Whether you’re a frequent user of the library or if you rarely set foot in the place, you may think of it as a building full of books. It’s a common perception, and not altogether inaccurate. But there is so much more that public libraries offer today! Here are 10 less well-known items you can check out with your Monroe Public Library card:
The internet
We own five Verizon internet hotspots for checkout to the public. They can be checked out for up to a week. We’re still tweaking the system. For instance, we now actively discourage users from using them to stream hours of video, as it uses up too much of the data. Stop by the Circulation Desk to see if a hotspot is available!
Console games
Console gaming is expensive — once you’ve spent a few hundred on the console, it can be hard to find money for the games. Why not check them out from the library and make sure you like them first. We offer the latest platforms — even Nintendo Switch! Games are available for all age levels.
Energy measurement devices
If you’re interested in saving money on energy use in your home, we’ve got you covered. You can see how much energy appliances and other items around the house are using by plugging them into our wattage meters. Does it feel pretty drafty by the doors and windows? See how much energy is escaping by checking out one of our leak detectors. Saving energy is good for the planet and your bank account.
Framed art prints
Are you tired of looking at the same old walls? The library maintains a selection of framed art prints available for checkout. Some patrons keep a constant rotation going. It’s a great way to add interest in your home or workspace! If you have ideas for art prints you would like to see for checkout, let us know.
American Girl dolls
American Girl dolls are known for their craftsmanship, but they can be prohibitively expensive. The library offers several for checkout in our children’s department. They come in a small duffle bag complete with accessories and a small journal, so that children can document what the dolls did during their visit. Reading the journal of the dolls’ past visits is pretty engrossing! Both male and female dolls are available.
Downloadable books
You can use your library card to checkout downloadable ebooks and audiobooks. If you’ve run out of things to read, but you don’t want to venture out in the winter weather to pick out something new, just download the Libby app for your phone or tablet and choose a book for instant gratification. Heading out on a road trip? Load up your device with audiobooks to keep the whole family entertained along the way.
Blu-rays and DVDs
Don’t forget that the library has documentaries, films, and television shows on both Blu-ray and DVD. If you’re planning a trip abroad, stop by and pick up some travel videos. The holidays are upon us, so why not check out some cooking videos, holiday classics and films to entertain the kids? Be sure to check out our “Most Wanted” section to find the latest releases without the need for the holds process.
Books the library doesn’t have
We have about 70,000 books on hand for you. But if you don’t find what you want, but we can likely get it from elsewhere in the South Central Library System within a couple of days. If by chance no library in our system has it, we can put out a coast-to-coast search through Outerlibrary Loan. We’re committed to helping you find what you want.
Magazines
Many of us have been so busy visiting websites that we’ve forgotten about the pure and simple pleasure of thumbing through magazines. The library has a wide selection. The current issue is always for in-library use only, but every past issue is always available for checkout. And isn’t last week’s “People” just as entertaining as this week’s issue?
A peek at your home’s history
If you have an older home in Monroe, you may want to check out our Digital Sanborn Maps available in the research section of our website. The maps were created to allow fire insurance companies to assess their total liability in urbanized areas of the United States. You might discover the footprint of your home or property has evolved.
Your library team works hard to explore new trends and respond to patron needs, so that we can offer a wide variety of relevant services.
We’re always happy to hear your ideas. Remember, it’s your library — we just take care of it!
— Cover to Cover is provided by the Monroe Public Library and is published the fourth Wednesday of the month.
