When I’ve given talks, I’ve frequently mentioned that I grew up in a library. This is pretty much the case. My dad was a high school English teacher, and we were often at the library. He was reading different newspapers and grading essays, and I’d be immersed in mysteries (first Nancy Drew and Trixie Belden, then Agatha Christie).
Now I use the library in a lot of different ways. Here are a few of them. Every library is different, but if a service sounds interesting, go online or drive over to your local library to find out what it offers.
Books and Magazines: We all know writers need to spend a good deal of time reading to learn to create well-constructed books and keep on top of industry and genre trends. The library has always been my go-to for getting books. If I absolutely can’t get something at the library, I’ll use an online request form to request a purchase (they’ve never turned me down when I’ve made a suggestion). I always have something on loan from the library that I’m reading. Most of the time, I’m getting ebooks through Overdrive (look into the Libby app). I’m not an audiobook fan as a reader, but many are and are getting free audiobooks through Overdrive and Hoopla.
Many libraries now offer access to academic journals and research papers, which can be incredibly useful for writers doing deep dives into specific topics.
I’ve used this less often, but my library also offers free magazines online. They’re now available through an expanded digital newsstand that includes publications from around the world.
Education: Want to learn how to use the latest AI writing assistants? How to market your books in the ever-changing digital landscape? There are now even more opportunities to learn different skills through expanded online learning platforms. My library offers access to platforms like Coursera and edX, providing free access to university-level courses. I’ve also taken courses on programs like Excel, which I’ve struggled to learn on my own.
Entertainment: Watching good movies and television not only helps me refill my well, but also inspires me in the same way a good book will. We stream at our house (no more cable) and get our programming through various streaming services. The library is helping supply me with some great films and TV through expanded streaming services. I’m a fan of classic movies and independent films, but there are also a lot of box office hits available. And it helps me keep up with my favorite British television shows. See if your library offers Kanopy or Hoopla.
Creative Spaces: I’ve always treated the library as an extra living room for me. Sometimes, I’ve found the house can be simply too distracting, or my project just a little too complicated to focus at home. Those are days I pack up and head to the library. Ours has study rooms you can use (which I have during days where I felt I was running behind), but it can also be stimulating for me to work alongside others in the main room. Whatever they’re working on somehow pushes me along and motivates me to keep going, too.
Are you a library power-user, too? What kinds of services do you use there? Do you go there to write?
Writers: Use Libraries' Resources: Share on X
Image by Michal Jarmoluk from Pixabay
Streaming services through the library? That I will have to look into.
I watch Kanopy every month! I think you’d like it. :)
I couldn't possibly agree more, Elizabeth! Perhaps it's because I grew up with libraries, too, but I've always loved them. And there are so many flexible ways to use them, too, from simply having a quiet space to write, to arranging for an author event, to doing research, to….. I really do believe that writers should support libraries in any way they can.
Absolutely! They’re my favorite places. And they offer so many resources.
I get all my books through the library and use Libby too. And our library has lots of interesting programs and meeting space too. I love the library!
I save a ton of money by using the library weekly!
I work from home, but go to the library to work once or twice a week. I love libraries, and their funding (in the UK at least) is based partly on how much they're used. So using them helps to keep them open. Win-win.
Our kids have always used libraries too. My eldest went to a book and craft club organised by the library. One week they read some Roald Dahl. Afterwards the librarian said, "It says here that you shouldn't make George's Marvellous Medicine at home. But we're at the library, so let's make some."
Going to the library is a nice break from working from home, isn’t it? And you’re absolutely right…here in the US, funding is dependent on usage and traffic.
That librarian sounds like a gem! And so was Roald Dahl. :)