We lived less than a mile from our last public library. We walked there frequently. Now the closest county library is over 10 miles away, but worse than that is how tiny it is. They don't participate in any library loan groups either so what you see is what you get.
I had been reluctant to buy membership to the big metro library system. I don't know why.... just the resentment of having to pay for something because the local town was too cheap to join the metro system. A few weeks ago I was searching the county library database for a slew of books to use in the upcoming school year. Coming up empty handed, I decided to check the fancy metro system. They had every single book I was looking for. Then I find an even larger treasure trove! Their event calender!
I wish I had joined earlier. Turns out they have a ton of events for small children during the summer and we only got to partake in the final couple of weeks. Still, we got to see a magic show, exotic animals (which weren't all that exotic to my kids, but we're an odd family) and best of all some music groups:
Chasing James
Cimarron Opera
Cimarron Opera was our favorite of all the shows we got to see. Even the 7 month old was transfixed by the actors. They were great at handling a young audience and performed wonderfully. They will be doing another show at the libraries in October. I cannot wait!
Unfortunately, the library takes the month of August off of these children's activities as all the kids transition back to school :( bummer.
My friends cannot wrap their minds around the phrase "I live outside city limits" every time I mention it. They also do not understand "My library card costs $30 a year."
ReplyDeleteHey, I don't like paying for it, but it's basically the equivalent of $2.50 per month for entertainment in ALL forms - books, magazines, DVDs, CDs, and video games. No inter-library loan system AT ALL for our state, though. :/ But, since we choose not to have cable or satellite or Netflix, I can't complain.
So I know exactly how you feel. Paying? I was like, "Bllllleeeeargh." But I did it, and I'm quite glad. It's a smaller library than I'm used to, and a larger library would have cost me more ($40 or $75), but I'm content. The children's room is a very decent size too, which was a big "selling point" for me.
I'm glad you found that the super fancy metro system is fabulous!
Some of these libraries are HALF dedicated to children O.O Truly half, you walk in the center of the building, kids to the left and adults to the right. It's amazing! I couldn't believe it!
DeleteThey even have a graphic novel section which my husband was pleased to find out :)
I think it will be worth it in the long run!