Six Tips for Using the Public Library

I love visiting our local library. Over the years I have uncovered a few tips and tricks which make my life easier and save me time and money. I hope these tips will benefit you too. Let me know in the comments below if you have any additional advice!

1. Create an online account.

This will save you time and money. Using your account, you can check to see if an item is ‘in’ before heading to the library, renew overdue materials, pay fines and fees, and register for upcoming events and activities. If you choose, you can even be notified when requested books become available, and of overdue items and fees.

2. Keep a book list.

As I plan our school year and the units we’ll study, I jot down teaching ideas and activities I’d like to do. Using these ideas I do an online search for books on the topics I wish to cover. When I find titles which seem to suit our needs, I add them to a list, usually organized by subject. I prefer pen and paper lists, though others find Evernote a helpful tool. I then use this list to investigate which books are most appropriate.

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3. Check the library’s database first for any books needed.

I take my book list (see step 2) and use the library’s database to enter the titles. This can be done from home (on the library website) or at the library, if you have time and can focus.
Once I locate a title, I survey the book. Using the ‘details’ feature I read the excerpts provided. If I need further information or the book is not available on the library’s database (it does happen), I search Amazon and utilize their ‘look inside” feature. Amazon is not my preferred source for purchasing books (find out my favorite online bookstores here) but I do find this feature a valuable research tool.

4. Place a hold on the materials you plan to use.

Ordering books ahead of schedule not only ensures you have the resources you need, but it saves time at pickup. It is best to reserve items 2-4 weeks prior to needing them, to be certain they are available. Using the ‘hold system’ is a timesaver, especially if the library system has the book, but at a different branch. The item(s) will be brought to you, instead of you driving around to multiple locations.
All requested ‘hold’ items will be grouped together on a shelf, marked with your name (my library places a paper with my name inside each item). This is fast and easy, allowing busy parents to dash inside and grab homeschool materials from a single location. No more walking up and down aisles searching for books which may or may not be checked in.
An added benefit of using the ‘hold’ feature is, if you are pressed for time or don’t have transportation, a friend or family member can pick these items up for you (provided they have a valid library card).

5. Utilize the librarians.

They are wonderful resources for discovering additional information on topics, new and upcoming items, and to register students for activities and workshops. Librarians can assist you utilize services such as copying, printing, scanning, and laminating (if your library has a laminator of course) and access the many other wonderful services they offer (craft tools, 3-D printing, gaming, etc.).

6. Maintain a ‘library materials’ area in your home.

Of course, borrowed items need to be returned after use. Having a designated place to deposit borrowed items once read or listened to, will save you time searching for lost items, and money in fines and fees. Encourage each family member to return used items to this location. A basket, bin, or shelf – whatever works best for your family will work.