Never Underestimate Your Local Library

A common bit of advice I’ve heard from just about every agent/editor/writer/etc that I’ve come in contact with is: to become a better writer, one must READ.  Now for me, that is easy.  I often read more than one book at a time.  I also like to reread books and series.   So even if I am not posting reviews, you can safely bet that I am reading something.  I know your are probably thinking, get to the point already.  Well the point is go the library.  Yes, I recommend a quick trip to your local bookstore too, but if you are like me and trying to pinch pennies, then the library just might become your new best friend.  The library closest to me works like this:  If you are an in town resident you get a free “advanced” card.  Out of town residents have to pay 60 dollars per household per year for an “advanced” card.  OR you can have a “basic” card where you can have one item out and one item on hold.  That is what my husband and I both currently have.  I’m digressing from my point aren’t I?

Bear with me a little longer. When I was in college at Linfield, they have something called Summit/WorldCat as part of the library.  WorldCat bye the way is short for world catalog and not some clever name derived from Linfield’s mascot, the wildcat (yes I actually thought that up until two days ago–feel free to laugh hysterically at me–I won’t mind.)

I just found out that my local public library also has access to Summit/Worldcat.  You just have to ask the librarian for an inter library loan form because it is not on their website and it is not really advertised or explained on their website.  I happened upon this information accidentally and then called the library and was told about the form.

So now I have access to a vast array of books I had  been pinning over.

So my point is to talk to your librarians and to never underestimate your library.  So go find a good book!

~keep reading