Celebrating your public library

Ten (plus) reasons to join. If you're not a member, you're missing out!

Seattle Central Library, Seattle, WA. (2022) c/o Wikimedia

We are in the midst of National Library Week. Did you know that? I am celebrating by informing everyone about the many wonderful services that public libraries offer.

Public library services vary from city to city, depending on financial resources, population size, and local support, but I think it’s fair to say that most of the items below are offered by the majority of public libraries. I bet you’ll discover some delightful surprises here! (BTW. Proof of local residency is all you need to get a card.)

Ten (free!) services available from public libraries:

1. A vast catalog of items to read, listen to, or view. Libraries offer printed books, audiobooks, DVDs, CDs, magazines, and newspapers; as well as streaming content, including films, music, magazines, ebooks, and e-audiobooks.

   1. You’ll also find items available in many different languages. (I like to have a Spanish book on my bedside table, in addition to the other books I read.)

   2. You can peruse your library’s entire catalog and place a hold on a book (or another item) on the library’s website. The library will place your book on a dedicated pick-up shelf at the branch of your choosing. You just walk in, take it off the shelf, scan your card, and leave. Five minutes.

   3. Note: If the library’s catalog does not include a book you want, most library websites have a “book suggestion” link. Use it! They will consider ordering the book you suggest.

2. Most libraries will auto-renew your loan if the item isn’t already on hold for someone else. This extends the loan time by weeks. You’ll receive an email when the item is almost due.

3. Remember, you’re not limited to printed reading material. You can also borrow ebooks and audiobooks for downloading.

4. Many branches offer dedicated physical spaces for pre-teens and teens, with books and other loan materials, events, and classes directed to those age groups.

5. Public library members across the U.S. (and several other countries) can use their library card to join Kanopy, a free streaming platform of independent films, foreign films, documentaries, and art films. Not only is it free, it has far more quality selections than some of the streaming platforms you might be paying for. (Other free movie streaming platforms are also available using your card.)

6. Public libraries offer free and low-cost passes for museums, science centers, zoos, theaters, and other cultural destinations.

7. In California, you can also reserve a state park pass. The pass gets you into most of California’s state parks for free.

8. You can attend an amazing variety of classes and events. There are fifty categories to choose from in my library’s drop-down selection! (Line dancing, chess, and composting are just three of the umpteen classes listed on the April calendar.)

9. Public libraries offer literacy programs and assistance for people in need of social services, including legal resources and volunteer helpers.

10. My library, the Berkeley Public Library, also includes a Tool Lending branch. It was the first of its kind, but many libraries have since followed, so yours might have one too. You can learn how to use a tool (they host free how-to workshops) and borrow anything from weed-eaters, plumbing snakes, or extension cords; to air fryers, food dehydrators, and bundt cake pans.

Pretty cool, right? Libraries are wonderful. They are so much more than book-lenders. They foster community and provide opportunities to learn, connect, and grow.

Celebrate, won’t you? 🥳

In celebration of National Library Week, I invite you to share your own library-related stories in the comments. You could comment on a library you love; a librarian who made an impact; a book or author discovery; a class; an event; or any experience that comes to mind.

OR, let me know if this post convinced you to join one!

Please scroll down to post your comment. ✍🏼

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✳️ A few related posts, in case you missed them:

“Library Treasures” (This post also offers an easy way to remember and catalog all the books you read.)

“Writing tips: For flow, for clarity, for new ideas”

“Ten pointers for Grammar Day, 2025: Do any of these mistakes apply to you? 🧐”

✳️ A note about my freelance editing services:

Would you like some help with a writing project?

I freelance as a developmental editor, researcher, copyeditor, and coach. I’ve helped clients with manuscripts, essays, website content, informational materials, and more. Please reach out if you’d like more information. (If you’re on LinkedIn, you can also find me there.)