Part Three of a three-part series about some of the many resources available at your local public library.
Subscriptions to magazines and research software are often the keys to discovering new information about a field of interest. Name a topic and there’s likely a publication or software program that will enlighten you further on this subject of interest. And these resources are beautifully organized for you – and available for free – at your local library.
A few months ago, the hubster and I were in the market for a washer and dryer. We were thrilled to pay a visit to our local library. Within 30 seconds of arriving at the reference desk, the reference librarian invited us to peruse the most recent edition of Consumer Reports that compared washers and dryers. I should say here that I think Consumer Reports is a fine magazine. It’s reputable. It’s known for its strong product testing and clearly stated results. While I was grateful to take a gander at the information presented about my new favorite appliances, I didn’t want to run out and obtain my own subscription to this publication. And that’s where my local library came in. It provided the information that I needed without requiring me to purchase a subscription that I would not use very often. And, because everything is organized in a most specific manner at your local library, your reference librarians can help you find what you seek with relative ease.
Anyone who reads this blog with even slight regularity knows that I’m oh, so grateful for my subscription to Real Simple Magazine. The tips and information in this magazine’s glossy pages of wonder teach me new things all the time, helping me to better express my own version of organizational bliss. I love this topic area so much that I’ve elected to subscribe to said magazine. And that’s where your local library comes in. You may not yet be a Real Simple subscriber. But in a matter of moments, you could hop down the street to your local library and open these glossy pages of wonder. You’ll get the same information that I look forward to receiving every month. And you’ll get it for free. Sure, you can’t take it home with you – but you can get the information you seek and quench your thirst for all things logistical, organizational, and wonderful.
In my humble opinion, subscriptions can open doors to new perspectives, expansive thought patterns, and reputable appliances. And these doors can be opened for free, thanks to the treasure trove of resources available at your local library. This weekend, take a few moments to get out of the humidity and hot temperatures and make good use of the magazine subscriptions and pricey research software that are yours for free just around the corner. The librarians will be happy to help, and I think you’ll be pleased with your adventure. Who knows what you’ll learn? Perhaps you will even be inspired to start a blog…if you do, let us know.
* Photo by gtamin
Leah,
Thanks for featuring the public library. As a librarian, I am an enthusiastic library supporter.
I just wanted to add that libraries now have a wide variety of online resources that are available
24/7. If you wanted to learn about appliance ratings at 10:00 at night, you could access the library’s magazine database and read a full text Consumer Reports article. In addition, many libraries now have
audio and digital books that can be downloaded to your computer and various mobile devices.
All this is in addition to the resources available- books, magazines, books on cd, music cds, dvds and of course, help from the librarian.
Check it out!
Chris
Leah,
I enjoy reading your suggestions, and want to report that your Blog on Summer ideas inspired me to place a post-it on our bathroom mirror:
Check out local art fairs
Visit Library
Visit local museum shows
Plan a camping trip with the family
Visit a beach
My husband read the post-it while brushing his teeth, and has been supporting these ideas. So far, we’ve enjoyed a family camping trip, relished a local art fair (and made some good purchases,) and visited the French Impressionist exhibit at the De Young Museum in San Francisco. Visits to the beach and library are coming up.
Thanks for enriching our summer!
The post-it idea is a great one – thanks for sharing it and for letting me know about your summer adventures. Wishing you an enjoyable rest of this summer!
Chris – Thank you for sharing your expertise – and for the reminder of the wonderful online, digital, and audio resources that are just around the corner at the local library!