How to Library

Libraries are best known for lending out books, but in reality, they're so much more.
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Sources/Further Reading:
www.amazon.com/Transforming-L...
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www.thepennyhoarder.com/life/...
www.amazon.com/Quiet-Please-D...

[@kkilinahe]

As a library employee, it would make my life a lot easier if all our patrons watched this.

[@craigspakowski7398]

What about sharing it on your library's website or facebook.

[@KathyTrithardt]

I am doing this now.

[@fatitouirta1036]

I need your mobile phone please

[@Momtastic243]

agree

[@bobloblaw7667]

For some reason I thought this video was going to about organizing a home library, but i'm not disappointed.

[@Burning_Dwarf]

Danielle Linder i thought that too, i rather enjoyed this one but i'd love one about home libraries

[@patrickcarroll7185]

Freyé agreed!

[@rlvids9889]

I thought that too. This was a good video, but it would neat to get a video or two on aspects of organizing/personalizing/decorating your home, whether it be setting up a home office/workspace or just making your living room look sweet

[@saraisreading4231]

I'm amazed by how much libraries support communities in ways other than information. I know one library that gives away free lunch to school-aged kids during the summer, and my hometown library is in the process of getting a little free pantry for its lobby. All around great community centers.

[@zasmrcaveman5725]

Sara Is Reading that sounds pretty neat.

[@saraisreading4231]

Erica Esther That’s great! Over the summer I worked at an adult literacy program that was based in a library. It was such a great home base and resource.

[@ZubairAsghar]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y5XGo5Kblph9g6c

[@TimsVids1]

Something we've learned in the UK over the last few years: if you don't make use of your library, it goes away forever. When cuts are made to public services, footfall in libraries is used to judge their usefulness, and libraries that don't have many visitors get closed. Please visit your local libraries!!

[@nancyb3488]

I'm a librarian! Thanks for the love, Hank! Our library recently started lending WiFi hotspots. It was AWESOME to take it on a road trip. We also lend Rokus and a very nice telescope.

[@shadowsoflife]

cool

[@LoryRus]

A telescope! Oh my, I wish I could lend one from my library O:

[@ElGrandeBanana]

The favorite part of my local library is that they literally speak 50 or so languages, to serve the hper diverse population of my city. Dutch, English, Arabic, Polish, Swahili, Mandarin, Hindi, Indonesian, Papiamento, Haitan Creole, it doesn't matter, there is someone that speaks it and can help you with anything.

[@theautistic.teacher]

That's amazing!!!!

[@dlivingstonmcpherson]

What city is this with such a wondrous polyglottalism?

[@AndreaW]

Where is this? I want to go to this library!

[@maddieyay]

Libraries are also great places to do community service. I volunteer at my local library, and they are always in need of volunteers who are willing to shelve books, etc.

[@manders76]

Don’t forget about programs-book clubs and story times, yes, but also art classes, concerts, STEM programs, computer and job skill classes, how-to workshops, crafting circles, and more! (I’m a public librarian and we did a spelling bee for adults this summer. It was a hoot.) We also provide a service called readers advisory-tell us what kind of books you like and we’ll recommend some more titles that you might enjoy. Some libraries have a service where you can email them a form with stuff about your literary preferences, and they’ll compile and email you a list.

[@andrineslife]

Libraries are literally magic. My local one lets you borrow a box with mugs, a thermos and an Electronic kettle to make Coffee or tea if you're going to be working in the library all day. Also: you can print for a small fee or scan documents for free! And free wifi!

[@odsmey]

andrineslife What! That box sounds like the best idea ever! (Save for some sort of mini kitchen to make tea/coffee)

[@josiegibson3756]

I've been working in a public library for 3 months now, and I am constantly in awe of the range of services we are able to provide. We teach people not only how to use a computer, but how to navigate the overwhelming tasks such as trying to rent a room online for the first time. If you are just hanging out for a game of chess, you will find a) chessboard and b) someone willing and eager to play with you. We're a sympathetic ear for the kids just bursting to talk about why they love books about horses, or adults who just need some human interaction. And then there is all the books too :)

[@suadela87]

I’ve just discovered an app called Overdrive that will connect you to your library (if the participate and they probably do) and you can check out ebooks and audiobooks from your phone and download them onto your phone from anywhere. As an over the road trucker, this has helped me a lot and I love it! Now I just wish they’d pay me for this ad. (But I seriously just love the app)

[@terrybradford3727]

When I was in the Army, the library was a constant life saver. as a retiree, I still love it.

[@mmb9391]

Terry Bradford 😊💖

[@adamdifilippe8066]

As a technology librarian I'm very grateful for this video. Thanks for all that you do!

[@mmb9391]

Adam Di Filippe 😊

[@mcpenso285]

"You probably don't have a DVD player" -looks down at computer- "Wait a minute..."

[@KathyTrithardt]

mcpenso285 My computer doesn't have a dvd drive 😥

[@AnimeOtaku2]

If you’ve got a blu ray players it does dvds too, like on my Xbox.

[@ankushmenat]

That used to be the case, I recently built a PC but decided to drop the DVD writer. Most people do that now a days.

[@LauraDFTBA]

Yeah, it was decided that the best way my local library could benefit the community was by closing... Apparently in a town with poor internet connection redirecting everyone to BorrowBox seemed more sensible than having a room with books in.

[@JaimieStarshine]

Laura Simmons this makes me sad. But as a librarian myself, I know that's it not the decision of the library itself to stay open. The tax payers that fund the public library are the ones that make the decision by voting for a budget or for it stay open, or for the library to get much needed renovations. I'm sorry about your library closing, I hope there is a library near by though that has incorporated people in your town and allows them to be patrons.

[@lindsayhickman9604]

It is amazing to me to see how many people don't take advantage of their local library! I lived in my library during college and every time I would check out a book, DVD, etc the nice librarian would go on and on about how no one actually checked anything out. I wish I was still in college because I miss having such a great library right down the road. I have found one in my new community but it isn't quite the same. Good reminder on how much libraries offer to patrons.

[@NerdyGirl187]

My local library offers passes to local museums and science centers that can be checked out just like books! They often cover a whole carload or a family!

[@tierney1285]

I love the variety of my library. Comics, nonfiction, documentaries, movies, lots of great stuff. My to read/watch list on my library account on the website is enormous.

[@sunn7045]

In my library, theres not just books and dvds but also tons of board games and also a "library of things" where you could check out anything from a stand mixer to a croquet set, its really cool

[@Realmisskrose]

I've worked as a student assistant at my local library for the last two years so watching this video made me really happy.

[@cupfulofeathers]

Having fun isn't hard when you have a library card!!

[@midnightsmagic]

I'm a public librarian, and I love this video! Thanks for shining a light on the many book AND non-book related services libraries have to offer. My favorite thing about my library is our circulating board game collection and monthly game night for adults. :) (One important addition to the part about getting a library card: You should call your library in advance or check out their website to find out what sort of documentation may be required for getting a library card. For example, my library requires a photo ID and some sort of proof of address if your ID doesn't have your current address on it yet. And if you are under 18, the rules can be different since most kids don't have photo IDs. We have to disappoint a lot of people who do exactly what Hank suggests, then wilt when we tell them they'll have to go get a utility bill or lease agreement for us to look at.)

[@midnightsmagic]

My second favorite thing is reader's advisory service, which not a lot of people know that libraries do. If you need help picking out a new book, ask the librarian! Even if they don't read much in your favorite genre (and some librarians will surprise you here), librarians are trained in how to find excellent books that you will love no matter what you're looking for. The librarian will probably be thrilled if you walk up to them and say something like, "I'm 154th on the hold list for Turtles All the Way Down. What is something similar that I can read in the meantime?" Or, "I just finished the latest Sarah J. Maas and I am desperate for more fantasy books like hers. Do you have any ideas?"

[@pottagepeasandbumblebees]

The library I work at lets you check out laptops with a mobile hotspot, ukuleles, sewing machines, and passes to museums/zoos/etc. You can also access a TON of newspapers and databases including lynda.com or the NYT for free. We also recently became FINE FREE, as fines often create a barrier to many people in the community, preventing them from accessing services. My library is actually amazing =)

[@esalmond2286]

I love the kids' area of our local library. Train table, puzzles, books, and free wifi.

[@steamingmushrooms]

My library is the reason why I can't stop reading books, and I am totally okay with that (eBook loans are the *best*). I love libraries so, so much.

[@vindelanda]

This is so good! I work in a public library and so many people are shocked about the amount of resources we have! One of my favourite things we offer are soundproof studios so people can practice or record music. Apparently there’s a bagpiper that lives in an apartment building who comes every week!

[@stecky87]

As someone who works in a library, thanks for this. Just a couple of things: 1: if you want a card, please call in & ask what you need to get one. Most libraries aren't just gonna hand cards out to everyone - we want to know you are who you say you are. 2: Libraries are for *everyone*, they aren't your own personal place - please respect the other users & the employees.

[@jillclements87]

Oh, Hank Green! I met you for a split second over a tray of sliders at a Vidcon party, and thanked you for Vidcon. I wish now that I had told you that I am a librarian, and about all of the AWESOME things my library does Every.Single.Day; we would have had much to discuss. Thank you, thank you, thank you for sharing the library love!

[@randichalfant7463]

“Libraries are for everyone.” So true! I wish more people would utilize this resource.

[@laurenconrad1799]

I bought a DVD player for my computer specifically to play DVDs I check out at the library. They’re free and you’re not subject to the limits of Netflix’s collection at that moment. Libraries have every movie imaginable for free.

[@Lisa-dw9mr]

Hello from the American Library Association! Thank you for this!

[@katelynwonderlin8568]

Libraries are so pure, I love any and all of them

[@creativity824]

The library that I go to the most often has playaways, which I really enjoy. Playaways are small devices, like an iPod, that contain just one audiobook. They are pre-loaded and easy to use....all you need is a pair of headphones. Of course, this is just one of the many great services this library offers.

[@jsredrose]

Hank, as a public librarian-in-training, you have made my week with this video! Everything you said is excellent information. Good work! One new project my library is working on, is having wifi hotspots to check out and take home for a bit. This is a super-important need for many people who do not have internet at home.

[@Cae_the_Kitsune]

You described part of what I do as a library employee as being done by a "library circulation assistant," which is interesting, as my position is referred to as "material handling technician." You also, amusingly, created the mental image that we'll go and pull that one item someone put on hold. Actually, we get a long list of things that need to be pulled each day. Each person gets a page or two of that list, and each page lists 25 items that we'll go and look for all at once. There are lots of those little interesting things behind the scenes that are not quite how you may imagine it all working. Generally, it's actually a lot more efficient.

[@kellys1458]

My local public library, which is only blocks away from my house, totally sucks grapes. It has nothing but books about serial killers and about curing addictions by finding Jesus. When taking an online course, I went there looking for books on sociology, biology, and economics. The librarian says, "Um, I think we have one on biology." One lonely textbook... from 1935. I've donated some books over the years, but the librarian just puts them on the "for sale" table. Grrrr. I feel mighty sorry for the kids growing up in this town. I sure hope their school's library is better. Thank goodness the next town over has a wonderful library!

[@thatjillgirl]

Oh no! Is it part of a larger library network at all?

[@dothedeed]

A family down the street from me has a mini-library in front of their house. Its just a wood and glass box on a stand that holds about 15 books. People can take them - read - and return the books

[@TheMysticshroom]

Rural America...I know that struggle

[@azrael.5689]

I work at a library and the reason we don’t generally have textbooks is because they update every year and are way too expensive for us to purchase regularly for all the classes that may be available in the area. We also don’t accept donations unless they are brand new (as in published within the last few months of the current year) and hard cover. Libraries like mine are struggling very hard to update their catalog and the best way to help is honestly by either getting out stats up by utilizing our services (this helps us get more $ for programs and better books) or letting us sell your donations to purchase new things.

[@TheHammerharries1]

So glad to see this as a librarian! Come in people, we won't shush you/ all be old ladies!

[@jamawatts4999]

This makes me so incredibly happy. Thank you for understand us, Hank!

[@margaretguillory]

I went to the library today!

[@lostthepirate6311]

Several local libraries I know of also check out "Cultural Passes" - at my local library, this includes check-out-able tickets to the nearest city's Zoo, Japanese Gardens, and Chinese Gardens.

[@KathyTrithardt]

As someone who works in a public library - YES! Libraries are so important ♥

[@angiewagner9232]

My mom’s a librarian! This is so important for people to know about! In Michigan we have a program called MEL, where libraries from all over the state can ship books to each other if you put in a request for it. I get books from across the state all the time if my library doesn’t have them.

[@laurelwelch6295]

So great! I worked in my town library in high school and am now loving my new library post-college. It's a great way to save $$ instead of collecting too many books that you may or may not actually read. Libraries are such an important part of our culture!

[@goldieluvr]

Pro tip: many neighboring counties have reciprocal agreements wherein you can get cards for other nearby library systems. I have about seven library cards, which is useful when one library's digital system doesn't have the ebook or e-audiobook I want but another does (there's a surprising amount of variability in their digital collections!).

[@knittingwhilewalking]

Libraries are fantastic - I'm glad you made this!

[@Raya-xw5ud]

One of the most amazing things about libraries are their online resources! I'm learning Finnish and Japanese, and I'm doing it in part with the language learning website that my library pays for and offers *for free* to cardholders. I also have a *free* Lynda.com account (or LinkedIn Learning, I guess) through that same library system. Plus, because of where I live and work, I have memberships to three, yes three, different library systems.

