Your Fabulous Public Library

I have a college education.  I am poor.  These two descriptions didn't use to exist together very often, but thanks to the new economy and a healthy dose of artistic temperament they fit together in my life quite neatly.  During my college years, I used to take pride in putting together funk-ily furnished apartments, dressing in thrift store finds (it was the 90’s after all) and reading all the beatnik-era classics I could get my hands on.

One of my favorite forms of decorating has been to find an old book case, cover it in some ethnic, vintage fabric, plop a trailing plant on top and then fill it with ALL my books and a few nifty albums.  It looks great, and it’s functional—where else would I put my hordes of books?  In stacks on the floor?  Heavens, no!

But these days, I certainly can’t buy all the books I want to read, even when they’re used books (a kind with a history), so that’s why my home away from home is the Public Library.

The Contra Costa County Library system rocks, and I’m not just saying that because I worked there as a volunteer.  Nor am I saying it because I’m currently enrolled in a Master’s program at San Jose State to become the new hot librarian in town. (Ahem, a worthy aspiration, no?)

No, I’m saying it because I love to read, I love the services the public library provides for free, and because the best way to be less obscure, or even less stupid when you’re poor, is to read.  Read and learn and get yourself educated.

Having the library card catalog online is such a nifty feature.  It can be a lot like shopping, only it won’t cost you a thing.  Unless of course you are naughty and don’t turn your books in on time.  The good news is that you can also renew online, which is super handy.  You can also pay your fines online and thus avoid that stern look from the librarian—you know the one, where she stares over the top of the glasses perched on her nose and hanging from a chain around her neck.  (I can’t wait to get me a pair of cat-eye glasses, complete with ornate chain—a graduation present when I finish school.)

Here’s how you to make it really work for you: if you know of a title or author, or movie title, (yes, they’ve got movies, too, and I only had to wait about two weeks for a copy of ‘Eclipse’ to come in… but don’t tell anyone that I wasted two hours of my precious time watching it.  My time, but not my money.) just enter it into the search field, let the system work its magic and then, voila, you just enter in your library card number and your last name and tell them when and where you want to pick it up.  It couldn’t be easier, and it enables bibliophiles with kleptomaniacal tendencies to collect books, magazines, movies and cds (formerly know as books on tape) on all manner of subjects. 

Currently checked out on my account:
Real Food for Mother and Baby by Nina Planck
the documentary, Grey Gardens
Mercy Watson to the Rescue by Kate DiCamillo (an illustrated children’s chapter book with a darling little pig on the cover—advanced research) 
The Pebble First Guides to Songbirds and Horses
Dance Anatomy
Food, Inc.
The Female Brain by Louann Brizendine, M.D.
The New Frugality by Chris Farrell
The Disciple Miracle by Dr. Linda Pearson
James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl
Curious George by Margaret and H.A. Rey
Rechenka’s Eggs by Patricia Palacco.
All of which broaden my knowledge of various aspects of my life, Grey Gardens not withstanding, unless I plan to become a reclusive and eccentric old woman who feeds feral cats and raccoons.  At this rate, it could happen.

The other nifty thing about libraries is the free stuff and cool, free events.  I’ve picked up a few old tour books for free, a nifty decorating book for a mere dollar, and taken my child to the weekly kid’s story time (with the ever-so-patient and animated Mrs. B), and to see a Chinese New Year celebration.  

Contra Costa also has free coupons available with a library card and this nifty link:

http://ccclib.org/press_releases/discover_go.html

Your public library—you can’t beat the price or selection, for you or your child, and you can’t beat the cool people that work there.  Let me know how much you love your public library and your librarian.