2008, 19:34

lol Karen - I have a book due back tomorrow and I know I will have the same problem :mrgreen:

megan

13th February 2008, 20:16

I love using my library. I can get on line and they have a very good range of books, magazines and movies. I even finally got my hubby signed up for a library card. We can go to any of the 3 branches in town and only once have I had to "special order" a book but it only took about 4 days to get in. The librarian's are very helpfull and very informative.

Karen

13th February 2008, 20:21

I don't think my library has a website, or at least I've never seen it advertised or anything.

There are a number of local libraries in my town, all of which I can use, but to be honest with you I've only ever used the main one in the centre of town mainly because it's easy to get to and I can nip across in my lunch hour.

JudyB

13th February 2008, 20:41

Try your county council website - that's where ours is found.

Karen

13th February 2008, 20:46

Try your county council website - that's where ours is found.
Thanks for the tip. Don't know why I didn't check there to begin with.

It only takes you to a page describing the libraries facilities and opening times and what not though.

JudyB

13th February 2008, 20:56

Thanks for the tip. Don't know why I didn't check there to begin with.

It only takes you to a page describing the libraries facilities and opening times and what not though.

That's a shame - I suppose it varies between counties - ours allows you to renew and order books online plus there are useful links and 'good reads' pages.

muggle not

14th February 2008, 00:19

I miss the library we had in Charlottesville, Virginia. The one we have here in Greensboro, NC is not near as good and is not managed as well.

Michelle

14th February 2008, 12:28

Karen, my library does have an online facility, but it's impossible to find unless you know the actual url. (Which is a pain when I can't remember it!) So it might be worth asking in there.

Karen

14th February 2008, 12:54

Thanks Michelle. I'll ask next time I'm in there as I'm kind of surprised that they don't (seem to) have one. I mean it's quite a good library with a big IT centre and what not so it's kind of surprising that they don't have their own online facility. I've definitely never seen it advertised or anything like that but I guess that doesn't necessarily mean that they don't have one.

kitty_kitty

14th February 2008, 14:19

My library must hate me as i am always ordering books on line and i always take back a stash and take out a stash too

angerball

14th February 2008, 21:48

^Nah, Kitty_Kitty, they must love you!! :mrgreen:

JudyB

14th February 2008, 22:45

My library must hate me as i am always ordering books on line and i always take back a stash and take out a stash too

Libraries need people to use them for them to survive - so they probably love you. People like you are good for our figures!:D

Michelle

14th February 2008, 22:53

That's good to know - I often feel bad when I return and take out a pile of books for the girls! Now I know I'm helping the figures look good! :D

Icecream

14th February 2008, 23:02

Katie got her second bookcrawl certificate last week. Two at the age of one!

Karen - I have never seen my library website advertised, but it is very good, although it takes some navigating. It is a regional one on the council website.

nessiehibs

14th February 2008, 23:11

nope, im not even sure if its still open.

Its in a really bad place which is a shame. There is another close by which is good. :)

Karen

15th February 2008, 09:13

Karen - I have never seen my library website advertised, but it is very good, although it takes some navigating. It is a regional one on the council website.
I found the website for mine - well actually lovesreading06 found it for me! Thanks again!

Pierced Musie

16th February 2008, 10:47

To me there are 4 local libraries.

Village Library - This used to be an amazing place to sit and read in but in the last few years less books are on offer and more computers are taking up the space. Stupid place:motz:.

Stratford Library - This is a lot nicer then the village library but seems to be limited on Fiction books. They deal with a lot more educational books. I use this library the most.

Stratford College Library - I go to this one if I want to be around others. It's a packed library and not quiet at all but nice enough.

Leamington Library - I go to this library whenever I am in the town. You have a massive library, study area, DVD's and a museum, with a restraunt. I love it! If you are ever in Leamington, head to the library mmmkay!

pinky

22nd February 2008, 14:52

no because the only library i can think of near me is about an hours walk and there isnt a bus to get there either which is a shame i would love to take my 2 year old there and spend all day reading books:mrgreen: