4 Tips for Library Lovers, plus bonus quotes

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This is our Library Basket, which lives in the playroom/schoolroom.  For some reason, on the day I took this picture, our supplies were low.  I think the other books had migrated to the boys’ rooms, because most days this basket is full to overflowing and we are wedging books in there as tightly as we can.

Do you love the library as much as we do?
Are you tired of paying exorbitant fees for the 30-some-odd books you forgot to renew five days ago?  Not that it’s ever happened {ahem} to us, of course.
Are you ever disappointed to discover your library does not have a specific book you’d really love to read?

Take heart, Library-Lovers!  

(And by “Library-Lovers’ I do mean folks who love the library, as opposed to lovers who rendezvous at the library.)

I’ve got a few tips–plus a few just-for-fun quotes–from one Library-Lover to another.

Note:  This post is part of a week-ish long series on one of my favorite topics–books: Children’s Books, Used Books, Favorite Books, Libraries and more.  Not interested in books?  Just skip over this series and join us again next week… 

Have you entered the Children’s Books Giveaway yet?
You can do that here: Giveaway: 10 Favorite Children’s Books.

4 Tips for Library Lovers

1. BookMyne app

This app is SO cool!  BookMyne makes it super-easy to check your library account, alerting you when books are due soon (or overdue, as the case may be). Anything you can access through your library account–checkouts, holds, overdues, fines, etc.–can be accessed through this app.  You can even do catalog searches!

The best part is: you only have to enter your library card number once, when you download the app.*  After that, just select the app on your phone and bam!  Instant access to all your library info.  I’m hoping this will assist me in avoiding late fees.  Because we’re about to earn some sort of gold plaque for our “contributions.”

I’m still new at using BookMyne, but I’m already sure it will change my life. 🙂 Seriously.  And did you know that BookMyne allows you to maintain accounts at multiple libraries?  Why would you want accounts at multiple libraries?  Read on…

Note: If you download the BookMyne app and find yourself needing support, you can submit a request for support here.

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What do you think we use this bag for?  (Hint: it’s not milk, bread or eggs.) I’m actually contemplating the purchase of a super-sturdy canvas tote, but this gift from a friend is our fun go-to bag for now.  I love that it includes “books” with food staples, because that’s how we see books at our house–as staples.  And the funny part is that I can’t have milk, eggs or (regular) bread!  But I can have books.  They’re gluten, dairy and egg-free. 🙂

2. Multiple Libraries

In the interest of avoiding negativity, I will simply say that our current local library system has COMPLETELY underwhelmed me.  On multiple fronts.  Which is all the more irritating when you consider the county’s consistent ranking among the wealthiest in the nation.  (Both this year and last, it was the wealthiest.)  Apparently wealth does not equal literary discernment nor does it translate into better systems or programs.

But I digress.

One thing I am thankful for is access to the library system of a neighboring county.  Did you know that many libraries offer membership to anyone who lives, works or attends school in their county?  Mr. Native Texan’s office address earned us a card at the libraries one county over from our county of residence.  (For you locals, we have a card at the Loudoun libraries–where we live, and at Fairfax libraries–thanks to Mr. Native Texan’s office address.)

For us this has meant a much greater selection of available titles.  I can’t even begin to count the number of times I’ve found a book in the second (Fairfax) library system that was not available in the first (Loudoun).  And since Mr. Native Texan works near one of their branches, I simply put the books on hold and he picks them up on his lunch break or on his way home.  It’s perfect!

*In tip #1 concerning the BookMyne app, I mentioned only having to enter your library card number when you first sign up.  After that, you are logged in automatically from your smart phone.  I should point out that this has worked splendidly with my Fairfax library account, but (as you might guess) not with my Loudoun account.  I’m not exactly sure why, and I’ve got a support request in to BookMyne that is still awaiting a response.  If I find out more, I’ll be sure to share that update here at Yankee Homestead.  [If you happen to know anything about this, please do share your tips below!]  For now, I still recommend the app–especially if you live somewhere other than Loudoun County, VA.  I’m still loving it for my Fairfax library account–it makes renewing books so easy!

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Mama’s stack of library books: Travel and Home Decor.

3. InterLibrary Loan

If you’re a Library-Lover, you probably already know about this option.  But just in case not, I thought I’d mention it.

Many, if not all, libraries should offer to locate a book they do not carry by borrowing that book from another library.  This arrangement is called InterLibrary Loan.  Many libraries charge no fee, or a very low one.  (Once again, our current library system leaves much to be desired in this category.  Obtaining a book through ILL costs $3 per book in Loudoun County.  I haven’t tried ILL through Fairfax libraries.)  At our former library in Texas, there was no charge for receiving a book through ILL.  So be sure to check on your library’s ILL policies.

4. Especially for Teachers

I’ve heard that some libraries (again, not ours) offer special library cards for teachers, which includes homeschool teachers.  A homeschooling friend who lives in another state has a “teacher card” which eliminates any overdue fees and allows 6-week checkouts instead of the customary three weeks.  If you live somewhere other than Loudoun County, VA, it’s worth a shot to ask if your library offers any perks for teachers!

Bonus: Quotes about the Library–love these!

If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.
~Marcus Tullius Cicero

“Harry — I think I’ve just understood something! I’ve got to go to the library!”
And she sprinted away, up the stairs.
“What does she understand?” said Harry distractedly, still looking around, trying to tell where the voice had come from.
“Loads more than I do,” said Ron, shaking his head.
“But why’s she got to go to the library?”
“Because that’s what Hermione does,” said Ron, shrugging. “When in doubt, go to the library.”
― J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Have any great library tips?  Share them below…

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