Disclosure: Some of the links in this post may contain affiliate links, so if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive a commission.
I grew up going to two amazing libraries, and my mom took me often. Both libraries were set in open spaces, surrounded by baseball fields, tennis courts, playgrounds and nature trails.
I loved the smell when I walked into the library. I loved the summer reading program. And I always loved going home with an armload of books.
And you would assume correctly that if I have a reading blog, I love books and reading.
You’re right.
So, it’s probably a surprise to read that I’m not particularly fond of my local library.
Let me explain why.
The Parking Garage is a Nightmare
Let’s start with the parking garage, because honestly, it’s terrible.
My current library is in the middle of the town square area, and shares a parking structure with other downtown destinations, such as the courthouse. There’s a sign at the entrance telling you the height of vehicle that can enter.
Even though I know my vehicle fits with plenty of room, I cringe every time I drive underneath it, imagining that I’m about to scrape the roof of my car.
It’s terrifying.
Then I enter the parking garage, aka the Bat Cave.
It’s dark. The ceiling is low. There are utility pipes hanging from the ceiling, which somehow makes it feel even more intimidating. It’s dark enough that I turn on my headlights just to get better visibility.
And then I have to find a parking spot.
The spaces are narrow, and many have a concrete pillar right next to them.
I am not a claustrophobic person, but I sure do become one when I have to park in the library’s parking garage.
But the parking garage isn’t actually the reason I don’t love my library. There are a few other things that have made me realize that, as much as I love books, this particular library just isn’t my favorite place to get them.
Sometimes I Don’t Feel Comfortable There
This is the hardest one for me to explain because I don’t want to unfairly characterize anyone or make assumptions about people I don’t know.
But there have been times when I’ve felt uncomfortable or on edge while I’m there.
It’s not every visit, and I’m not saying anyone is doing anything wrong. But when I’m deciding where I want to spend time browsing books – especially if I have my kids with me – that feeling matters.
A library is somewhere I want to be able to relax, browse, and enjoy myself. If I’m uncomfortable, I’m naturally going to want to spend less time there.
Some of the Library’s Messaging Isn’t For Me
Another reason I don’t always feel at home at my library is that some of the messaging, displays, and programming promoted by the library don’t align with my own values or interests.
I realize a public library serves a very broad community, and I’m not suggesting everything has to be tailored to me. I also understand that other people may appreciate programs or messaging that don’t particularly appeal to me.
But when I’m looking for a place that feels welcoming and enjoyable to me as a reader, that does factor into my experience.
It’s Just Not Convenient
My childhood libraries were either a short bike ride from my house or a short drive to the other one.
My current library is across town. Without traffic, it’s about 20 minutes away all on main roads. If I go anytime after 1pm, it takes significantly longer.
If I’m already running errands nearby, great.
But if I’m making a special trip just to pick up a book, the convenience factor matters.
A library can offer free books and still not be the easiest place for me to get books.
The Checkout Period is Too Short
Maybe my childhood memory is tainted, but I feel like I remember being able to keep books for a month. I didn’t feel rushed to read my books as a kid.
The current check-out period at my library is two weeks.
Sometimes I check out a library book while I’m still wrapping up one of my own books. Suddenly, I feel pressure to read faster so I can finish the library book before the due date.
Yes, books automatically renew if no one else has requested them.
But what if someone has requested the book?
What if I’m halfway through it and suddenly can’t renew it?
It’s too much stress.
Reading isn’t supposed to be stressful.
And if I’m making the trip across town to my library, I want to check out more than one book so the trip feels worthwhile. That means I need more than two weeks to read everything I bring home.
So Why Do I Still Use the Library?
I still use our library even though it’s not my favorite place to be.
In the summer, I often take my boys swimming at the indoor pool, and there’s a satellite library branch at that location. After every pool visit, my boys beg to stop at the library for a new stack of books to take home.
Recently, I was able to check out several DVDs for movies we wanted to watch that we couldn’t find on any of our streaming subscriptions.
And while it’s not the physical library itself, I use my library card to access audiobooks through Libby for myself and my boys.
When my sons were first diagnosed with ADHD, I wanted to read every single book on the topic. Buying all those books would have been expensive, so I submitted requests for specific books for the library to carry.
They said yes to just about every book I requested.
They ordered them, and I got to be the first to check them out.
That was pretty awesome.
My library has a “library bookstore” where donated books are available to purchase very cheaply. They have a really good selection, and the money goes right back into supporting the library and its programs.
And libraries offer so many services beyond books.
Last year I took my son to a “Paint Like Bob Ross” event, where he learned to paint a landscape while watching a Bob Ross video with a group of other kids.
My library also hosts craft nights, will-making seminars, Lego build days, comic books days, employment resources and advice, genealogy and family tree sessions, sewing events, yoga (?!), read-to-a- dog days, adult coloring groups, mahjong nights and the list goes on.
Libraries are definitely more than just books.
Final Thoughts
I am not a library hater.
I’m just not a huge fan of the library in my town.
Our town has grown considerably since we moved here, and I would love to have a library branch closer to where we live.
I’d also love a library that’s more my style: a stand-alone building surrounded by nature, with a park-like atmosphere where I could browse books without first navigating what feels like a concrete cave.
Because here’s the funny thing:
I love libraries.
I love having access to books without having to buy them. I love library programs. I love that libraries give kids places to learn, explore, create, and discover things they might never encounter otherwise.
I just don’t particularly love my library.
And maybe that’s okay.
What about you? Do you love your local library? Or do you wish your library experience were a little different?
🌟 Come hang out with me for daily bookish chats on Facebook or Instagram!
If you enjoyed this blog post, here are a few others you might be interested in:
Leave a Reply