Having access to a local library is one of the greatest privileges available. From eBooks to audiobooks, fiction to textbooks, travel guides to self-help books, you can check these out and use them for free! That’s always blown my mind, the fact that I can access all kinds of books without paying a dime (unless it’s in late fees, of course).
It’s always a great idea to show your library a little love once in a while, and what better time to do it than National Library Lovers Month? Here are 5 ways you can support your local library:
1. Use it
This may seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people take a library for granted and forget to use it. But if you want your local library to keep its doors open, you actually need to show up. Using your library card, checking out books, signing up for events and activities—these are all excellent ways to help boost your library’s yearly stats so they can continue to receive resources and funding to stay functioning. Time to dust off that library card and get it renewed!
2. Share the love
Social media can be a powerful tool and sharing the thing you love on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, or any other platform is always a great way to lend support to the brands and organizations you are passionate about. Share photos, tag your local library, mention them in your reading posts, in short, let them know how much you love them and why. Who knows, maybe people you know or who follow you will be inspired to pop into their local libraries too!
3. Volunteer
The people working hard at your local library depend on volunteers for everything from leading study groups to shelving books. Volunteering doesn’t have to be a huge commitment either, a few hours a week is a great way to get started and lend support to your library. You’ll learn new skills, give back, and even better get to spend time around other bookish people.
4. Donate
If you can’t give your time, most libraries are also happy to take donations. While this can be monetary, there are other options if you’d like to give something to your local library. Books, printers, art supplies, and paper are all the sorts of things many libraries need. Just make sure you call yours first to check what they’re lacking and see if you are able to help fill that void—there’s nothing worse than offloading unwanted donations that won’t be put to use.
5. Communicate the value
Like I mentioned above, many of us tend to take libraries for granted. We assume they’ll be around forever, so we don’t really put much effort into showing how valuable they are to local communities. Make a point of letting your municipal leaders and other influential voices in your community know why you love the library. And tell your library too! Ask them to bring in books by diverse authors and let them know what books you and your friends are reading. Be vocal about how important your local library is to you.
What are some of the things you love about your local library?