The library is a love of mine because it’s our major source of entertainment.  I love everything about it!  I love the reserve system.  I love that I can  save my searches and then go back to them later.  I love how I can sign up for e-mail alerts for items I’ve searched for in the past or their RSS feeds.  I especially love how I can freeze items on my reserve list if I’m going out of town or if I’m behind on my reading materials.  I love when it’s my “Lucky Day” and I find a book that’s brand new and can be taken home without going through the reserve system.  Why else do I love my library?  They have…

Books
Yes, books that you turn the page and read, that have a book smell to them.  Craft books, cook books, travel books, history books, DIY books, financial books – the library has them all.  You can even get the RSS feeds for what the library is processing to keep on top of what’s coming in.  Our library system also has lots of e-books or books on CDs if you’re inclined to listen as well.  They have reading lists, too, to help with ideas for you or your kids.

DVDs
Yes, you have to wait a bit in the on-line list to see a current movie (the RSS feed works here as well) but it’s something to look forward to.  We watch TV shows from the library, too.  Sometimes it takes me the entire three weeks that I have an item checked out to watch an entire season of a TV show.

Sheet music
Yes, sheet music.  While I find it difficult to search for particular music on-line (mostly because I forget what I’m supposed to be searching for!), I’ve had lots of success finding “just for fun” or “good for sight-reading practice” piano music at the library.  Our downtown (Portland,OR) branch is the best place to see them all in person and there’s music for every level and every instrument.

Video games
Video games are worth mentioning here.  We’re a Wii-free house (or any other electronic games that attach to a TV) and the library has lots of computer video games to choose from.  My kids don’t want this fact made known as they generally like to monopolize their favorite games from the library.  The games do keep renewing so my guess is this is not a widely known fact.

Classes, authors, and storytime
Our library system offers free classes that cover a wide range of interests.  You can learn to knit, learn infant sign language, hear pirate bands, meet authors, and listen during storytime.  They even let bloggers teach classes and I’ll be teaching a class at the library soon.  Details can be found here.  If you’d like me to teach a class to your group or organization, please contact me here.

Librarians
My branch has the best librarians – they’re helpful, kind, and are always willing to chat about books.  I especially like it when they tell me they’ve been reading my blog!  Got a question?  Ask a librarian.

My summer reading list from last year had great suggestions from readers.
Keeping track of all those library books helps with the library book return basket.
Are you a WordPress user?  Here are some excellent resource books that are all from our library.

• RSS stands for “really simple syndication” or “rich site summary” and is basically a way of keeping abreast of new content without actually having to visit a site.  You can sign up for Go Gingham’s RSS feed here but don’t forget to visit, too.

Do you share my love of the library?

Sara Tetreault

Sara Tetreault writes and speaks about living well on less with thoughtful spending, smart use of resources, and efficient use of time. Sara loves good food, travel, and cashmere. With home swapping, cooking at home, and buying items second-hand, she hopes to inspire you with her stylishly frugal ways. Sara keeps a home, one husband, two children, and three chickens in her backyard.

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