Myths about Public Libraries

Hi, and welcome to the latest edition of monthly blog posts by Auburndale Community Library. Very often I would post an announcement on our upcoming programs, our accomplishments, our collection, but today, I shall try to advocate the very basic of library services to you. Many people underestimate the value of public libraries and aren't even sure what we do or provide.


MYTH #1: You go to a library to take out a book, that is all.

REALITY: Yes, the library provide free books, but also CD, DVDs, comic books, magazines, newspapers, TV Dramas, video games(coming soon) and for some of our libraries, Chinese/Japanese/Korean Drama (yes most of them are subtitled in English). We have language learning CDs, audiobooks, computers, Internet, printers, and bestsellers. We have free events, concerts, classes and programs for children, teens, and adults. Most people misconception of libraries fall under the "library for academic use and research". Public libraries are also entertainment realms. We are your free Barnes and Noble. We are your free Blockbuster. We are your free Internet cafe (minus the food and drinks). We are your free off-off-off Broadway musical, your free Kaplan course, your free magic show.


MYTH #2: The information desk is there to help you find books if you can't find it yourself.

REALITY: Yes, you can ask the person at the desk for a book or a recommendation for a book, but there's so much more than you. You can ask driving directions from point A to point B. You can ask for government forms. You can ask for the history of your property, or even the weather. A librarian isn't your book finder, but your human google, sort of. They don't really know much, but they should know how to find it for you, and for free too. From an obscure research article to information about a painting, they should be able to find it. Why waste their talent away by asking for just a book? Why don't you try asking your librarian today a hard question and seeing if they can find the answer?

MYTH #3: The library only have old dusty things.

REALITY: Only if it's an archival library, college research library or if it's really mismanaged. But public libraries actually catered to your recreational needs. We carry all bestsellers and and blockbuster DVDs, and we usually release them on their street date. So why is it that you never see any new items? It's probably because we only have 3 copies of Twilight by Stephanie Meyer and they all go out on their first day, come back, and go out again in less than an hour. For popular DVDs, we probably carry 2 copies of it max. So then, who gets to take them out first? Why, the library book/DVD stalker, of course!


In Conclusion: You shouldn't be spending money at times like these. Visit the library! (Preferly Auburndale)