September is Library Card Sign-Up Month. I wanted to take this post today and talk about my thoughts on libraries, especially as a teacher.

Public libraries exist all around the world. They are often, if not always, free to use. In the library alone, books are available to check out. Here in America, using the computers in the library is also a free service. Printing is the only thing that costs, and even then, it’s only like $0.15 per page. Libraries are one of the few places where people are not expected to spend money.

Libraries open people up to a world of possibilities. Obviously, libraries have all kinds of books to read. But they also have magazines, videos, audiobooks, and other things for people to use. I’ve even seen libraries have cooking utensils and power tools for their patrons to use.

You can also use libraries for research. My last semester of college, I had to write a 20-page paper for my Honors program. I spent a couple of long days in a public library in the heart of my city. They had great research materials. Unfortunately, these were books I could not check out. So instead, I would rifle through the books, especially the sections that were relevant to my research, and take notes from there. Then, later on, I had notes to refer to so that I could write my paper. Even still, that paper is one of the best things I’ve ever written. Additionally, I remember going to the library for research when I was younger. The Internet was not as omnipresent as it is now. I would look through the encyclopedias and use that information to help with whatever I was creating and researching.

Many libraries also have lots of fun programs that are free to take advantage of. I remember when I was younger, my library had a summer reading program. You would read so many books or so many hours over the summer, and then you could get prizes for how much you read. I constantly had my nose in a book when I was younger. The summer reading program was a breeze for me. It was so exciting when I learned that my library had a summer reading program for adults this year. I don’t know how long this has been available. But it was so much fun to be part of that reading again, and they had actual prizes for adults. I didn’t win any of the prizes; nevertheless, I read so many books this summer.

Also, libraries have other programs anyone can be involved with. Just this year alone, I’ve attended a board game night, a seminar about early censuses in the United States, and participated in (and won) a geography bee all put on by my local public library system. I’ve had fun, learned new things, and gotten to be competitive. My library also has what’s called a Seed Library, where you can get seeds for a personal garden.

If it’s not obvious, I love libraries for myself. They provide so many resources and opportunities. Those feelings continue as a teacher I teach in a very urban district, and my students don’t always come from places of privilege. It’s also one of the few public places where no one is expected to spend money.

One of my favorite things lately has been getting work done in a library. I set aside time each week to work on a personal project in the library. I work for about two hours and I leave the library when it closes. I can get my work done in peace, and I’m not expected to leave or pay for services. As long as I’m acting reasonably, no one is going to pay me any mind. And in the time I’ve been there, I’ve watched students be involved in tutoring services, families check out books, and people using the resources available. The library itself has a table of recommended books. When I was there most recently, it was books for kids about different careers. This way, they could get excited about different careers they may not have considered.

I know some people don’t like to read. But hopefully I’ve shown you that the library is not just for reading. Look up events your local library is doing. I’m sure you can find something that interests you. Libraries provide groups for all ages. I’ve seen events for kids, teens, families, adults, and seniors. One of the branches of my library has a walking club for seniors! Being involved with the library is such a great way to create and get involved with communities.

I started this post by letting you know that September is Library card sign-up month. I want to end this post by encouraging you to get a library card if you don’t have one. It’s a great resource as a person and as an educator. Most of the things are free, and there are options for everyone. Library cards usually never expire. So once you have one, you have access to the resources and system for life. You can find resources and communities of like-minded people in the library. Books aren’t the only things the library provides. There are lots of wonderful things at your fingertips when you have a library card! Get one if you don’t have one, regardless of your age or station in life!