The Biblio Blogazine

Amy asked if I would be willing to write a guest post about supporting my local library, or really, why I love and support my local library. It is the second in a series of three guest posts for her blog, My Friend Amy.

I’ve made it clear through a few posts and comments left around the blogosphere, that I tend to purchase most of my books from a group called Friends of the Library who run a bookstore called Secondhand Prose. Proceeds benefit the Washoe County Library System (WCLS).

Their mission is “to strengthen public libraries in Washoe County. Backed by the belief that libraries are uniquely democratic, Friends promote, advocate for, and seek, funding for libraries. Through our projects, we strive to give children an educational head start, encourage literacy, and foster life-long learning and recreation for adults.”

An amazing but true fact: their volunteers recycle and use over 75 tons of books annually. Yes, that’s right – 75 tons!

This is a cause supports the love of learning, reading, education, and literacy. One that means as much to individuals as it does the community.

It is one that all of us should be concerned about.

This is why, and how, I support my local library:

1. They have a Library Card that fits on my keychain, making it to always have my number available for logging into my account. With their online access, I can check on the status of books or any other materials I need. If they are available and not at my branch, I can ask that they be transferred and held. I get an automated phone call to let me know they have arrived, or I can check online myself.

   Also, the bar code on the back also makes it amazingly quick to check out items as they are only a scan away.

2. MP3 Audiobook titles. This new format offers iPod®, iPhone™, and iPod Touch support. Overdrive Media console for Mac’s is also available.

   Not that I listen to books at the moment, but I know that many readers out there do. Until these peepers of mine give out, I still prefer the tactile enjoyment of leafing through a spellbinding tale. However, if I had a commute like the one I used to in California, this would be a no-brainer. I am thrilled that this is an option I have available to me.

3. Fantastic programs for kids such as “Discover the Mysteries of the World @ Your Library” that encourages children of all ages to read for fun, knowledge and the opportunity to win prizes representing different countries. All library programs are free and children are welcome to participate at multiple libraries.
4. Adults aren’t left out either as there are programs and reading clubs for every taste. They even have an event the first Sunday of every month called Conversation Café where you are encouraged to drop by and get to know others in your community.

And really, isn’t that what this is all about: community and the servicing of that community?

Just as our tax dollars are used to support the Police and Fire departments, it is just as important to spend them on an institution that shows no bias toward any group, toward any age, toward any faith.

I cannot put it any better than this policy approved by the WCLS in 1993. The following are excerpts. The entire text can be read here.

The freedom to read is essential to our democracy.

We believe that free communication is essential to the preservation of a free society and a creative culture… We believe that every American community must jealously guard the freedom to publish and circulate, in order to preserve its own freedom to read. We believe that publishers and librarians have a profound responsibility to give validity to that freedom to read by making it possible for the readers to choose freely from a variety of offerings.

This is why whenever I chose to buy books, I always head to the store located in a small corner of my local branch; a place where I know that much of the proceeds are used to support the library and its programs, and truly, in the grand scheme of things, my community.