35 Reasons to LOVE Your Library!

I put this togther for the Off The Shelf program:

35 Reasons to LOVE YOUR LIBRARY by Melinda Tanner, MLS, District Consultant

1. Get the answer to a question online 24/7 with Ask Here PA. www.askherepa.org

2. Find auto repair help or a biography for a favorite author with POWER. www.powerlibrary.net

3. Get expert help! (Librarians are the original search engine.)

4. Use the library Internet PC's to check your email, look for a job, book a flight...

5. Stay on top of current events, news, trends or popular culture through newspapers and magazines.

6. Check out the latest bestseller.

7. Tackle that home improvement project with help from a "how-to" book or DVD.

8. Enjoy story time with your child/grandchild.

9. Find resources to help with homework, science projects and term papers.

10. Research your family tree either in the library or online with Heritage Quest.

11. Research your community's local history.

12. Find an old obituary.

13. Borrow a book from another library.

14. Return a book that belongs to another library.

15. Catch up on "the classics".

16. Learn a new language.

17. Save money by borrowing: books, books-on-CD, Playaways, DVD's, music CD's, magazines.

18. Plan a vacation with a travel guide.

19. Identify and price a family heirloom/antique.

20. Take a practice test for: SAT/ACT; Military (ASVAB); Post Office; Corrections; Nursing; Teaching (PRAXIS) with TERC (Testing and Education Reference Center). www.washingtoncountylibraries.org

21. Use the library's Wi-Fi.

22. Find out how to replace your lost birth certificate, marriage license, or S.S. card.

23. Get Federal Forms: IRS Tax forms; rent rebates, FAFSA forms.

24. Find out how to stuff and cook your first Thanksgiving turkey.

25. Use the book drop to return items when the library is closed.

26. Check your library account online. (The "regional one card" will allow you to not only check your account, but renew items and place reserves on books at other libraries.)

27. "Learn how" in the how-to section: cooking, playing the guitar, making a quilt, building a shelf...

28. Rediscover your favorite poem.

29. Use a library computer to update your resume' or type a letter.

30. Read about people, places and cultures from all over the world.

31. Make copies or send a fax.

32. Add to your home library with great finds at the library's book sale.

33. Great "stay-cation" things to do: special events, unique fundraisers, programs, book clubs, author visits.

34. Need a place other than home or work? The library is that place!

35. And, as always, still...FREE.