Services Your Library May Offer

Today, having a library card means much more than just having the ability to check out books. Many libraries are providing more and more services for their patrons at absolutely no cost. If you are visiting your library for merely borrowing books, you are missing out on many of the great things that they also have to offer.

Video/DVD Circulation

Blockbuster and other movie rental companies are charging very high fees in order to rent their movies. Most new rentals cost over $4.00 and you are only permitted to keep them for a night or two. Now numerous libraries are allowing you to borrow movies at little to no cost. Many of the movies may be older, but they may have a reserve list for newer releases. Usually the time span for keeping the movies is longer as well. Expect on average to be allowed to keep a movie for a week.

Children's Services

Many people with younger children are at a lost on how to entertain them, especially during the colder months. Check with your local library at what type of programs that they have to offer children. They may have a story time where the kids sit around and listen to a story and sing songs. Puppet shows are also commonplace in the library and will surely delight your toddler. The summer reading program is also a great way to encourage children to read when they are out of school. The library will provide your child with a list of titles that he or she should read during summer vacation. Another good idea is to ask the library if they give tours to children. This will allow the librarian to show your child where everything in the library is and explain how the books are organized.

Literacy Programs

Most libraries are becoming the site of literacy programs for adults. These programs provide tutoring for adults that do not know how to read or have trouble reading. There is usually no charge for this type of tutoring.

Internet Access

Not everyone has easy access to both a computer and the Internet. However, as our world becomes more and more paperless, it is important that if someone needs to use a computer, they have the ability to get to one. This is why it is now commonplace for the library to offer the use of computers with Internet access to its patrons. This is a great service that allows students to use it for a research tool and for others to have access to a computer for personal use.

Tax Assistance Programs

You may have noticed that your library carries the necessary forms to file both your federal and state taxes. Furthermore, libraries now have the option of participating in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. Volunteers of this program are available between February and April to help people file their returns.

These programs make the library an important part of your community. If you do not have a library card, be sure to sign up for one today.