Sharing is caring (for the planet): 3 reasons to love your library
Have you ever bought a book (because Tik Tok told you to… guilty!), read it once or maybe a few times, then thrown it out or given it away?
For most of us, there are books we read over and over, or like to keep on bookshelves and coffee tables , but there are also books that we buy and don’t enjoy or simply don’t reach for ever again.
The library offers a valuable resource in that it allows us to explore new genres, authors and meet like-minded book lovers, all whilst reducing waste and saving money!
Here are 3 reasons to love your library:
Free books!
I would argue that access to free books is the number one reason to visit your local library, as it allows you to venture into new genres and explore new authors (whom you might not have considered reading before), all without the financial burden.
There are few worse feelings than spending money on a book you don’t enjoy, but, thankfully, the library takes away this risk, as you can simply return books you aren’t a fan of, without being out of pocket.
Often, libraries have featured books each month to celebrate certain awareness campaigns, authors or marginalised groups of people. This can broaden your horizons, teaching you new things and encouraging you to pick up books you wouldn’t necessarily buy in the shop.
Plus, it is free to sign up to public libraries, meaning all of their resources are free to access, including books, magazines and historical records. This can be particularly useful if you are conducting research, such as for your studies, work, or a personal project.
Most librarians are happy to share their knowledge and recommendations with you, and help if you are looking for something specific - so don’t be afraid to ask! They will probably be very interested in your research and want to help in any way they can.
A sense of community
Attending the library can help you build a sense of community and get to know other people, and maybe even make some new friends!
Libraries host a number of community events, such as reading groups, coffee mornings and craft workshops, so there is something for everybody and this gives you the chance to meet interesting people from across your community.
They also provide resources to help both adults and children with reading, literacy, and computer skills, which contributes towards empowering individuals to participate more fully in society.
Librarians can also provide members of the community with help regarding finding employment, legal aid information and wellness resources. They are hubs for the local community, bringing together people old and young through learning and knowledge sharing.
A safe and inclusive space
Libraries are inclusive spaces that welcome people of all social backgrounds, fostering diversity and a sense of safety for all visitors. From children to the elderly, libraries offer a place where people from all walks of life are welcome.
Most libraries host events for children during the school holidays and offer a warm place for people to sit during the colder months, welcoming lots of different people all year round. The fact it is free to join a library and borrow books also removes any barriers to access based on socioeconomic factors.
Libraries celebrate diversity too, and offer resources on race, culture, and LGBTQ+ communities.
Final thoughts
There are lots of environmental and social benefits of joining the library, yet they are often overlooked and not utilised enough. By utilising the library, you can reduce your environmental footprint and contribute to a more sustainable community.
Libraries normalise circular models of consumption, in this case borrowing. So, if you haven’t already, I would recommend joining your local library - after all it is free!
