Credit crunch help from your local library!
Most of us are counting our pennies in these recessionary times - but there are a few ways your local library can help.
It looks as though libraries are likely to get a lot busier as the recession bites. According to ‘The Bookseller’, library services as far away as Seattle in the USA are reporting an upsurge in membership with many more books being borrowed week by week.
There are 34 libraries across Warwickshire, plus a fleet of mobiles touring the county. Warwickshire library membership is free to anyone who lives or works in the county. Simply call into any branch - or complete the online application form to get your card.
If the recession means you have less to spend on going out, why not stay in with a good book? Curling up and keeping warm on winter nights sounds like a great idea anyway, and with a good book you can drift away to hotter climates or exotic places without spending a penny.
Borrowing books from Warwickshire libraries is free - and there are literally hundreds of thousands to choose from, including loads of children’s titles. If what you want is not on the shelf, you can check out the computerised catalogue, find the book you are after, and ask for it to be delivered to your local library, ready for your next visit.
Want to keep that book a bit longer? No need to get cold or wet, or waste time and money on a car journey - just phone the library service or log on to renew. As long as the book is not overdue there is no charge.Want to study or check out a reference book? You can do it for free in any library. As well as real books, Warwickshire library members can access a fantastic range of electronic resources, available 24 hours a day, including:
World Book which contains over 25,000 encyclopaedic articles
Oxford English Dictionary
The Times Digital Archive
Oxford ArtAncestry.com (from library computers only)
Many libraries carry a range of daily newspapers and magazines that can be read in a warm and welcoming place - for free. So job-hunters can check out the all the recruitment ads without having to buy all the newspapers. Some libraries also subscribe to the consumer magazine ‘Which’ so you can get advice on the best value for money before making any big purchases.
No-one wants to waste money, particularly when times are hard. Libraries rent out CDs for just a £1 a week, so why not try before you buy? No need to risk a tenner to find you only like one track. DVD’s cost only £2.75 a week for a feature film - and are you really going to watch that movie more than once?
Don’t have a printer or photocopier or fax at home? Your local library can help with all of these.If there is no library near to your home you can check out our mobile libraries stops on the website.
Details of all the above can be found at: http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/libraries.