Hello Alamo! I didn’t actually plan out this part, but happy National Library Week!
As I mentioned and did plan on Thursday, my favorite third space to just exist in is the library. It kind of always has been. I’m not exactly an avid reader; honestly, all the time I was forced to focus on reading for school took the joy out of it for me. I just like being surrounded by literature and knowledge. In middle school, I got the chance to help shelve and check-out classes at the Chaparral library, and I’ve been chasing that high ever since.
I went into journalism, so yes, I do slightly favor non-fiction and history, etc., but I’m very much of the mind that there is soooo much more knowledge than just straight facts and rote memorization. Critical thinking, drawing inferences, summarizing, empathy, vocabulary, analysis, even being able to discern different tropes are all great skills that will help people for the rest of their lives. Expanding imagination might help problem-solve in the future. More, it’s an activity that helps slow down the mind and reduce stress. To me, that’s what a library represents. All the knowledge and skills in the world are available and accessible to anyone who wants to learn them. All they need is a library card.
For the next few posts, I’m going to cover all the other community resources the Alamogordo Public Library provides for us, but first up, I’m going to be very un-chill about why I love the Libby app so much.
The library and its multitude of resources can really be an equalizer in society. Knowledge is power.
I’ve mentioned several times on this blog that I am physically disabled. I have mobility impairments that don’t allow me to participate in our community as much as I’d like to, and luckily, Alamogordo does accommodate my needs every now and then. Having the option to access the entirety of the library’s digital catalog without having to beg for a ride or walk 2 miles is incredible. (Ours also offers delivery of library materials to qualified disabled and elderly patrons every few weeks.)
Having a stressful workday and then being able to scroll through “available titles” to read after dinner is magnificent.
Being able to pick out a children’s title to help your child learn how to read is fantastic.
And it’s all for free. I know this isn’t new information by any means, but why isn’t everyone more excited about this? For such a small city, to have these kinds of resources at the tips of our fingers is kind of a miracle, plus it’s actually accessible for a lot of disabilities. You can adjust the speed of audio, adjust the size of the print, you can even disable motion in the app interface.
I am currently waiting very patiently for the audiobook of the newest Hunger Games prequel. Just 9 more weeks!
Through Libby, formerly OverDrive, you can browse and place holds on e-books, audiobooks, and a mix of both, read-alongs. You can also instantly check out any magazine in their database.
Libby can be used on iPhone, Android, Kindle, and desktop, instructions here.
I hope you’ll take advantage of Libby if you aren’t already.
Happy learning, and
Salud!
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