Book Talk is a sporadic feature where I talk about non-book review bookish things.

I’ve been thinking about the library a lot lately.  Partly because of this post, but also because I’ve been going to the library a lot lately.

There are times where I use the library a lot, but then I also have times where I hardly use the library at all.  I mostly go to check books, and I generally don’t utilize anything else the library offers, but libraries are really important and there are reasons why they are awesome.

The Books/DVD’s/Music:

I love that I can check out books, which one of the main reasons why I go to the library.  Here are some other reasons why I love the library:

1. I really like that I can take a chance on a book- with the library, I don’t feel like I wasted my money if I end up not liking a book, and with just browsing, I can pick up stuff that I’ve never heard of.
2. If I’m looking for a particular book on a certain subject, the library is a great place to start.
3. I don’t really check out crochet books or cookbooks, but the library is a good place to get them, because I can see if it’s something I want to buy.
4. And of course, I can do e-books and audio books (both CD’s and MP3’s) in addition to print books.
5. Also, one of the branches of the Chula Vista library has an area dedicated to Chula Vista history, if I ever wanted to learn more about that.
6. I don’t check out music and DVD’s, but it’s good to have that as an option.  Especially with movies.

The Library As A Work/Reading Space:

The library is one of my favorite places to go if I need/want to get some writing or blogging done.  Or even crochet, because I’ve done that a few time!  Here are some reasons why:

1. I feel like the library is a better option to camp out if I need to.  The library has more outlets, comfortable chairs, and it’s a cheaper option in comparison to coffee shops/cafés, because I don’t have to keep buying food/coffee to warrant my stay there.  If I need a snack or something to drink, the library I go to the most has vending machines.
2. The library is a good place to stay cool.  This is especially helpful during the summer, when your A/C decides to stop working and isn’t fixed yet.
3. It’s quiet.  I don’t mind the noise of Starbucks or Panera, but there is something nice about how quiet the library is.
4. For whatever reason, I’m a lot more productive at the library then I am anywhere else.
5. If I need to look something up, the library will probably have at least one book related to whatever the topic is, and I go get it from the shelves.

Random Things:

1. On an unrelated note: I love key-chain library cards.  It’s a lot easier pulling out my keys than my wallet and trying to find the right library card.
2. I love that I can donate my old books to the library.  I’ve randomly been culling my print books, and dropping them off the next time I’m at the library.
3. They have a lot of random events and services- from film forums to helping people with taxes to enrolling people in health insurance to book sales, there’s all sorts of things to do!

I could probably go on and on about why I love the library, but I think I’ll keep it to what I’ve already talked about, because I’m not in a super-rambly mood right now.  But who knows?  Maybe I’ll do another post about why libraries are awesome.

I hope everyone has a lovely day!