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)

Welcome Back to School!

It's the back-to-school season and Auburndale Library has assignment books for you! Did you complete your Summer Reading assignment? Teachers: remember that each school has a library of responsibility, feel free to schedule a visit with your class and have a small session how to research in the library.

Spotlight Program of the Month:

Saturday, 2:30pm, September 27
Jerry Cardone sings, "Ol' Blue Eyes"
Jerry Cardone recreates "the man and his music" with his smooth Sinatra-styled vocals.

Holiday Closing

The Auburndale Community Library will be closed Saturday Aug. 30th. Sunday Aug. 31st. and Monday Sept. 1st. in observance of Labor Day. We will open on Tuesday Sept. 2nd. 1pm-6pm.

Enjoy the weekend.

Thank everyone for Signing up for Summer Reading!

Thank you, thank you for making this Summer Reading 2008 a success at Auburndale! If you haven't already done so, please sign up for Summer Reading at http://www.summerreading.org.

For the month of August, these are the specially requested programs for you at Auburndale:

• 2:30pm, Saturday, August 2th and 9th, Introduction to Chair Yoga by Irene Failenbogen -- Yoga from your seat! (Adult Program)
• 4:00pm, Wednesday, August 13th, Magic Mike -- Prepare to be amazed and delighted by illusions! (Children Program)
• 2:30pm, Saturday, August 23rd, Digital TV Conversion by the National Association of Broadcasters -- Will your TV antenna be operational by the end of this year? (Adult Program)

And for our regular programs:

• 4:00pm, Thursday, August 14th, Teen Summer Reading Party! -- Wrapping up this summer with food and prizes! (Teen Program)
• 10:30am, Friday, August 15th, Kids Summer Reading Party! -- Wrapping up this summer with food and prizes! (Kids Program)
• 2:30pm, Wednesday, August 27th, Auburndale Book Club -- This month's is Ha Jin's "The Crazed". (Adult Program)

Summer at Auburndale; Happy July 4th!

Hi everyone! We'll be closing for the Independence Day weekend, so please don't visit us on July 4th, 5th, or 6th. The Library will be opened again on the 7th.

We're having lots of programs this summer for kids and teens, so please visit our events page (see link on the right), okay?