Thursday, April 02, 2009

Library Week




Booking Through Thursday

Suggested by Barbara:

I saw that National Library week is coming up in April, and that led to some questions. How often do you use your public library and how do you use it? Has the coffeehouse/bookstore replaced the library? Did you go to the library as a child? Do you have any particular memories of the library? Do you like sleek, modern, active libraries or the older, darker, quiet, cozy libraries?

Let rewind back to the old day, when I was a child. Back than, what I learn about library was from my elementary school when we first had our Book Fun Fair. It is when they have books sale and kids can browse around some books to chose which one they want to buy. Without repeating this story again, all I can say was - it was a fun day. I always look forward the next Book Fun Fair! Back than I only use the school library but I never use the public branch libraries. That only because my parent never took me there - for whatever reason, I don't know. However when I got to high school and needed to find books to help me do my book report or science project for homework, I end up having to go to the closest public library for books. This is when I learn about public library and what services they provide for you.

The service from the library I use to go have changed with times. I used to drive up there to check out books all the time. Now I only have to browse via online and place myself in the waiting list, after I find the book(s) that I want to be put on hold. And than they will sent me notice via emails, to let me know the book is available and that am next in line. I love this service! Safe me the trip of having drive up there and browse for books in 3-4 hours!

Now, I don't use library anymore unless it necessarily. But it rarely happen. I only go when I want to check out books that are "new to me authors". This way, I can try and test the book to see if it something I like to read. If I end up loving it, I would buy books from the author when s(he) have the next latest books out. And I would buy their backlist too. Or I will use the library if I can't find their older book online. This save me from wasting my money on books that I end up feeling disappointed with. But it been a long while since I've use library just for that purpose. I've been buying mostly all of my books now these days. That explain why my TBR pile is mountain high LOL!

I've been thinking about going back to check out books again. Only for few times. I know there are lot of "new to me authors" that I haven't discover yet. Unless it strongly recommend by good friends, then I won't worry about using library. I just go buy it. And with two of NR's trilogies that I will be joint-reading with my friend Alice very soon, I know I need to check those two out. Even when I've read them both before, already a long time ago. But still, I rather buy my books (brand new) than just going library.

I don't think there have been coffee or bookstore replacing the library. Not that I know of..anyway. And I like library where it is comfortable enough to feel like home :)

It is great that National Library week is coming up in April, give me a good reason to start and celebrate by heading to library or as I normally do - put books on hold and on waiting list via online ;)

How about you? How do you answer the questions above? I wish everyone a very nice Thursday/day! :)

Don’t forget to leave a link to your actual response (so people don’t have to go searching for it) in the comments—or if you prefer, leave your answers in the comments themselves!

15 comments:

Melody said...

This week's question definitely brought us some fond memories of our libraries, isn't it? :)

I hardly visit the library nowadays. I find it rather time consuming to visit the library to and from and having to return the books on time! I'd rather buy my books, LOL. But hey, I might want to bring my eldest daughter there one day soon... It's always good to cultivate a good reading habit from young, isn't it? ;)

Blodeuedd said...

I love the online services my library has :)
I can browse books, and put them on "shelves" in my own private online library at their site. So easy to just check if a book you want is there or not :D

And dunno what I would do without a library, I guess be broke.

Dot said...

Thanks for visiting my blog! Libraries are an excellent way to try out new authors, I had never really thought of it like that! Happy BTT!

Anonymous said...

Library seems to be a safer place to try out new authors right? I tend to be more daring whenever out of the blue moon I visit the library. You can always return the book if you don't like.

gautami tripathy said...

So true. I am kind of recalling my library days!

Booking through libraries

Yvonne said...

Excellent post! I mainly use the library for DVDs and audio books. Otherwise, I'm always at the bookstore.

Alice said...

I'll definitely visit the library if it would just stock up on the titles that I want. LOL

I did use my school library very often when I was studying. :)

Jess said...

When I was a kid, we always had RIF day. It was when you brought in a used book that you didn't want anymore and swapped it for a brand new book. Did you ever do that?

SmilingSally said...

I love libraries! One of the most important gifts my mom gave me was the love of reading, and the joy of visiting a library.

Anonymous said...

I was such a magnet to libraries when I was young. I still remembered that sensation of getting my library card---that felt so privileged and special!

I love going there to read my own books these days!

Julia said...

Melody - This week question, sure does bring fond memories of our childhoo days *grin*...I too find it time consuming having to go here and there to library and than returning the books weeks later. This is why I love our online library services. I don't have to do too many driving to library ;) But it great idea to bring your daughter, the next time you go to library. A good way for her to start reading :)

Blodeuedd - Isn't the library online service a wonderful thing?! It safe me times too.

Dot - Yep, that how I discover new to me authors - That is if my pimp...er I mean recommender's haven't introduce me to the new authors yet *grin*..I hope it help you that way too :)

Violetcrush - Yep it sure seem to be safe thing to do. And I don't feel mad on books I end up disappointed with.

Gautami - Having fond memeories of the old days when we used the library...it sure must a great day :)

Yvonne - Thanks for your compliments. It really nice that the library has DVD and audio for their patron to use. It safe the cost and everything. I hope you enjoy them

Alice - Have you ever thought about asking your library to order it for you? When they do that and add it to their library, than they put you in waiting list and call you when it become available. That is if your library have the service?

Jess - Nope we never has a RIF day. But I think that would have been a wonderful thing, and I would have participate too

Smilingsal - It wonderful that your mom gave you love for reading and visiting library. You can than pass that on to your children or grandchildren -- someday. Or...have they already? *grin*

Mattviews - I know, me too! When I first got my library card, I felt like I've grown up as "adult".

Thanks everyone for visiting my blog! I wish everyone a nice Thursday :)

Nise' said...

I would be broke if I bought all the books I read! The library saves my budget.

Holly (2 Kids and Tired) said...

Libraries are simply wonderful. I'd be lost without mine. I love the online feature and the ability to reserve my books online and then pick them up. Although, because of that, I don't browse as much as I used to do. My boys love the library though and have their favorite shelves and sections! Our library building is old, but I'm glad we have one.

Literary Feline said...

I have fond memories of my childhood visits to the library. My mom would take my brother and I every week just about.

I don't go anymore. I tend to buy my books. I think the library is a great resource though and I'm glad it is available.

Julia said...

Nise - Library sure does have it good use :) I would have gone broke too, but I know buy less books than I have over the years..well..try to LOL

Louise - thanks for explaining and I understand how life can get away from blogging. Thanks for visiting me again, and I hope in due times you have everything taking care of at home :) Happy Easter to you too

Holly - Yes, having not to browse for 3-4 hours at the bookshelves in the library take up the times when I need to get somewhere important. Thanks goodness to the library online services :)

Literary Feline (Wendy)- You so lucky to have mom to take you to the library and enjoy the wonderful of books as kid. I'm sure even if you don't go anymore, you still miss library days :)

Thanks everyone for stopping by! Have a good Wednesday - April 8th