In recent times, we have seen a steady decline in the number of bookstores in the country.
On the other hand, the number of books being published has grown tremendously.
It falls to public libraries, therefore, to play the crucial role of being an enabler to the bookworms out there.
Borrowing books from the public library is an age-old tradition that all book lovers embrace wholeheartedly.
Whether you borrow books because you can’t afford to buy them, or you’re simply an avid reader, public libraries are certainly a blessing in the literary world.
Borrow books from the Public Library
Public libraries are a great place for booklovers, researchers, casual readers, and students alike.
They are funded by public sources, and are, therefore, free for public use.
Public libraries are an important part of building an educated population.
The range of books available at public libraries is not limited to any one kind.
Since they cater to the general public, you can find almost any genre, type, and category of books here.
Public libraries are available in almost every city in the country, with some cities having more than one.
With the advent of the digital age, a lot of public libraries have started catering to the trend of eBooks.
A digital library, as they are referred to, carries countless books that can be borrowed just like a regular book.
Whether you’re looking to borrow a book by your favorite author, or a new book of the digital variety, public libraries offer it all.
Public Libraries – then and now
Libraries offer something for everyone; from quenching a thirst for knowledge to escaping the monotony of daily life.
Public libraries have been helping satisfy the curiosity of multiple generations over the years.
Being an ancient institution, it has also evolved over the course of time.
The first library in the country that was considered to be truly ‘public’ was the ‘Library Company of Philadelphia’.
Founded by Benjamin Franklin and his friends in 1731, it started as a membership-based library allowing members to borrow books.
Since then, countless public libraries have cropped up all around the country.
The early idea of public libraries intended a place where commoners could borrow books they couldn’t afford to buy.
The library also served as a local community center that acted as a reading center cum meeting place.
The atmosphere, therefore, was one of sharing knowledge and learning together.
As a child, we had a sense of excitement and accomplishment when we borrow a library book.
Browsing the aisles for the perfect copy, waiting in line at the librarian’s counter, and the joy of seeing your name entered on the back of the book!
These are some of the takeaways from the earlier days of using public libraries.
This trend has carried on through the years but has developed into so much more today.
Public libraries in the modern era offer patrons a whole world of content.
Information is readily available outside of libraries in today’s digital age.
However, there is a percentage of the population that still prefers going to the library.
We hope this trend continues into future technological ages, and may the excitement of borrowing library books never fade away.
Borrow Best-sellers or try new Authors?
A trending debate when it comes to new-age public libraries is the kind of books to borrow.
With the increasing tendency of libraries and booksellers promoting best-sellers, new and unknown authors have started taking a backseat.
So, what are the best types of books to borrow?
When you enter a public library, you are met with rows of bookshelves loaded with books from every possible genre.
Libraries have a categorizing system to group books of similar genres or types together.
Somewhere near the beginning of the main library, there is a section called best-sellers.
Librarians put together books that are popular, borrowed often, and most recent additions and display them in the best-sellers section.
When you venture further into the library, you see a multitude of titles and authors that are not so well-known.
In fact, some of them may have never been borrowed at all!
These include one-off books published on a whim or the lesser-known versions of popular book series.
Now, there are various types of readers who visit a public library.
There are the bookworms who know exactly what they want to read and avid readers who choose to experiment with different genres.
Then there are the relatively new readers, ones who haven’t been reading for long, or who don’t read very often.
The kind of books that are borrowed ultimately depends on the type of reader who walks into the library.
New or occasional readers often tend to visit the best-sellers section.
It’s a quick way to figure out the best books to read.
Veteran bookworms, on the other hand, tend to spend a lot more time browsing around, picking up titles that catch their attention.
That’s not to say that borrowing a book from the best-sellers list is bad.
However, it’s good to read something buried in the library’s crevasses once in a while.
Who knows, you may find a real gem of a book that you fall in love with!
Librarians at your service
When you go to borrow books from a public library, there is one special resource available for your assistance.
Yes, the librarian.
Not a lot of people ask a librarian for help to search the library.
