A Thank You Note To Public Libraries

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visiting, but I could spend some time writing on their rooftop patio space (and if I’d been under-caffeinated I could have patronised their cafe).</p><p id="0a9b">In the pandemic, I spent some time exploring some of the options available through the library's digital catalogue. I read e-books on my phone and listened to audiobooks while doing chores around the house. But I also watched lots of movies through the streaming services I could access through the library — mostly indie and foreign films, plus a few documentaries.</p><p id="7c9a">There is so much to be gained from having a library card, even if you never actually set foot into the library.</p><p id="edd0">And lately, my local library has started to expand other ways that they can support the community by slowly building a non-traditional lending catalogue.</p><p id="0c45">Want to visit a provincial park? You can borrow a pass through the library. Want to try disc golf or pickleball or bocce? The library has the equipment you can borrow. Want to do some stargazing or birding? You can borrow a telescope or binoculars. Don’t have access to the internet? The library has wifi hubs available for loan. And if you need a tablet or computer they’ve got those too!</p><p id="ace7">Recently more libraries have also been doing something to becom

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e even more accessible — eliminating fines! My local library has gotten rid of fines for children and seniors, with plans to become fully fine-free sometime in the near future.</p><p id="c27d">I’m so grateful to have access to public libraries. They keep us entertained, help us to be lifelong learners, and connect us as a community.</p><p id="88b8">I can’t wait to see all the different ways that libraries continue to grow and change over the coming years, solidifying themselves as an integral part of a thriving community.</p><p id="fc09"><a href="undefined"><i>Natalie B. Kemp</i></a><i> is an outdoor educator who finds joy in nature, community, and a good cup of coffee. You may be interested in reading:</i></p><div id="056b" class="link-block"> <a href="https://readmedium.com/were-all-kids-from-a-neighbourhood-a2c1025ea851"> <div> <div> <h2>We’re All Kids From A Neighbourhood</h2> <div><h3>A celebration of playing in public</h3></div> <div><p>medium.com</p></div> </div> <div> <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/0*F3B9Psg3dWT-JAjO)"></div> </div> </div> </a> </div></article></body>

They’re way more than just buildings full of books

As Arthur so wisely sang, having fun isn’t hard when you’ve got a library card!

And, as a true lover of public libraries, I’m definitely extra lucky — I have three! One card for the library system in my hometown, one for the county where my family’s cottage is located, and one for the city I currently call home.

I love the library and it not only makes it easy to ensure I always have something to read, but that it allows me to discover new authors and sample different genres. I can browse the shelves or search through the online catalogue, seeing what books seem to call to me on that day.

Good libraries also become good community spaces. The best library that I’ve ever visited was the Central Library in Halifax, Nova Scotia; I couldn’t borrow any books since I was just visiting, but I could spend some time writing on their rooftop patio space (and if I’d been under-caffeinated I could have patronised their cafe).

In the pandemic, I spent some time exploring some of the options available through the library's digital catalogue. I read e-books on my phone and listened to audiobooks while doing chores around the house. But I also watched lots of movies through the streaming services I could access through the library — mostly indie and foreign films, plus a few documentaries.

There is so much to be gained from having a library card, even if you never actually set foot into the library.

And lately, my local library has started to expand other ways that they can support the community by slowly building a non-traditional lending catalogue.

Want to visit a provincial park? You can borrow a pass through the library. Want to try disc golf or pickleball or bocce? The library has the equipment you can borrow. Want to do some stargazing or birding? You can borrow a telescope or binoculars. Don’t have access to the internet? The library has wifi hubs available for loan. And if you need a tablet or computer they’ve got those too!

Recently more libraries have also been doing something to become even more accessible — eliminating fines! My local library has gotten rid of fines for children and seniors, with plans to become fully fine-free sometime in the near future.

I’m so grateful to have access to public libraries. They keep us entertained, help us to be lifelong learners, and connect us as a community.

I can’t wait to see all the different ways that libraries continue to grow and change over the coming years, solidifying themselves as an integral part of a thriving community.

Natalie B. Kemp is an outdoor educator who finds joy in nature, community, and a good cup of coffee. You may be interested in reading: