Audiobooks discussion
Non-Audible Sources
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Let's Talk Libraries
I'm such a slowpoke when it comes to audiobooks though that I really don't use the library for audiobooks cause I may not finish before the due date. I really ought to try using it more often, though. Perhaps for shorter books or for books where I can switch back and forth between print and the audio.My home library used to be the Houston library, with the secondary library being the county library. Now that I've moved out of city limits, that's reversed. My new closest branch is pretty small but the staff seems friendly.
The Houston library's physical collection is really extensive, by the way. They have a copy of lots of old, obscure out of print stuff. The catch is that most of it is in storage, so you can only really browse the full collection via the online catalog and not in person. So, it's less the traditional browsing at the library and more like putting in requests from home, waiting a week, then driving by to pick it up. They do have collections in the library branches of course, but they're mostly full of recent books.
Browsing online is the best option for the county library, too, come to think of it. There's just so many branches - and there's no way I'm going to drive hours to go get a book from the furthest library branch.
I was 12 before I got my own library card. That was for a tiny little library. They had this book truck that drove from little town to little town and the librarians picked a few shelves of books from the truck for a rotating selection. I'm a big sci-fi/fantasy reader and apparently I was the only one who ever read the sci-fi/fantasy selections from that rotating selection. So if I was luckily enough to be at the library when the truck came by, the librarian let me be the one to choose the sci-fi/fantasy books for that month. That was a lot of fun!
I belong to one library, but I can use the interlibrary loan option to get books from basically anywhere in the state, which is AWESOME when I'm trying to track something down and my main library system doesn't have it. I mainly tend to use Overdrive for audiobooks but again, once in awhile Overdrive doesn't have what I'm looking for so I'll get a book on cd from the library. I'm at the library usually once a week or once every other week; the used bookshop where I get a lot of books is actually situated inside the library, and I volunteer there on weekends.
Ummm the number of books we can take out is unlimited, I think you're allowed 10 CDs at a time and 10 movies at a time.
Don't remember how old I was when I got my own library card, but I remember going to the library with my mom or dad all the time when I was a kid. When I was in high school, one of the neighborhood branch libraries was actually connected to the school library, which was cool. You had to have a pass to go back and forth.
Favorite librarians... in middle school and high school, we had Mrs Misch, Mrs Keister, and Mrs G (her last name was Geopfert but we always just shortened it). G was the coolest, she and I could talk for hours. Oh and Cassie! Cassie did her student teaching with us in choir, but she worked in the public branch which was awesome. She was always recommending good books. Mrs Keister is the one who laminated my paperback copy of Order of the Phoenix so it wouldn't get as beat up as the other books :)
I like to browse online too -- I'm on Goodreads so often and constantly doing buddy-reads, and if I don't already own the book I'm going to read then I just automatically go to the library site and request a copy, so when I go in on the weekend I can just swing by circulation and pick it up. I'm so thankful for our main library because it's ginormous and, again, can pull books from anywhere in the area and beyond. It's wonderful.
I love my local library system! I technically have two library cards, one for the local library system, and the other for the state library. But I haven't used the state-library card very often. I use the heck out of my local-library card, though. I use it for print books, DVDs, music CDs, Playaway audiobooks, and also for the electronic collection, which includes downloadable mp3 audiobooks, ebooks, and e-magazines. As for borrowing limits, there is no limit on the number of print books checked out. DVDs, there is a 10-DVD limit for a couple of different categories: fiction movies are one category (two-day loan period; one renewal allowed) and TV series/non-fiction are another category (one week; one renewal). CDs--10 limit; one week, one renewal. Most print books are 28-day loans (also one renewal per loan), but new fiction is usually limited to a seven-day period; new non-fiction to 14 days. The local library is part of a large network with a great "request" system (allowing borrowing from other branches in the network). The only downside to that system is that if something is requested by another borrower, the item cannot be renewed.
Electronic collection has a limit of 10 items checked out at a time (this includes both audio and ebook). Loan period can be up to three weeks (borrower can change the loan period to a shorter period if the three weeks are not needed).
As for early memories of libraries--I don't recall when I got my first card. Most of my earliest memories of libraries are attached to school libraries. My mother used to volunteer at my school library (the school I attended through second grade), so my mother's involvement is connected to those earliest memories. I recall she was taught how to repair damaged books. I remember being very impressed by that!
