LIFE

Free services at the library go way beyond checking out books

Linda Dums

Jill Hughes of Kimberly knows she is saving a lot of money by using the Kimberly Public Library.

“Our family is big on the library,” Hughes said, noting they visit the Kimberly, and occasionally Little Chute, library at least weekly. “With a family of big readers, I’d never be able to afford buying as many books as we read or finding room for that many bookshelves. I love the convenience of being able to put books on hold online, then pick them up the next time we’re in the library.”

They also have taken advantage of the programming available, especially for the kids.

“The summer reading program is a great way for families to save money while getting in some fun outings,” Hughes said. “Just get there early for the best seats on the floor.”

Libraries offer everything from free materials like books, CDs and DVDs to free programming that is educational or entertaining.

Beth Carpenter, director at Kimberly-Little Chute Public Library, said materials and resources are available free to library patrons with a library card.

“We are mandated by the state of Wisconsin to provide materials at no cost in order to provide everyone the opportunity to learn and grow no matter what their income,” Carpenter said.

“Funding for public libraries comes from their local municipality, county funding for service to residents in municipalities without library service and lots and lots of fundraising,” she said. “Many libraries have foundations or friends groups who advocate for the library and raise extra funds throughout the year through things like book sales, bake sales, special events and fund drives.”

“We hear that libraries are on the way out, that bricks and mortar buildings are no longer needed,” said Gretchen Raab, director of Neenah Public Library. “But that’s not what’s happening. There are a great many people coming to the library every day. Neenah had over 301,000 in 2013.That’s 877 people every day we’re open, 89 people per hour.”

So far in 2014, circulation has dropped slightly, but Raab said circulation for ebooks and downloadable audiobooks has risen by 44 percent.

“The number of reference questions answered is up 12 percent, and the number of programs offered is up 16 percent this year over this same time last year,” she said, adding attendance at programs is up 8 percent.

Menasha Public Library also is seeing an increase in program participation.

“Adult attendance at library programs is up 26 percent so far this year,” director Vicki Lenz said. “Children’s attendance has climbed by 5 percent since last year. The popular ones are story times, book parties and programs that feature making a craft.”

Here is a small selection of ways library patrons can save money.

Save money on books

Patrons can find everything from best sellers to new releases. Libraries allow patrons to put materials on hold, which also can be done from the comfort of home with access to library websites.

“We really feel the library is a hidden gem in our community that has a wealth of resources for us to borrow for free,” said Angie Meyers of Sherwood, who checks out books, CDs and puzzles from the Kimberly Public Library for her children, 6, 4 and 19 months. “It’s wonderful we have an online system to order books and renew as well so we don’t have to run in all the time to see what’s available or recheck things out. We love it, use it all the time and will continue to be lifelong lovers of our local libraries.”

Ebooks

Library patrons can borrow ebooks and sometimes electronic reading devices like a Kindle or Nook with preloaded books. With their library card, patrons can download free ebooks from the Wisconsin Digital Library.

“People are familiar with our traditional collections but may not be familiar with our overdrive collection, which includes ebooks and downloadable audio for your Kindle, Nook, iPad, tablet or other device,” Raab said. “All are available free. The ebooks collection is growing quickly, and waiting lists are shrinking.”

Access computers and services

Libraries are a place where people can have free use of computers and printing services.

“Our Internet service is often faster than what you can purchase for your home, and you can print in black and white or color from one of our computers or your laptop or device,” Lenz said.

Many libraries offer free WiFi so patrons can use their own devices to access Internet and email.

Find your roots

Pat Angell was inspired to research her family history after attending a library program on genealogy a couple of years ago. She found the library had a wealth of resources — and savings — to aid her search. People could pay roughly $20 a month for a private membership to a genealogy service. However, it is free of charge to library patrons.

“I used the library subscription of Ancestry.com to start my family research,” said Angell, who also frequents the library to read magazines and use the interlibrary loan. “That program, Heritage Quest and the microfiche files of past newspapers are really helpful. There is also a nice collection of plat maps that were helpful in uncovering my family’s history.”

Get healthy through the library

Library patrons can try before they buy.

“With a free library card, you have access to hundreds and hundreds of fitness DVDs, including popular topics like Zumba and pilates, special interests like fitness for seniors or prenatal exercises and the old standbys like ‘Sweating to the Oldies’ and Tae Bo,” said Arielle Loy of the Neenah library. “Additionally, the library offers an extensive collection of books on healthy eating, cooking and inspiration to get moving.”

Loy created the Fitness Fridays at the Neenah library as an innovative way to serve the community.

“Fitness Fridays provide an economical way to get and keep fit, try something new and meet new people,” she said. “Fitness Fridays are not only a free, regular, fitness class. They’re also an opportunity to try out a type of exercise and style of an instructor before you invest in a membership or series of classes.”

Children’s programming

Meyers enjoys the programming available to families, from story times to entertainment like musicians and puppet shows.

“I like the programming because it’s kid friendly, free and an excellent way to spend time and meet new friends,” she said.

They attended some of the summer reading program.

“We made it to the Soda Pups dog show and a puppet show at the Kimberly and Little Chute libraries,” Meyers said. “Other years we’ve seen science experiments and musical entertainment as well, which are always wonderful. We’ve received prizes from the library from Culver’s during National Library Week and other things like stickers and mini toys for completing games or scavenger hunts they have.”

Save the movie rental fee

Old classics, new releases, indie, foreign films and more are just some of the options.

“We don’t rent movies at all,” Amy Breeden of Brillion said. “The kids have learned how to put them on hold so we wait a little longer to see what is popular, but eventually we do see them.”

And many libraries offer movie days.

Neenah’s movie series, Monday Matinees and Tuesday Night Movies, are available at no cost, Raab said. “Watch a free, recently-released movie on a big screen with free popcorn and pop.”

Providing a sense of community

There is just so much going on at the library, said Ashley Thiem-Menning, programing librarian at Kaukauna Public Library.

“Everyone is always welcome at the library,” Thiem-Menning said. “I always tell people just look at our online calendar once and you will see why this is such a community center. People are surprised how full those calendars are with all of the really cool activities we can offer.”

— Linda Dums: pcfeatures@postcrescent.com

Figure out what you are saving

Here’s an actual “value calculator” to determine how much you would pay if library items (books, movies, etc.) or services (meeting rooms, computer usage, etc.) were purchased: www.ala.org/advocacy/advleg/advocacyuniversity/toolkit/makingthecase/library_calculator.

— Source: Gretchen Raab, director, Neenah Public Library