TOP 10 REASONS TO USE YOUR LIBRARY!

1. YOU PAID FOR IT: Yes, libraries are great examples of your tax dollars at work, and you owe it to youself to take advantage of their wealth of information and fun!

2. ADDITIONAL READING: Besides the normal collection of fiction and non fiction books many libraries have collections of books on cassettes. While most commerical recording such as these are abridged and thus won't include every word of the print book, these books on tape often feature celebrity narrators. Also many public libraries maintain a large print collection. They may have just the title you've been waiting to read!

3. ENTERTAINMENT: Programs for young and old are usually available at most publice libraries.

4. EXPERT INFORMATION: Where else can you find such a wide variety of information by all of the top experts all in one place?

5. LOCAL NEWS AND COMMUNITY INFORMATION: What happened at the last school board meeting? Where are they holding that health fair with the free blook pressure tests? The local librarian may be able to check on these types of questions for you. Plus many libraries have bulletin boards full of notices concerning local groups and clubs, charitable events and more.

6. STORY HOURS: Regular story times are popular programs at many public libraries. Children's librarians often read aloud picture books for preschoolers; some libraries also offer films, arts, and crafts, and games for schoolage children as well.

7. FINDING LIKE-MINDED SOULS: To get in touch with people who enjoy reading, try the public library! Make new friends! Meet old ones! Some libraries even have book discussion groups for readers to share their thoughts and perspectives.

8. SOOTHE THE SAVAGE BEAST: You may want to use your local public library just to get out of the rat race and have a quiet place to relax and "escape." Comfortable chairs and quiet corners are readily available.

9. GOVERNMENT ADDRESSES: Your local library is a good source for local addresses and telephone numbers for your representatives in U.S. Congress, the Michigan Legislature, or your local government. The librarians will even give you this information over the phone.

10. FACTS BY PHONE: When all you need are "just the facts, the local library may be able to give you an answer in less time than it takes to read a book on the subject. Keep in mind that while librarians cannot do complicated research over the phone nor tell you the "meaning of life," they can answer all sorts brief questions by telephone or fax, including spelling or defining a word.

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