[@geeksrrockmysocks]

All I could think while watching this is "Having fun isn't hard, when you've got a Library Card!" Ah...Arthur....wonderful show from my childhood

[@Alyss93]

My favourite part about public libraries is working at one! I love being an active part of supporting my community, creating programs that help and interest people, and helping out those who might not have a strong voice to access information and services to help them get the best out of life :)

[@pokechatter]

As one who works for a public library, I am glad to hear what you have to say about libraries.

[@LuisGarciaSprout]

Literally got my first ever library card today!!

[@ForcastingOnawhim]

Yes! So much yes! Libraries offer so much more than most people could even imagine!

[@amybabygrrl]

My favourite thing about my library is that I had my wedding there!

[@darthvaderchic]

I work at a library and this makes me happy! Libraries also provide early literacy classes and Out of School time for teens! Working with youth is a passion of mine!!

[@songfreak1745]

the teen book club at my local library was LIT gave me, a terribly isolated homeschooler, a social outlet and something to do besides binging youtube and procrastinating

[@MLISLavender]

As a librarian I have to thank you for this! Wonderful, informative, and accurate! :)

[@myidiosyncrasy]

This is literally the best breakdown of basic library use I've ever seen.

[@HannahLeeC]

I'm a public librarian and I love this video! The one thing I can't stress enough is that WE WANT YOU TO ASK FOR OUR HELP. Maybe you are shy. That's okay! A lot of us are shy! You aren't interrupting us and we loooove answering questions, even if you think your question is lame. It's okay if you don't know where to find something in the library or you don't know how to use a particular service or piece of equipment. We would love to help you! If talking to a real live human, even one who would love to help you, is too daunting, check the library's website for an email address. We'll respond to those questions too!

[@isabellasong5216]

I absolutely love my hometown library. I went to book club there for 6 years and love to go back when I'm home from college. The librarians are amazing & always helpful

[@agcaoiliproductions9580]

I love my library, I’ve been doing curbside pick up at least once a week! I do miss the browsing but doing it online is a lot more efficient.

[@laurenredding1419]

This video made me cry because I love libraries so much

[@JAnt-hr1rc]

This video makes my heart sing.

[@AnnaEwing]

I love my library, I used to live across the street to our main branch and it was the best thing ever. I don't frequent the physical library as often because of the distance now but I've definitely been taking more advantage of the digital services like Hoopla for comics.

[@cindygiesbrecht3146]

My local public library loans out Chrome laptops for in library use for as long as the battery lasts. Also, free Wifi and about a dozen desktop computers could be available for anyone with a library membership. Also the membership is free for all who just ask for a card. It is very useful to put books on hold. I do that all the time.

[@shethewriter]

I used to work at a library. It’s no joke. Librarians are unsung heroes. They’re holding society up.

[@rich1700]

Medical librarian here! Thanks for this -- this video will no doubt help people learn about what libraries have to offer!

[@Mykasan]

i love the intro music :3 it's been a while since i've been to my local library. In college, i used to go in the college library weekly.

[@maribethallen5974]

Love all the audio books at my library!

[@deniseflattery]

I love my library both at home and the local one.

[@2000spoko]

library does NOT sound like a word anymore after this video

[@Aquarlan]

Thank you for making this video. I think most people don't know about how important and useful libraries are.

[@phelanii4444]

I wish our libraries were like this. All this sounds awesome.

[@MrUnkownGuyAC]

Also check with your library what other services your library card can get you for free. This can include online subscription services such as learning, news and media that are normally sold on a paid subscription!

[@laurenmeichtry2490]

I love my library! It's a great meeting spot that offers everything from quilting groups, to Poetry slams and art contests. The staff is super friendly. Never be afraid to ask, you just might learn something new :D

[@Neukku]

Greetings from Finland! My latest library haul: Paper Girls 1&2, Snotgirl, All-New X-men 2, the Unwritten, the Fade Out 1-3, the Amazing Spider-man: Worldwide and Iron Fist: The Living Weapon. It's kinda crazy how good comic sections are bunch of the library's i frequently visit. I'm also loaning the latest Witcher book Season of Storms (2013)

[@OddBunsen]

Neukku The apostrophe s goes before a possessive, e.g. Don's books: the apostrophe can also also be used to stand for a letter or set of letters, like "He isn't going" or "he has been wantin' to go". The aphostrophe should not be used for things like "potatoe's" because the potato doesn't own anything. If you find punctuation interesting, you might like to read "Eats, Shoots and Leaves". I hope that clears it up.🙂

[@Sunflowrrunner]

Watching this video made look at my local library's website. They have exhibits on our cities history. I'm going this weekend! Also, yoga classes, interesting speakers and other cool shit. I never even considered checking it out before even though I'm literally eating take out from across the street right now.

