7 Easy Ways to Support Your Local Library Right Now
Want a place to learn, connect with neighbors, and enrich your creativity? Head to your local library! This vibrant hub for imagination and education offers more than endless rows of books. Typically free and accessible to all members of society, libraries are community cornerstones that provide reliable information, preserve history, promote literacy, and foster engagement.
There are over 16,000 public library locations across the United States, and some locations face the threat of closure if they don’t receive the proper awareness and support. We're here to help you learn how to support your local library. Check out seven ways to help your library continue its mission and stick around for good.
Get a Library Card
Wondering how to get involved with your library? Well, the easiest way to support your local library is to become a card-carrying member. A measure of library success, high membership rates prove value and prevent budget cuts. Sign up online or in person for free at your branch, and in a few minutes, you’ll have access to a treasure trove of literature, entertainment, art, and more. With a lifetime of learning at your fingertips, there’s no reason not to have a library card in your name.
Borrow Books (& More!)
Once you have your library card, make the most of the benefits of public libraries by borrowing stuff. Whether you’re a voracious reader, movie buff, or music lover, your library likely has something to cater to your interests. Checking out books, movies, music, and other items boosts circulation numbers, strengthening the library’s funding and advancing public library resources. Many libraries also have access to digital collections, expanding your options. Plus, borrowing instead of buying reduces waste and pushes sustainability—a win-win for you and the environment.
Your local library has titles on so many topics. Check out our favorite books about motherhood today!
Visit Often & Attend Library Events
Your librarians want to see you stopping in for visits taking advantage of your library membership benefits. Increased foot traffic means increased partnerships, services, and financial contributions. You can check out books or use the library to study or hold meetings. There’s free Wi-Fi, printers, and comfy areas to set up shop for hours on end. Additionally, many libraries host weekly library community programs for people of all ages. You’ll get a calendar full of activities for you and your family when you become a member. Adults can acquire skills like coding or get assistance with tax preparation, while kids can go to tutoring, painting courses, and reading sessions.
Volunteer at the Library
Librarians work hard to keep things at your local branch running smoothly, and they may need your help to get their work done! Check your local library website or ask in person to see if there are any opportunities to volunteer at the library. From helping to set up events to running after-school programs and adult learning courses, there are so many ways you can contribute to making your library a community hub.
Volunteering can happen in so many ways. Try one of our at-home volunteering ideas today!
Vote at the Library
For city, state, and national elections, you may be able to cast your vote at your local library. Show up and show your representatives that libraries and library advocacy are vital to your neighborhood. Outside of election seasons, make sure to stay on top of library-related issues and write to legislators to explain the importance of libraries in communities and encourage the protection of libraries and their initiatives.
Donate to Your Library
If you have books gathering dust on shelves, consider donating them to your library. Book donations for libraries give books new life and fellow readers a chance to enjoy titles just as much as you did. And you don’t have to limit yourself to giving great reads away. Ask your librarians if they need other media or supplies. DVDs, CDs, crafting materials, and even cooking tools can be donated to help branches remain busy, well-stocked, and active.
Start a Book Club
If you’re going to start maximizing the ways to help your library, get your friends and family involved, too! Consider starting a book club, and instead of buying copies, direct your members to the library to see if they have a copy. Or ask if you can have your book club meeting at the library or host a Q&A session with an author.
How to Support Your Local Library: What’s Next?
Now that you've learned how to support your local library and discovered ways to help your library, it's time to start reading! With collections spanning generations, you may be unsure where to start, but you can never go wrong with classic literature. These stories told so long ago still have themes that resonate today. Check out our list of the top 10 classic books to read, and head to your local library to get a copy of the most intriguing selection!
Library FAQs
Can I donate books to my local library?
Yes, most local libraries will gladly accept book donations from the public, as long as the titles are in fair condition.
How to support your local library?
You can support your local library in a variety of ways, including:
- Being an active, card-carrying user
- Volunteering your time to library programs
- Donating used books, magazines, DVDs, etc.
- Attending library events
Can I get a passport at my local library?
Some states offer passport services through local library branches. Check your local library’s website for more information.
How do I join my local library?
You can check out materials from your local library and use technology by registering for a library card in-person or online. This typically requires some form of government-issued ID or school ID.
How to connect Kindle to local library?
Library visitors can connect to their local branch’s digital collection through online services like OverDrive and Libby, as long as they have their library card information.