BTT (#30) ~ libraries

The Northgate branch of my library, about a mile from my current home.

Deb @ Booking Through Thursday asks:

"How often do you visit a library?  Do you go to borrow books?  Do research?  Check out the multi-media center?  Hang out with the friendly and knowledgeable staff?  Are you there out of love or out of need?"

I visit often enough that the library staff knows me -- at several branches of the library.  When I have something to say about books from the library, I take part in Library Loot, a weekly event co-hosted by Claire @ The Captive Reader and Marg @ The Adventures of an Intrepid Reader that encourages us to share titles of books we’ve checked out of the library.  Read my most recent Library Loot post, about a book I rated 10 of 10.

Volunteering at the South Chattanooga branch in 2010.

Yes, of course I borrow books, mostly picking up those I've put on hold by going online when I learn about something I want to read.  Back when I was in college and then doing post-graduate work, I went there for research more often than now, since I can find nearly everything I want online these days.  Once I figure out what I need, I reserve the book(s).  I talk with library staff, sometimes recommending books they should acquire, like these I wrote about recently.  Talking can lead to even more involvement.  When I lived a mile or so from the South Chattanooga branch, Greg (in the background) asked me to help out as a volunteer.  And I did.  How often do you visit your library?

UPDATE (2-25-2014):  I can't believe I failed to mention that, while I was getting my undergraduate degree, I worked full-time as an assistant librarian in a high school library (at Baylor, which was then a private boys' school and is now coed).  I guess I should forgive myself for not thinking of it, since 1974-1975 was forty years ago.