However, you may find that doing so is a really special experience.
Seasoned librarians are not only powerhouses of literary knowledge, but are also really fun to talk to.
Librarians are cultured, intelligent, and very well-read, courtesy of their choice of profession!
Furthermore, they possess an inherent ability to locate and utilize the information that not many can do.
When you’re looking for a book, a piece of information, or a suggestion on what to read, ask a librarian.
They will know exactly what you want and where to find it.
Although bring a librarian is not really considered a lucrative or productive profession, it’s a gift that not many have.
One might argue that in today’s digital age, so much information is readily accessible on the internet.
In this scenario, is there really a need to visit a librarian?
If you’re looking for valid, authentic, and precise information, the answer is yes.
A lot of the ‘knowledge’ you find on the web comes from sources that may not be authentic.
Moreover, getting real information sometimes requires a paid subscription or purchase of data.
A librarian, on the other hand, is a trusted and reliable source for almost anything you’re looking for.
So, the next time you are at the library, don’t hesitate to reach out to the librarian.
You’re guaranteed to have some good conversations and maybe even an enriching literary journey.
How to borrow books from the public library?
Library services are a comprehensive bundle of facilities that you don’t get anywhere else.
This includes information procurement, assistance with research, educational help, community enhancement, book clubs, etc.
However, at the core of what we know as a public library lies the activity of borrowing books.
Ask a random person on the street what they use a public library for, and 90% of the time the answer is ‘to borrow a book’.
If you’re not already part of this ingenious tradition, let’s look at how you can become one.
Most public libraries operate on simple, easy-to-use lending processes that date back to the very origins of libraries.
Here’s a quick list of steps involved in becoming a borrower at your nearest public library.
- Get your library card – this is the first step. Simply furnish your identity proof and get yourself a library card.
- Understand the library’s lending limits and borrowing time – the librarian will be more than helpful in providing this information. For example, you may only be allowed to borrow up to 5 books at a time, which needs to be returned within a period of 2 weeks.
- Select the books you want to borrow – this is the fun part! Browse the library to look for things that catch your eye. You can also reach out to the librarian for tips or assistance with specific books.
- Check-out your books – take your chosen books to the librarian or check-out desk. Many libraries nowadays have a self-checkout option too. You’ll need to produce your library card for this step.
And that’s it! You take your books home and enjoy reading time, it’s as simple as that.
Borrowing etiquettes
Borrowing books from a public library is an easy enough task.
There aren’t too many rules to follow or any difficult steps to take.
However, there are certain etiquettes to consider if you want to be a good borrower!
- Public libraries are a place for intellectual stimulation. As such, when you’re in the library, try to maintain silence and decorum in the way you peruse the shelves.
- Switch off your phones. This is an unsaid rule when you pay a visit to the library. Switch off or put your mobile on silent mode so that it doesn’t disturb other patrons.
- Always return your library books within the stipulated borrowing time. If for some reason you need more time, extend it via your app or at the library before it expires.
- Take care of the borrowed books. Understand that library books are not your personal property. Others will want to borrow them once you’re done with it. Don’t scribble or make notes on library books. Return them in the condition that you would expect to find them.
- Don’t damage library books and other property. Be aware of your surroundings at all times when you visit the library. Especially when perusing on high shelves and handling old volumes, take care that you don’t cause any damage.
- Be punctual. If you’re attending library events such as a book reading or a book club, be on time. Arriving late disrupts the flow of thoughts and can get you disapproving looks too!
- Respect the staff. Library staff such as librarians, check-out clerks, and assistants are always happy to help you. However, don’t take them for granted. Respect their knowledge and position, ask for what you need politely, and always wait for your turn.
Ready to take on the public library?
Now that you have an idea of what a public library is, who librarians are, and how to borrow books, we’re sure you’re ready to enter into the wonderful world of literature!
No matter the type of library, whether a central library or a county public library, start your journey now.
Get a library card, search the catalog, browse library events, and indulge in some local history while you’re at it.
What are you waiting for?
Head out to your nearest public library now!
