"Library Books and Carts in Rows" by Smart Chicago Collaborative is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
So you have a few things you're interested in reading, but don't want to risk hating a book you paid for? That's where libraries come in! While you could always use Amazon Prime to get Audible audiobooks and sign up for something like Kindle Unlimited, you can always check out your local libraries for a copy. Here at Shafer, we offer several ways to find books, and in this post we're going to show you a few more you may not know about but will definitely want to take advantage of!
The local public library is also a wonderful resource! Only a 10 minutes walk away from our campus, it features a wide away of books, dvds, magazines, newspapers, etc. along with activities and clubs. You only need a library card to borrow books, which requires an ID and on item showing your current address. More information here.
The public library also has access to Hoopla, a digital media service that allows you to borrow eBooks, movies, comics, television shows, music, and audiobooks to enjoy on your computer, tablet, or phone--even on your TV. Titles are always available with no waiting. Titles can be streamed immediately, or downloaded to phones or tablets for offline enjoyment later.
A bit different than the other resources listed, Little Free libraries are a non profit organization dedicated to expanding book access for all through a global network of volunteer-led Little Free Libraries. All you have to do is find one of the small book boxes and pick out a book! You can also leave books there to share!
Image courtesy of LittleFreeLibraries.org
There are several here in Findlay, one of which is outside of Shafer library. There is also one in the Writing Center. You can track down more on the Little Free Libraries app!
Shafer Library is home to the Pleasure Reading Collection, featuring books on a variety of topics and genres, ranging from autobiography to graphic novels. All in all, we have books by some very popular authors and have copies of some tried and true book series, including Stephen King and G.R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire. Stop by and browse our shelves today!
Would you prefer e-books or audiobooks over carrying around a large paperback? With the Libby app, available on the android and apple stores for your phone, tablets, and computers, you can borrow ebooks and audiobooks from your Public library for absolutely free!. You just need your library card to sign up. Here in Ohio, access to Libby is part of the Ohio Digital Library, a program of the State Library of Ohio and is supported in whole or in part by federal Institute of Museum and Library Services funds, awarded to the State Library of Ohio. Through this, you have access to hundreds of thousands of e-books and audiobooks, ranging from Classics like Mary Shelley's Frankenstein to the newest N. K. Jemisin release. If you don't have a local public library card, and don't want to get one, you can also use your card from your hometown library if you have one! More info on signing up for Libby here.
Search Ohio provides over 16 million items available to a wide variety of communities across Ohio, and Shafer Library is included! It uses online requesting for residents of Ohio and delivery of books and other library media within a matter of days. Just click on the hyperlink and search to your hearts content! You can have your requested materials delivered here to Shafer or any other library in the system, and the best part is you can use the same library log in credentials that you use to access materials on the Shafer Library website. I use SearchOhio all the time, in fact I think I have one to pick up right now!