When we moved between my second and third-grade years, our local library was a few blocks away, and I do remember getting a card there. Walking to the library with my mother and brother and checking out books is a fond memory. I don't remember any individual librarians, but I remember my affection for the library.
At this moment I have one library card for my local library, and I use it almost exclusively for Overdrive (audio and e-books). Unfortunately, our library has only had Overdrive audiobooks for about the last year, so their selection, while growing, is pretty slim right now. Luckily they are very open to requests, which I have done a few times. The other major library systems in our state do allow you to register my system's card with them, but they do not allow non-residents to check out digital content from them, so I haven't bothered.Our library allows you to check out 10 digital books at a time. I can't remember the limit for regular books. Luckily when I check out audiobooks I can move them to my Smart Audiobook app to listen to them when I want. (I obviously delete them when I'm done listening.) I don't have a similar workaround for their e-books, so I tend to only put one or two at a time on hold.
As we "speak," I also have the Houston Public Library application sitting on my desk, which I plan to mail with a check tomorrow.
FYI, there is also an existing discussion thread about getting library memberships for non-residents that folks here might want to reference if, like me, your local library's digital offerings aren't great:
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
How many library cards do you own ? 3
How frequently do you use your library system ?
At least weekly
Do you only use it for audiobooks, or do you also get print books there ?
Pretty much just audiobooks since there is DRM on the ebooks & I rarely go by any of them. Only 1 isn't out of my way to get to.
Do they have a certain number of items you can check out at a time ?
A dozen audiobooks. Not sure about the others, but I can borrow books for as little as 3 days or as many as 3 weeks.
What age were you when you got your first library card ?
I'm not sure, but things were probably different back then. I believe I had some sort of rider on Mom's card from very early days, not my own. Our kids all had library cards practically from day 1.
Do you have a favorite librarian that helped you choose books a s a child, or one that will recommend a book to you when you visit ?
Unfortunately, no. Almost all of my memories of librarians were old bats who wanted to restrict my reading to drivel. The worst fights were with the old biddy who ran the Book Mobile. She would constantly 'forget' books Mom & I finally got her to order.
How many library cards do you own ? 3 (Flower Mound TX, Lewisville TX, Wichita KS)How frequently do you use your library system ? weekly
Do you only use it for audiobooks, or do you also get print books there ? mostly overdrive audiobooks, books on cd, bound books
Do they have a certain number of items you can check out at a time ? yes
How many library cards do you own ? - 1How frequently do you use your library system ? - A couple of times a month, mostly for ebooks/audiobooks. Right now I have 2 ebooks on Overdrive and an audiobook on hold.
Do you only use it for audiobooks, or do you also get print books there ? - If I need a book for a challenge or group read, I'll first check TRAC (The Regional Automation Consortium), then I'll check the local availability for a print book. If it's not available, I check to see if there's one available for ILL.
Do they have a certain number of items you can check out at a time ? I can't find anything on the website for the number of print books you can borrow at a time. I do know that you are limited to 10 titles through TRAC. I suspect that is because TRAC has limited resources shared by the entire province. There are lots of titles. That's not the problem. There is generally only one digital ebook copy and/or one digital audiobook copy per title.
What age were you when you got your first library card ? I would have been in elementary school. I loved the public library as a child and have a nostalgic memory of that library. It was in a house with creaking hardwood floors and a lovely aroma of books. The library in this city is new and antiseptic.
Tell us about your library . - When we first moved into this area, we were on a farm and because we weren't a part of the municipality, the library card was quite expensive so I opted to purchase my books instead. I moved into the city 4 years ago and the first place I headed was the library. My membership is $7.50/year and I have full access to the library here, access to ILL across the province, and access to TRAC for digital downloads. The library uses Overdrive, Freading, and 3M Cloud Library. I see they also use Hoopla for eAudiobooks plus streaming videos and music. I must check Hoopla out. I don't know if they would have a different selection available, or if it's just a different way to download than Overdrive. I haven't gotten out of the habit of purchasing my own books, though.
How many library cards do you own ? I have two cards - the most used for online checking out is my Los Anglese Public Library Card and I thank the libray gods daily for the quality and selection that they have. My second card is with our neighboring city (Thousand Oaks) - they have an outstanding privately owned library that I love to visit regularly. Their online system cannot compete with LAPL but the library is a joy to visit and I use it for other types of material. How frequently do you use your library system ? I am online daily and visit in person every 3 weeks.