[@Bren-ms3ml]

libraries are the best i self taught myself..for the past 50 years i always read books..it's good for the soul..

[@leahg180]

My local library has a book club for teens where we read queer lit each month. It's probably the space in the community for LGBTQ teens, and helped me a lot in middle school

[@danielrhouck]

How do you check out seeds on a library lending model? Do you keep them all through the growing season and "return" the seeds the plant you grew produced?

[@HarryEverdeen]

Hank Green's really out here promoting the AP Lang exam

[@currant-goldenberry]

Librarians are good people -- unless you live in Night Vale!

[@averagejoey2000]

They are very dangerous, remember that you cannot climb trees in a library

[@heatherstock4491]

Our local library also checks out free passes to local museums! It’s awesome!

[@emmetcameron1026]

I think it's really cool that a lot of the libraries I belong to have free language classes &/or conversation groups for second (or third, or more) language learners. :)

[@wolfbane19]

Thank you from a very happy public librarian!

[@lizziepell]

My library has a free notary service, which I've used twice since learning about it!!

[@KeepCalmwithBooksandCoffee]

Public libraries are the best. Thank you to all the librarians out there.

[@Burning_Dwarf]

My favorite part of my favorite library is that i don't have to leave my home, even better my bed I'm forunate enough to have as many books (maybe in lower variety) as our bookmobile Unfortunatly our local building based library was removed about 5/6years ago

[@victoriaridgway2286]

I've never felt such a sense of community like i have with my local libraries.

[@TheBibliophiliac]

"My" library is actually in a different county. Since I work in the county where my library is, I can have a card for free!

[@ice2firefly]

I like to point something out not all library are county libraries. For example, I live in another city near Dallas. The Dallas Public Library is not a county library it's a city library. Meaning I would need to a Dallas address (P.O. boxs don't count) to a "free" library card. Now there are some libraries within Texas that are county libraries. So check your local library no matter where you live to see what the rules are. On some libraries website, they should have a how to get a library card if you want to look up ahead of time. There are also some libraries that will give free library cards to anyone that lives in the state. If I am missing anything just comment on my comment.

[@hannahtaylor2933]

Love public libraries! I found that I prefer studying in the public library rather than my university library. A more relaxed than stressed out environment. Plus the staff I interface with at the public library are wonderful and excited to see me there! The student staff at my university have been worn down by instutionalized education and drag their feet when I ask for help. Public library : green house :: university library : mausoleum 😅 Something to think about as every library is different 😊

[@MaxAF]

The library in the city I live in is not a branch library for the county library I live in. I have two library cards because of this.

[@anneshields2010]

Iv not used a library in years if I want a book I get it from world of books off eBay then I can keep it as I had a habit of bringing books back late and the amount of fines was crazy

[@sweetsandcharades8383]

When I saw the title I thought it was about organizing your own library XD

[@ArtichokeHunter]

My library allows 5 pages of free printing per day, and audiobook downloads so I always have something to entertain me in traffic. I love everything about libraries, though.

[@professorthread]

*sings* HAVING FUN ISN'T HARD WHEN YOU'VE GOT A LIBRARY CARD! No one else said it so I had to.

[@StarTexaspets]

All my friends laugh at me for always going to the libraries by me/READING IN GENERAL. Its free! Ima get as much from that as possible, wallet is like 3/4 library cards and IM PROUD

[@JGoller221]

And yet he thanked bookstore employees in the acknowledgments of his book for their services in recommending books to people ;) (Good natured teasing I assure everyone. It was a great book that I would highly recommend. As a librarian. I also appreciate bookstore employees.)

[@dorcasabe4359]

my library has movie nights and open mic nights plus I can read as many books as I like without having to buy them

[@unepommeverte17]

ok but can i check out a cd and then add it to my itunes library or is it supposed to be like borrowing a book- listen to it and then give it back? maybe not as relevant anymore (who even has disc drives anymore lol) but a large portion of my itunes library is from my hometown library's cd collection and i've never been sure if that was 100% legal or not

[@VioletteRDuchenne]

unepommeverte17 Not legal. Obviously depends on the specific copyright laws in your country, but usually you should only keep a copy on your itunes if you have purchased it either in the physical or electronic format. Of course, it's not really like anyone is ever going to check...

[@jamiemarchant]

I think the thing I love the most about it. are the thrilling programs I have attended including Murder Mystery Night, Escape Room and Virtual Reality :).