An invaluable part of our community. (Library services)

Member Name: Claribella

Product:	Library services
Date:	08/05/09 (67 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Free internet and books

Disadvantages: trying to remember bringing your books back on time.

As a stay at home mum the local library is an important part of my life and weekly routine with my boys. I love the resources that are on offer and would be lost without it.

The library that is closest to us is very small but there is a real community feel about it. The librarian is absolutely lovely and can't do enough to help you out in any way she can. She loves the children and will often let Noah do some stamping or come behind the desk and spend ages answering his inquisitive questions.

On a Wednesday morning there is a Rhyme time which involves lots of singing and dancing around the library looking like a bunch of loonies. This is so much fun and Noah really enjoys taking part. There is also a story time for older children and throughout the school holiday periods there will be some special events to entertain the kids. During the recent Easter period ouR library ran an Easter Egg hunt and craft activities.

I live in quite a deprived area so the older children don't have much to do in the evenings after school so they tend to hang out in the library. They are quite troublesome kids but the library gives them a place to hang out and the librarians are really good at making them feel welcome but also knowing when to put their foot down and kick them out if they are being too rowdy. I love this as it gives them a place of refuge and the kindness that the librarians show goes a long way.

Obviously the library provides free usage of books which you can hire out for three weeks at a time. If the book that you want isn't on the shelf then the librarians are happy to order it in. This is free if you provide an email address or 50p if they have to let you know that it's arrived by post.

If you return your library books late then you are charged a small fee but this doesn't apply to the children's books. I really like this idea as sometimes life seems to get in the way and you don't end up getting them back on time. Sometimes Noah's books have been two to three weeks (I don't make a habit of this) late and I still haven't been charged for them.

You can use the internet for free which is amazing. I don't make a habit of this as I have a computer at home but as I have said before I live in quite a deprived area so this is great for some of the locals. Our library only has one computer but there is a library within a 15 minute walk that is huge and has lots of computers to choose from.

If you don't want to join a video shop then you can hire them out from the library instead. They don't tend to have the latest stuff on offer but if you are happy to pay £1 or a little more for an old classic then it's not a problem.

Over all the library is such a useful tool for my family and I and I like the fact that I am using something that my hubby's taxes go towards. If you've never paid a visit to your local then I would recommend you do, you will save tonnes of money on books and if you have children then it's an invaluable part of learning and growing up for them.

Summary: Our taxes are actually going to something useful.