Do you only use it for audiobooks, or do you also get print books there ? I use the LAPL for audiobooks and ebooks. I visit the TOL for print books that are not available in the other two formats.
Do they have a certain number of items you can check out at a time ?
The LAPL has an online 30 book limit/15 book hold limit and their loan period is 21 days.
The TOL has an online 5 book limit/5 book hold and the loan period is 21 days. But in person there is no limit and the loan period is 28 days.
What age were you when you got your first library card ?
I lived across the street from the library growing up and spent a LOT of time there. I probably had a card as early as they allowed.
Do you have a favorite librarian that helped you choose books a s a child, or one that will recommend a book to you when you visit ?
No not really - though my sister was 10 years older and helped me with book selection quite a bit.
How many library cards do you own?I own one library card and am proud to say it's the Free Library of Philadelphia.
How frequently do you use your library system?
I rarely use it however. When they began the overdrive system it was so cumbersome AND I'm not always able to listen to books in a timely manner.
Do you only use it for audiobooks, or do you also get print books there?
I used it more often than not for videos when my children were younger. We also took out books on tape.
Do they have a certain number of items you can check out at a time? I don't know.
What age were you when you got your first library card?
Ok. This question dates me. I didn't always live in Philadelphia. I lived about 30 miles outside the city and we had a bookmobile! Somehow, there was a calendar of where it was going to be and when and that was my first experience with a library.
Do you have a favorite librarian that helped you choose books a s a child, or one that will recommend a book to you when you visit?
I had a quirky childhood so this question needs some explaining. I grew up at a private residential boys school (yep! and I was certainly very girly) where my father was the assistant headmaster. The school had a library but no librarian UNTIL my father hired the first woman to work at the school. I loved her and she turned the library into a warm and inviting space. We're going back more than 50 years here folks, but it was one of my most favorite spots in the school and I think my father had her keep an unofficial eye on me when he was on campus.
Growing up our schools had great libraries, and that's where I got my books from; truly they were as big as any small city might have. I do remember my mom taking us to the city library and we had cards but since the school libraries had everything we could want I didn't go often. I loved our school librarians and I think they truly loved those of us who wanted to read. Because I always read above my grade I think I received special attention....but I was a good girl too and never damaged a book as that was just disrespectful (even now I find it hard to write in the margins or make marks).My city library (different from the one I grew up near) is smallish but modern and carries a good selection though I use the overdrive app now and download many of my books from there. On occasion I go to the physical location, usually for reference books I need. Admittedly our librarians are not nearly as friendly as those in my youth but they can be helpful.
My fondest memory of my high school librarian was: I went up to say hi and see if any new books had arrived and Mrs (?) said oh, I've got a book I think you would really like but you must keep quiet about it's content, which she new I would. Well who wouldn't be intrigued? The book was, (I think) JOSH or maybe JOEL, something like that. I've never been able to find it again. It was about a boy and on the last few pages he had very innocent sex with his girlfriend. It's funny, until this minute I've kept that secret with the librarian. I liked the book as a whole and the final chapter didn't tarnish me at all; I just wish I could find it again to see if I still like it. That euphoric feeling of being trusted by the librarian will never leave me.
Thank you Julie for reminding me of such wonderful library memories.
Patricia wrote: "I hadn't used a library for 100 years until I discovered they have audiobooks about 18 months ago.Now I have access to 4 - I use my mother's card for Overdrive and BorrowBox at her local library,..."
What is USA overdrive Patricia?
I've had a library card since I was in high school in the 1970s. I had to walk to the library so I didn't have one earlier.I am allowed 15 ebooks or audiobooks either as holds or checkouts on Overdrive for my library.
Paper books - I'm allowed 30 with 6 renewals unless somebody wants it or the book is from the Woodland or Folsom libraries which only allows 2 renewals.
Everytime I check out any kind of book, I think "I just saved $____," because I didn't have to buy it.
I was hoping there was some nationwide Overdrive available. :(
I grew up on a farm. The nearest library was over 10 miles away and they had a small children's section, so I think I read everything in it more than once. (there was no interlibrary loan back then). I don't remember if I had my own card or if my mother took out the books, and I could only have 2 at a time. But when I was 10, we moved to Philadelphia with its famous Free Library (see Fran's comment above). The children's room was bigger than the entire library had been in my earlier life. I thought I was in heaven. You could take out 5 books at once, and adults could take out more (12, maybe)I do remember my kids getting cards early on and regularly going to story hour and other library activities in Minneapolis, where we lived at that time. I do borrow books from the library and I buy them from library book sales. I haven't yet used Overdrive but think I will start now that I got so much info from this group.
