The Magic of Libraries - Part III - Adults
Parenting
Parenting little ones (tiny, medium or teen-sized) can be all-consuming so before I write a blog post on what the library can offer our little people, I wanted to consider what it can offer us parents and carers.
Got a parenting problem? There’s a book for that. Parenting can be hard and sometimes we are faced with a parenting problem we can’t solve alone. Libraries have any number of parenting books, covering any topic you need help with, from how to deal with tantrums through to supporting a child diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder
Photo by 2Photo Pots on Unsplash
Reading for pleasure
Haven’t read a book in a while because life has been keeping you on your toes? Or maybe you’re overwhelmed by all the choices and don’t know where to start. Get online and try the library Book Advisor Service at Geelong Regional Libraries. If your local library doesn’t seem to offer this, approach a librarian in person and just ask. It is literally their job to help and, knowing bookish people, possibly one of the best parts of it.
Book Clubs
Book clubs can be fun, intellectual and social and, if it’s your bag, a stellar way to spend time time with other adults. Some groups meet for dinner, some for a drink or two, some cover the book in depth and others skim over it and just have a jolly good time. Our local libraries have a number of book clubs that run during the day or evening. The library provides the books, you bring your own refreshments and keen intellect. You can even build your own book group with a group of friends and borrow kits from the library. I often find I read books I wouldn’t otherwise have considered picking up thanks to my book group.
Events
This is a broad category because local libraries run so many events. Geelong Regional Libraries has 18 different search categories for events including;
Tiny computer Photo by Harrison Broadbent on Unsplash
Author Talks - Local and international, best-selling and niche, fiction and non-fiction authors travel to do talks in libraries all over the world. I’ve fan-girled over my fair share of authors and hearing them explain their craft and being in a room with others who appreciate their work is a truly buoyant experience.
Health and Wellbeing - There’s currently groups for conversational English Practise when English isn’t your native language, information sessions for child vaccinations and veggie gardening for beginners, and a knitting circle at our local libraries.
Jobs and Lifeskills - Our local libraries host many sessions providing information to those who need assistance identifying and accessing employment services and there’s a session for those needing job interview tips.
Computer and Tech help - These sessions cover the basics from ‘how to use email effectively’ and ‘mouse and keyboard basics’ right through to groups who like using credit card sized computers like Raspberry Pi (your guess is as good as mine)
e-Collections
This is such a massive offering and, when we’re still finding ourselves isolated at home due to the dreaded Covid-19, invaluable! Here’s what you can access online (with a library card):
eBooks
eAudiobooks
Video streaming
Learning a new language
History archives
Newspapers and Magazines
There really is something for everyone. Do yourself a favour and visit your local library and reap the benefits. The more we utilise our libraries, the more they can provide. Sometimes I really can’t believe how lucky we are.
What else does your local library provide that you love? Comment below.
