Good reminders below. And do check to see whether your library has an on-line catalog. If it does, it’s very easy to check due dates, renew books, search the catalog, put books on hold, recommend books to buy and the like.

BTW, new technology (CD and DVD) make borrowing music and movies much less trouble prone: no scratched and worn vinyl, no oxide-shedding tapes, etc.

1. Borrow Books [and Magazines - LG] – First and foremost, you can borrow books to your heart’s content. Granted, you’re only allowed a certain amount at a time, and you do have to return them by the designated date or you’ll be socked with a fine, but free book? I’m so there! Going on a long car trip? Borrow some books on tape! [And at least our library lets you check out magazines, so long as it's not the current issue. - LG]
2. Research – The library is the absolute best place to conduct research for school papers or writing assignments. Look up laws, zoning regulations, health issues and more.
3. Study – The library is quiet and a great place to look up answers to things you may not know.
4. Buy Books – Libraries play host to some awesome book sales. Mine often hosts the “Ten for a Dollar Book Drive.” Ten paperbacks for a buck? The only thing better than that is free.
5. Borrow Movies - Would you believe my husband and I only used our Blockbuster card once? Why should we rent when the library has so many great videos and DVDs? Every weekend I take out two or three movies and we watch together after our son is in bed.
6. Borrow Music – I admit, this is a service I don’t use often but the library has hundreds of CD’s and cassettes for your enjoyment. I have a friend who likes to borrow them for her dinner parties.
7. Book Discussions – My library has monthly book discussions. I enjoy getting out for some intelligent conversation with other grownups – and it’s all – you guessed it, free!
8. Kids Stuff – There’s so much stuff for kids to do at the library! Our library offers story time, craft time, sing alongs, teen book talks, summer reading programs, book signings, poetry readings, and so much more.
9. Internet Access – Just about every library in America now offers Internet access. My library has about two dozen computers available to patrons. Each can use for about an hour before being booted off. My library also offers wireless. My power went out a lot last month and I took my laptop to the library to work.
10. Adult Classes – The library offers so many classes for adults. I’ve seen GED training, SAT prep, art classes, pottery classes, scrapbooking, pilates and more.
11. Local Business Promotion – Many libraries help to promote local businesses. For instance, my own library features local artists’ work, or showcases a local business each month.
12. Socialize – The library is the place to see and be seen! Every time I go I bump into people I know! But don’t chit chat too loud!