I used libraries wherever I lived growing up. (Military family.) However, should I be embarrassed to admit that as a former librarian of 35 years that I do not have a library card and never visit my public library? (blushing...)
Julie wrote: "Lee Something tells me you probably never run out of reading material !"
You are absolutely correct, Julie. :)
Julie wrote: "Lee Something tells me you probably never run out of reading material !"
I may have reached SABLE status - (stash accumulated beyond life expectancy)
Wish there was an easier way to get books from other libraries. I live in an area where we are lucky to have OverDrive, though the choice is better than it was when we first got, it's still lacking in getting the books that are currently popular.
If you want a non-resident card you have pay for it.
Julie wrote: "I actually made the mistake ( for myself ) of trying to calculate how many books are on my tbr , the rate I'm adding more , the number of books I can finish in a year. I came to a pretty scary con..."
Hehehe Julie, Julie, Julie. Look at it this way, if it's UP you get the really great books....if it's DOWN then you get books like Absalom, Absalom!. Hahahaha you should read my review. And Grover Gardner won't be narrating.......
I have cards at City of LA Public Library (LAPL), County of LA Pub Lib (County), my local city PL, and possibly still have an account at the city two towns east. I had a fee-charged out-of-state account at Free Library of Philadelphia for about 3 years, and used it for OverDrive books, but as of 2014 I dropped it, since the LAPL OverDrive selection has grown so much. The County selection is somewhat different and much smaller. Occasionally I get print books from InterLibraryLoan (ILL) from LAPL, but the nearest branch is 30min away.
My local city PL just this year adopted OverDrive, and it's very limited so far; but they have good bricks&mortar libraries, with the nearest branch only 4 blocks away. I mostly get print books from them.
Gee, how could anyone survive without a library card? :-)I have one from Los Angeles City, Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Bernardino County, Palos Verdes, Long Beach. Hmm, have I forgotten any?
And other than PV and OC, I pretty much use all of them all the time.
Julie wrote: "I thought it might be interesting to hear about your local libraries, or ones you may have visited. How many library cards do you own ?
How frequently do you use your library system ?
Do you o..."
I love my local library!
I can get 10 books/cd/mp3/playaway/dvd, plus 10 oneclickdigital audiobooks plus 6 overdrive ebooks. I often order items. I costs me 3 euro a year - great value :-D
It is always buzzing with activity in the form of school children, group and clubs. The librarians are so good with kids and adults alike. In my formative years you didn't dare to whisper other than to ask staff a relevent queation! I remember people having their library cards removed for being noisey - i.e. speaking at normal volume. Librarians were to be feared!!
One think hasn't changed though - in Ireland or the UK, I have never come across a male librarian, not even in university libraries. Has anyone else?
Julie wrote: "I thought it might be interesting to hear about your local libraries, or ones you may have visited." How many library cards do you own? Two. I still have my card from the county I moved from two years ago, and I have used it some (to get extra time on the computer). My current library has a great collection, and I can borrow anything in the state of Colorado through them, so there is really no reason to use the other card for books. It is an awesome library.
How frequently do you use your library system? Almost every day.
Do you only use it for audiobooks, or do you also get print books there? Print books. I am still primarily a print and ebook reader, and I have so much on my Kindle I will never get it all read.
Do they have a certain number of items you can check out at a time? 6 books per subject, no overall limit. (That may be different for electronic media and DVDs, but I haven't really explored that.)
What age were you when you got your first library card? Hmm. My earliest library memories are the school library. I don't remember how old I was when I got my first public library card, but I remember that library very well. I read every single thing they had that was of any interest to me. I was probably 11 or 12, I guess.
Do you have a favorite librarian that helped you choose books as a child, or one that will recommend a book to you when you visit? Count me among those whose early librarians were grumpy. I did volunteer at the public library a summer in high school, and those ladies were lovely but totally disorganized. I feel a little strange that I don't really know any of the librarians at my current library, but I don't. Self-check and computerized card catalogs make it almost unnecessary to speak.
