How to Use a Public Library

They can assist with research and help you locate materials. You might be surprised at just how much librarians can do. Sure, they can help you find any books, movies, or anything else you’re looking for. But they’re also actually trained research assistants and can help you look up information, access databases, or find materials you can use. All you have to do is ask and they’ll be happy to assist.^{[5] [6]}

• Librarians can also help you look for jobs, fill out applications, register to vote, and even file your taxes. Seriously, librarians are superheroes. If there’s something they can’t help you with, they can likely point you to someone or somewhere that can.
• They can also help you out with your homework, too!

It’s a great space for working and learning. Bring a book or set up your laptop in one of the library's quiet study rooms. Some libraries may also cubicles you can use while you’re there as a sort of temporary office. Take advantage of the peace and quiet to get some work done, learn something, or simply enjoy a great read.^[7]

• You may need to reserve a cubicle ahead of time, so check with your librarian.
• Some libraries may even offer whole rooms you can reserve to work in.

Libraries offer public computers and wifi you can use. Use your library card number to log on to one of the public computers or ask a librarian to help you access one. You can also use your card information in order to access and use wireless internet (wi-fi) if your library offers it. Look up information, send some emails, check out social media, or just surf the net!^[8]

• There may be a time limit for how long you can access a public computer, so just keep that in mind.

You can look through past editions as well as the latest ones. Most libraries have subscriptions to many of the major national and local newspapers and magazines, so you can flip through the latest ones. You can also check out the database and collections your library maintains to read previous editions or to even look through historical ones. Ask your librarian about how you can access the collections.^[9]

• For instance, you may be able to look through microfilms of newspapers and magazines from decades or even a hundred years ago!
• You can also read the latest New York Times or Washington Post without having to get a subscription of your own simply by going to the library.

Many libraries offer a wide variety for you to enjoy. Some libraries hold author nights where a writer comes in to talk about their latest book or project and you can buy their work (they might even sign it for you). Your library may also offer programs such as storytime for children, gaming clubs or karaoke for teens, and classes and lectures for adults that could be on a variety of topics like meditation or life skills. Take a look at what your library has to offer and check out anything that looks interesting to you!^[10]

• Most libraries keep a calendar of scheduled events and programming so you can take a look through them.

Some libraries have a seed bank you can look through. Yes, it’s true! While libraries can plant the seeds of knowledge in people’s minds, they can also help you plant seeds of your own—literally. Some libraries keep a collection of seed packets that you can check out and take home to plant. Ask your librarian if your branch has a seed bank. If they do, take a look at what they’ve got and take home whatever you’d like to try to grow.^[11]

• You can try growing some veggies, herbs, peppers, flowers, or whatever you like!
• There might be a limit for how many seed packets you can take home.

There are a ton of things you can check out and enjoy. It’s no small secret that you can borrow books from libraries, which is super great, but did you know there are other things you can borrow? You can check out DVDs, CDs, and sometimes even toys! Find the items that appeal to you and take them to a librarian at the front desk. They’ll check it out for you and you’re all set.^{[12] [13]}

• Most books can be borrowed for 3 weeks at a time, but movies and music may be a bit shorter. For instance, you may only be able to borrow a DVD for a week at a time.
• You can also request books through your library’s website and they’ll place them on hold so all you have to do is pick them up!

Download an app or access them through the website. If you have an e-reader, log in to the library’s remote or digital services using your library card. Take a look at what’s available and borrow what you like. You’ll be able to read or listen to it for a period of time and usually, it’ll automatically be returned once your time is up.^[14]

• Some libraries also have apps you can download and use to check out e-books and audiobooks so you can read or listen to them on your phone or tablet.
• You may even be able to borrow and stream digital media such as movies and music through your library’s website or app.

If no one has requested the item, it should be fine. If your books or other materials from the library are just about due, simply request to extend your loan and you can keep them for a few more weeks. If someone else has requested the item, you may need to return it and request to have it again once it’s available.^[15]

• You may not be able to extend your loan for some items such as movies.

Another library in the system may have it. If you can’t find something like a book or movie in your branch, ask your librarian to look it up and see if another library in the system has it. If it does, you can request it and it’ll be brought to your library so you can pick it up! You may even be able to request items through an inter-library loan, which means you can request them from across the country.^[16]

• You may need to wait a few days or weeks for the items to arrive after you request them.

You can access classes, tutorials, market research, and other resources. Use your library card to log in to your library’s online resources. You can access them at your local branch or log in to your library’s website from home (or anywhere else). Look through the free lectures, classes, and other programs available and access any of them that interest you.^[17]

• For instance, you may be able to learn how to use a program like Adobe Photoshop or Microsoft Powerpoint for free.
• You can also take advantage of courses that teach you about subjects like entrepreneurship, starting a business, or saving for retirement.
• Most public and university libraries have databases that provide access to scholarly articles.^[18]

Most libraries offer free language learning programs. Log in to your library’s online resources to see what language learning services they offer. Your library may also have clubs or programming where people get together to learn and study a language. Ask your librarian what resources they offer to help you learn a new language and get started!^[19]