Ok. Hear me out. Who would’ve thunk it? I have been doing this for such a long time it has become second nature to me. At first, I snubbed it off, thinking, why should I do it? Is it really worth the time? First, I tried one. Then one became two. Then two became….well, you know how it goes. I have been doing it for years now and marvel at how some people don’t know they have it so good right in front of them. So what it this “mysterious” thing, you ask? Well, there’s no real mystery to it. It’s something that is accessible to everybody and it is right in their own backyards… It’s a shame people overlook it.
I’m talking about (brace yourselves) – participating in library classes and programs. Yes, you heard me right. Now before you go running off into another room, screaming, “This girl’s nuts!” hear me out. At the risk of sounding ‘nerdy’, I am going to tell you all about the great wonders of these classes and programs and why you should join me in participating. I have quite a few stories and who knows; since it’s all a part of the adventure, I may even make this a “series” so you can come along with me on the journey.
I can’t even remember the first class I truly attended – it may have been a crafting class. Regardless, I am going to show you the benefits of attending these programs and my take on the ones I have participated in and WILL participate in. I have been to such a selection of programs, it’s a wonder why more people don’t take part in what their libraries have to offer. Gone are the days that libraries are just some place for students to study and librarians are there to be the “quiet police” and the guardians of the Dewey decimal system…(ooooh…remember THAT????) Libraries are so much more than that. They have come quite a long way and libraries are truly wonderment with something for everyone. Yes, the traditions are still evident: books on shelves, librarians at the desk to help you (even specialized librarians), reference sections, quiet rooms, computers, etc. What’s added to the mix? DVDs, CDs, a computerized “card catalogue”, websites where you can reserve books or other materials, fitness classes (you read that right – more on this later), how-to classes, informational programs, movie nights out WITH dinner….where else can you get all that in one convenient location that you don’t have to travel far to?
Let me tell you a bit about my experiences. Over the years of attending the crafting classes, I have personally gotten to know people I wouldn’t have otherwise met in my life. You see the regulars, and even though the demographics span a wide gap and we may not be in the same social circles, I have come to expect to see these same people at the next function. The instructor of one of the crafting classes has become one of our good family friends. She’ll even go as far as saying she’ll put aside materials for us if we can’t make the regular class time – where else can you get a hook up like that???
Along with crafting, something which people may not know about is that some libraries even have fitness classes. I attend Zumba classes weekly (in addition to when I go to the gym since it’s my addiction). Before my work schedule got really hectic, I used to attend a Yoga class at the library, as well as a Tai Chi class. What an experience! There’s nothing that compares to it! It was “free” in the sense that additional fees were not imposed by the library. It’s all included in your taxes. Some libraries DO charge and more recently, mine has started to charge for SOME classes due to the attendance and waiting lists. Yes, there are waiting lists, and sometimes they’re quite long depending on the popularity of the class. Initially, I used to get funny looks being dressed for the gym and going to the library.
What else can we find at the library? Cooking demos and classes. A while back, I actually attended a baking class in which the instructor (who owned her own baking company)taught us how to make cheesecake truffles. More recently, I attended a spring time side dish cooking class. The chef showed us how to prepare three simple side dishes and even let us sample what it would taste like. At some point he discussed the option of letting us have a hands-on class in the future.
Looking for something to do on a Saturday night? How about dinner and a movie? Ok, if you’re like me, then chances are you have seen almost every movie that the library has had out on reserve. But what a great way to spend the evening – watching a movie and eating dinner.
That brings me to another point – I am one of the rare few who doesn’t have a Netflix account and I don’t rent movies or watch them on demand. Why? I look at what the upcoming DVDs are that my library is going to get. I put my name on the reserve list and when it’s my turn, they call me, I pick it up, borrow it for two days, and then return it. I can’t tell you how many countless movies I have seen this way – friends have already begun to wonder if I even really work at all! It’s free and as long as it’s on DVD, I can watch it.
In the summer time, the library hosts an annual “swap meet” which is a nice way of saying garage sale or flea market. Patrons sign up, put a deposit on a table/spot (which gets refunded back to the patron) and for whatever they can fit in their car, they can sell their “wares”. What a great day out for other patrons who just want to browse and spend the day looking at items they may want to purchase!
They have various workshops for skills people may want to acquire…from defensive driving to starting a business to using your iPad to learning to use your camera.
Here’s yet another reason I love the library. (There. I said it.) Their TRIPS!!!!! From day trips to overnighters, their trips have been outstanding! I have been to so many places this way and what’s nice is that I don’t have to lift a finger to plan or execute….ok, maybe I have to lift a finger to write a check. Various day trips have included: Sag Harbor, Foxwoods Casino, Mohegan Sun Casino, Brooklyn Botanical Gardens, Mets games (although I am a Yankee fan)…the list is endless! The overnighters have been so wonderful I am constantly on the lookout for where the library has planned next. Through them, I have gone to Hyde Park/West Point/Culinary Institute of America and Boston. The library plans out the itineraries and the transportation and accommodations. All I have to do is pay and show up. From the moment I step on the bus to the moment I step off back home, everything is taken care of. The tours are so educational that the entire experience is priceless. It’s also a good time out. As a matter of fact, on one of the tours, I felt like all I did was eat!!! Nothing compares to the trips they put together.
All the stuff I mentioned above is in no means inclusive of EVERYTHING my library has to offer. These were just the ones that I have had the pleasure and opportunity to attend. I have been to quite a few of their offerings with my family, that I feel like I have become quite the “celebrity” at the library. The staff pretty much knows us. As a matter of fact, if they see any of us coming in, the immediately check to see if a DVD we have placed on reserve is ready for pick up – we don’t have to say a word and they pull it right out. They always greet us when they see us and we share a laugh or two…we have become library family. ..
So for those who think that libraries are just some place that holds books that you don’t even want to read, think again. At least change how you view the library – not only is it a great community resource for almost anything you can think of, but it’s a great way to really make your tax dollars work for you. If you don’t get out there and support your local library and funding may not be so great and programs may not be many. In my community, we are very supportive, and this support, in my opinion is what drives the library to be able to put together worthwhile programs. With each passing year, they get better and better! After reading all this, tell me….can you think of ANY other way to experience so much for so little? Would love to hear your thoughts!
See ya soon!
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