Patricia wrote: "Carolyn F. wrote: "What is USA overdrive Patricia? ..."
I just meant I belong to a library located in the USA that uses Overdrive.
I live in Australia. Not all books that are available in all cou..."
Is this possible? How did you do this (get a library card without living in the USA)?
I last visited a library maybe 2 years ago now. My eyes are bad and it's much easier to ramp up the text size on an ebook than to find large print copies. Also audible and kindle are just so darn convenient.Before my last visit it had been maybe 5 years since I went to a library and I felt like I time traveled to some crazy future world when the librarian showed me how to self checkout books. O.o
I'm still not used to it. I feel like somethings missing if no one had to look at my card, or stamp the checkout slip inside the book.
I only have one library card. Our local library is tiny and now that my son is older I hardly ever visit it. I live in the UK, but when I lived in South Africa our local library was amazing, it had 3 stories, a modern spiral staircase and I could get lost amongst the rows of shelves. I loved it. I guess I feel conspicuous in our small local library; I like to browse and even read a bit in the tranquil surroundings, but I can't do that if I'm the only one...I get too self conscious. I've heard that in the U.S. libraries work with amazon so that people can read library books on their paper white Kindles, is this true?
I struggle reading off my tablet as the screen is too bright, the tablet too bulky so I tend to buy my books although I do use Overdrive and take e books out from my county library.
I actually feel really guilty for not using my local library, many local libraries are shutting down, librarians are being replaced by unskilled volunteers, it's a real shame. My new years resolution is to attempt supporting my local library by taking our books from it....except I'm so used to and prefer using my kindle.
Leona wrote: "I've heard that in the U.S. libraries work with amazon so that people can read library books on their paper white Kindles, is this true? "It is true, but I don't think amazon is involved. The two programs I know of are Overdrive and Hoopla. The library pays to be a part of those programs to allow their patrons to borrow ebooks to their own ereaders. (I think the payment for each service is structured differently.)
Leona wrote: "I've heard that in the U.S. libraries work with amazon so that people can read library books on their paper white Kindles, is this true? "Overdrive works with the libraries to provide e-books and as a general rule, most e-books are available in e-pub and Kindle versions, so they can be read on practically any device, including the e-ink Kindles.
I have 3 library cards. One is for my County Library system and the other two are for the town near us that isn't part of the County Library system. If you aren't a resident of this town, then you pay a yearly fee. Two of my daughters go to high school in the town so they get their library cards for free. I utilize both their cards!I've had a library card since I was very little. I can still hear the sound of the imprinting machine that printed the date due on the card. The card was then put into a little card pocket at the back of each book. I've always loved libraries and have many times imagined what it would be like to live in one.
I never knew what the checkout limitations were until I just checked (it was never an issue for me). Limit of 100 items to check out and 200 holds! wow! This is at my county library. At the library next town over, the max is 30 books.
I almost always violate the lending period. My husband jokes that they built the library addition with my fine money! The fines are cheaper than buying the books.
I used to go to the library almost every day when my daughters were in the swim program. The library is in the same community building as the community swimming pool. Now, I don't go as often and especially now that I get more books and audiobooks on Overdrive.
Patricia wrote: "Melanti wrote: "Overdrive works with the libraries to provide e-books and as a general rule, most e-books are available in e-pub and Kindle versions..."I think that is only true in the USA.
I liv..."
Yes, but the question was specific to what is available in the US...
There's much less Kindle support in other countries.
Julie wrote: "Has anyone seen one of the little "book box " type things in someone's yard, where they set up a little enclosed shelf of some sort, and you can stop and choose a book and replace it with one of yo..."There's one of those standing on a streetcorner in my neighborhood. I haven't gone to look at it yet, though.
Thank you, Jan. You answered several questions about my beloved Los Angeles Public Library for which I hadn't a clue , although I use it on line several times a week. And visit my local branch weekly to pick up, or drop off the items reserved on line. Since I can no longer afford Audible (who did treat me well) I need to learn how to use Overdrive, etc. Somebody there will show me how if I make an appointment and drag my recalcitrant laptop in.
My work has a Little Free Library in our cafeteria! It's pretty new (within the past month or so). I haven't used it though. There are a fair amount of LFL's around the Minneapolis/St Paul area.
Libraries, one of the great public services.I envy those with membership to more than one library, here you can't do that. Luckily since libraries went online I have access to all Linc Tasmania library facilities. I download mostly audiobooks but the selection is not as large as other state libraries.
