A library is not immune to the bustle of the holidays. No, we don’t experience the droves of frenzied spenders that our fourth cousins, the shopping malls, experience. But we do have a pleasant frenzy of activity. Here’s what you might see happening at the library during this time of year. Again, I’m going to do this in list form as any good librarian would.
1. Gifting
Yes, the library is free and open to the public. But there are a few gifts you can purchase at the library. We have some rad book bags available in the bookstore that are perfect for toting your books to and from the library. While you're there, you can pick up a gift card to the Red Leaf Cafe; it's a great stocking stuffer for the insatiable after-school hunger of a teenager or anyone who makes frequent lunch stops at the library. For some, the gifting is about giving back to the community. If you'd like to make a gift to the library you can donate here.
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2. Stocking(s) up
One of the most frequent phrases between Thanksgiving and New Year's is "we're going on a long road trip and we need books/dvds/audiobooks/ebooks/(insert your media of choice here) for the ride." Stock up!
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3. Shopping
Not the shopping where you purchase items, more the "shopping around" kind of shopping. Thinking of purchasing someone that new PlayStation 3 game? Try it out first. Cookbooks are expensive but great gifts. Come check some out, try them, and then buy the ones you like. Want to invest in a super cool new electronic for the techie in your life? Look it up in Consumer Reports (available at the reference desk). Have you been struggling to find the best teen paranormal post-apocalypse romance mystery vampire graphic novel? Well we have two stellar teen librarians just waiting to give you suggestions. Be informed consumers, use the library!
Side-note: the best pre-purchase research I was part of this year was helping a woman find a veterinary medicine book to research safe treats for her dogs, because dogs like gifts, too!
4. Playing!
In the past three years or so we've come to anticipate the post-holiday "help I got a Kindle/Nook/iPad etc. and I don't know how to use it!" panic. We have you covered. Our librarians can show you how to download ebooks from the library and answer some general questions about your devices. If that isn't enough, we have staff available for one on one consultation by appointment.
5. Sharing
Post-holiday there are often a lot of unfamiliar faces around. Grandparents sometimes replace Mom and Dad at story time, sons who have moved away stop in to use computers, and friends of local residents get the tour of "their library." It's touching, really, and it wouldn't be a holiday blog post without a little bit of sentimentality. This community really loves their library and I am constantly humbled to be a part of it.
Have a safe and happy holiday from all of us at the Watertown Free Public Library.