People who don’t use public libraries think of them as dusty relics — quaint, quiet and stodgily irrelevant.
The rest of us know otherwise. Public libraries, perhaps more than any other type of institution, have remade themselves in recent years to meet the needs of their diverse and tech-savvy patrons. You’ll still find plenty of books, but the best libraries (including those in Northeast Ohio) have become de facto community centers with a huge array of free services. For example, Geauga County’s Bainbridge branch has a 3D printer, laser engraver, embroidery machine and other pricy equipment, all free to use. Patrons pay a modest charge for supplies.
Other libraries offer genealogy research support, loan toys, provide computer classes and host book discussion groups. Libraries are lively places that have pivoted to include both in-person and virtual programming for all ages and interests. For some people, libraries are their only access to computers and the internet. I regularly download current magazines and read them for free on my digital tablet (something that surprises my non-library-user friends), and check out appearances by authors who are both locally and nationally recognized.
Okay, enough of the hard sell. If you’re reading this, you probably already are a fan of public libraries. But I recently received a press release from the Cuyahoga County Public Library that piqued my interest because I’ve been in a reading rut. Just let them know what you like to read and they’ll email reading recommendations to match your interests in whatever format you prefer. I’m sure libraries have been doing this in other places. I just wasn’t aware of it and thought you’d be interested, too. For the record, my rut is over: I’ve just finished reading “Falling” by T.J. Newman and “Verity” by Colleen Hoover. I’m working on “The House Across the Lake” by Riley Sager. All are great summer reads.
For fun, visit websites for public library systems in Northeast Ohio and see what’s new-to-you. Here a few to try: Akron-Summit County Public Library, Medina County District Library and Cleveland Public Library.
I got my first library card as soon as I could print my name. I have three cards today. How many things do you own that are as useful today as they were when you were 5?