I'm grateful for the online service, I no longer enjoy visiting libraries so much as these days they are so noisy! Still, I guess if it gets kids reading and enjoying books it must be good
Every since I started asking a million and one questions as a child- my dad and I have visited every library in the area. Each Saturday was a different library. It served two purposes. The first is that it shut me up for a few hours. The second is that it was a very cheap way to keep me entertained for said hours. The libraries I liked- we would revisit; but nothing could beat the main library, complete with it's big, dusty volumes of local history, and the slightly intimidating microfiche machines for looking at old newspapers. It was my preferred playground. Swings and slides were fun, but roaming in and out of the tall shelves of books were where I felt at home. Even the Reference section had books full of fun and gross pictures. I could spend a whole Saturday at the library (with a break for food) and not ever feel like the day was wasted. Especially since you could bring a few friends home for more adventures. I grew out of children's books VERY quickly. It's not that they were boring- it's just that they felt too easy, and were over too quickly. So I probably graduated to regular books fairly early. Like 8 or 9. My dad never censured or censored what I read, not even during my trashy romance novel phase at 12. Thus I was able to figure out for myself what I liked, and what I didn't really care for. And as a side bonus- my test scores in reading comprehension and vocabulary were always ridiculously high.How many library cards do you own? One
How frequently do you use your library system? Weekly. Sometimes more frequently.
Do you only use it for audiobooks, or do you also get print books there? Mostly audiobooks, but I will occasionally go to the actual building for print books.
Do they have a certain number of items you can check out at a time? 6 books, and 2 audiobooks/movies/cds at a time in person. 15 e-books or audiobooks at a time in Overdrive.
What age were you when you got your first library card? Probably 5 or 6. Before that- I would checkout books on my dad's library card.
Do you have a favorite librarian that helped you choose books a s a child, or one that will recommend a book to you when you visit? No, usually the librarian just slowed me down. Or found books that I felt were too easy. I did like story time on Saturdays, though. They usually used puppets to illustrate a popular book. And by the time I got to middle school- I knew the shelving system by heart. The librarian at my middle school would let me re-shelve books, because I was the only one who would do it correctly.
Tell us about your library.
My current library is a classy two-story brick building, smack in the middle of other office buildings. You could easily ride right past it and not know it's a library. As most of the library has gone digital- they generally use the extra space for meetings and crafting classes. There is a nice cosy teen room upstairs, with all the Percy Jackson/Hunger Games/House of Night type books nestled within arms reach. Reference books and non-fiction also upstairs, but most of the general fiction/sci-fi/books on cd are located downstairs. Each floor has a bank of computers, mostly dedicated to being digital card catalogues, but you can type papers on them, learn a language, and surf the internet. There is a semi-enclosed (as in it is surrounded on three sides by the library) sitting garden out back for reflection and quiet reading.
Julie wrote: "Also, has anyone here ever participated in the Book Crossing system, where you leave or find someone else's book ? That looks like a really interesting idea ."
Yes! I used to leave books all the time! I must start that again. It's a fun way to discover new books.
Wow Janice! Sounds just like my library in Grande Prairie, Alberta!!! It is white and sterile and although lovely, just seems to wide open!I came from Toronto to GP and miss their collection so much. Toronto had a staff writer to consult, 3D printers, a large collection and so much more.
GP's staff are quite nice though, when I explained that I work out of town on the patch, they automatically check out my print books with max holds on them!
Janice wrote: "How many library cards do you own ? - 1
How frequently do you use your library system ? - A couple of times a month, mostly for ebooks/audiobooks. Right now I have 2 ebooks on Overdrive and an au..."
Jacynthe wrote: "Wow Janice! Sounds just like my library in Grande Prairie, Alberta!!! It is white and sterile and although lovely, just seems to wide open!"That would be because it's the one and same library. LOL! Small world. :)
I love this topic!How many library cards do you own ? I have two, Santa Monica Public Library and Los Angeles Public Library
How frequently do you use your library system ? For ebooks and audiobooks, I visit online almost every day. I have a bookclub that meets at the library, so I have one physical visit per month.
Do you only use it for audiobooks, or do you also get print books there ? I use the library mostly for ebooks and audiobooks, but I check out few physical books per year.
