The Not-So-Hidden-Secrets of Public Libraries for Booklovers

Public libraries are amazing institutions. You can check out books, use computers, and just visit and hang out, all completely for free. But many book lovers out there are not using their local libraries to their full potential.

Sometimes because they just do not know these are options. Don’t assume the state of your library is as it was when you were a child or that it matches the hushing and card catalogue clichés of the past. Public libraries have indeed kept up with the times with online and digital options.

Writing from the perspective of a United States-based library worker of the last nine years, I’m here to share the not-so-hidden if perhaps not well-publicized services of public libraries that we librarians want you to use! And while some of these offerings may vary depending on how well-funded your local library is, it never hurts to ask.

Interlibrary Loan

So your library system doesn’t own the book you want to read. What’s there to do? Automatically turn to Amazon? No!

Instead, search the library website or talk to a librarian for an interlibrary loan option. Every public library can search an amazing database of global libraries (worldcat.org) and have departments in their organization to request loans from libraries across their state, country, and indeed the world. Sometimes there is a cost if it is a rare book or coming from very far away, but many of these loans are completely free.

Yes, this option might take a little lead time, but trading a little lead time for not purchasing the book outright is a real money saver if you are a vicarious reader.

Material Purchase

Just because your library does not currently own a book doesn’t mean they will not buy it if someone (you) requests it. Some libraries have book purchase request forms on their website, and other times you may need to talk to a librarian.

Funding is often kept aside to buy library materials by customer request because they know someone actually wants it and will be money well spent! Just another way to get a book your library doesn’t own.

(Libraries often have policies (and expertise) to figure out which is the best/quickest option to get you a book between interlibrary loan and material purchase. Do not be afraid to talk to library staff! We love answering book questions, which is so much more fun than working the copying machine.)

Audiobooks

Every time I hear an audible ad or hear from recent converts to the audiobook craze about audible, I have the strong urge to jump up and say, “your local public library has audiobooks for free!”

Not just audiobooks on CDs, but audiobooks as digital files that can be played on your phone or tablet just like audible. Again, for free. And no digital checkouts ever have late fines, whether your library has a fine fee policy or not because the digital files are automatically checked back in the library audiobook app.

Again, sometimes there is lead time and waitlists because libraries can only license so many copies of ebooks and audiobooks (blame the publishers), but once again, patience pays off.

Digital Resources

Public libraries also subscribe to all sorts of digital databases and other online resources for their library users to access.

These can include databases to search for academic or medical articles, streaming platforms, digital magazines and textbooks, language learning platforms like Rosetta Stone or Mango, genealogical resources like Ancestory.com, and so on and so on. So instead of paying out of your pocket for these things, check out your library’s digital resources first.

Wrapping it up

The thing is, these aren’t secrets. They are not the hidden menu items at Starbucks. They are not Easter Eggs clues in a movie. They are meant to be found, known, and used. It’s just that libraries have smaller and less funded publicity departments. And many people don’t realize how much libraries have consistently grown and changed with the times and technology.

While these ways of getting books may take a bit longer than Amazon prime delivery, it can result in you saving money if you have the patience. And just using your library is a major way of supporting your local library by giving them some critical usage statistics they can use to leverage for funding.

Happy reading!