When I learned that February is National Library Lovers Month, I felt compelled to confess my own library love affair.
According to the National Day Calendar, National Library Lovers Month is “dedicated to the people who love whole buildings devoted to reading, housing, organizing, categorizing, finding, studying, and otherwise loving books.”
*raises hand
The virtually infinite paper and hardback resources housed at our local libraries never cease to amaze and delight my book-loving soul. While I would be content to spend my days checking out books from A to Z, there is so much more to love about our libraries.
For all our local Cincinnati friends, did you know the Cincinnati and Hamilton Public Library system offers free access to:
- Telescopes: You can check out one of 10 Orion Starblast 4.5-inch astronomical telescopes to stargaze at home. Just make sure you schedule your rental for the time of the year and month when you can get enough nighttime viewing hours (especially if you have space-loving kids with early bedtimes who want to take part in the fun).
- Storytime videos: Our beloved children’s librarians posted hundreds of storytime YouTube videos to engage your little ones. Sure beats another episode of Blippi.
- Online subscription news: Finally access those New York Times and Cincinnati Enquirer articles you’ve been eyeing, without a subscription.
- MakerSpace: Make a reservation in one of five branches offering MakerSpace, where you can use 3D printers, vinyl cutters, sewing machines, button makers, and Cricut machines.
- Discovery pass: Reserve passes for free general admission to local attractions, including the Cincinnati Art Museum, Cincinnati Museum Center, Taft Museum, and American Sign Museum. Limited to two per year per library card, but often includes tickets for two or more people.
- Lifelong learning: Online courses are available for you to learn a new language, get help with homework, or hone your creative, digital, or business skills.
- Book club kits: Ensure your book club members can all access the same book by borrowing through the library’s curated selection of book club kits, which include 10 copies in a canvas bag. Simply search “book club kits” to see all available options.
- Music downloads: Move over Napster (did I just age myself?). Through Freegal, you have unlimited streaming and can even download a limited number of songs per day.
- Learning backpacks: Use the online search feature to find Sprouts Learning Backpacks for early learners. These vinyl backpacks hold books, puzzles, and activity sheets grouped by theme, such as colors, emotions, science, and music, ready for you to take home to your preschooler.
- Puzzles: Our family is in the middle of a 1000-piece puzzle borrowed through the honor system from two dozen options at our local branch.
Our libraries house a treasure trove of resources for people of every age and interest to love, regardless of whether you’re a reader (though I hope you are). Stop in your local branch and ask the librarian what they might recommend just for you.