Do they have a certain number of items you can check out at a time ? I am sure there are limits, but I have never maxed out.
What age were you when you got your first library card ?
I don't recall, but I remember visiting the library at a fairly young age, so probably before I was 7.
Do you have a favorite librarian that helped you choose books a s a child, or one that will recommend a book to you when you visit ?I don't recall getting much help in picking out books. I recall a very nice school librarian who died quite young and the school installed a statue of Icarus as a memorial to her. I couldn't have been more than 8, but I still recall the ceremony.
I have only one library card. I could write a passionate love letter to my city library, Los Angeles Public, the main downtown cathedral of learning and the several branches I have used over the years since 1930. They were my refuges on long hot summer days. I don't remember any librarian or clerk offering help or advice but if I asked it was there.Now, half blind, to sit in my own home, access the library catalog by computer, request a book, or audio book, by computer, have it delivered to my nearby local branch for pick up is sheer nirvana.
Margaret wrote: "I have only one library card. I could write a passionate love letter to my city library, Los Angeles Public, the main downtown cathedral of learning and the several branches I have used over the ye..."Margaret, I share your love and affection for LAPL. It's an incredible resource to our community. The librarians are at the root of putting the tools and systems in place to make books easily available to the patrons. They are unsung public servants.
Thanks for the link to the other messages about the Houston Library! I live in Texas but in a small town. My local library doesn't have much of a selection and the larger one close by would be $90 for a year! The Houston Public Library is perfect! Can't wait to join! Thanks so much!
Jessica wrote: "Thanks for the link to the other messages about the Houston Library! I live in Texas but in a small town. My local library doesn't have much of a selection and the larger one close by would be $90 ..."I love them - I also live in a small town in Texas
I just tried applying today for a non-resident library card for LAPL (Los Angeles Public Library). I was told that I could obtained one for a fee, however, I still needed to present myself in person to obtain it. I live in another state way too far from LA. I was so disappointed!!! I was able to get a non-resident library card from BPL without the need to apply in person. I was so looking forward to obtaining that card! =(
I have been a member of the Houston Public Library for a couple weeks now, and it has been a gold mine!
@Jessica - Houston is free for all Texas residents - even out of area residents - that should make it even more enjoyable
Gina wrote: "I just tried applying today for a non-resident library card for LAPL (Los Angeles Public Library). I was told that I could obtained one for a fee, however, I still needed to present myself in perso..."Did they say why? Is it that they have to match your face with your ID? I'm sure they have many patrons who are homebound who can't make the trip to a physical library. What do they do in that case? And I admit I thought you had to be a resident of California.
Paris,A non-resident has to pay either $20 for a 6 month membership or $40 for full year membership.
How many library cards do you own? Technically just one at our local branch, but I use the school library where I work as well.How frequently do you use your library system? I check the online catalog several times a month, and go into the building about once every few weeks.
Do you only use it for audiobooks, or do you also get print books there? Normally, I check out print books. However, there have been more selections in the ebook/audiobook format lately. I have been choosing whichever version gets me the book faster.
Do they have a certain number of items you can check out at a time? There is not a set limit, but the library reserves the right to limit access if needed.
What age were you when you got your first library card? I honestly do not remember. My guess is that it was probably when I was in 3rd or 4th grade and living on an Air Force base.
Do you have a favorite librarian that helped you choose books as a child, or one that will recommend a book to you when you visit? My favorite librarian is at my school. We talk about books every week; she is the one who convinced me to try audiobooks. There was a librarian at the local branch who gave some great recs, but she transferred to another library about 10 miles away.
Tell us about your library. It's small, as our town has a population of about 3,000 people. One of the best things about the library is that it is part of a network with 8 or 9 other communities. I can reserve a book from another town, and wait a few days and it will be delivered to my library.
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I belong to 3 libraries, mainly for overdrive.
I take out both e-books and audiobooks
1 library allows a max of 5 books on hold, 3 books checked out and for a max of 14 days - my home library
1 library allows a max of 10 books on hold, 10 books checked out and for a max of 14 days - Houston TX
1 library allows a max of 10 books on hold, 10 books checked out and for a max of 21 days - Austin TX
I have been having such good options at the libraries, that I will give up my scribd subscription this month.
in many cases I like to get the e-book and the audiobook at the same time, some times it work, sometimes it doesn't
I highly recommend the overdrive system, as well as the out of state/area library cards