Just a few Reasons to Love the Owen Sound & North Grey Union Public Library

There is no better place to recharge your intellectual – and, sometimes, emotional –batteries than the library. If you haven't been in awhile head on over for an afternoon. You don’t know what they’re missing.

There are many reasons why I love the library and here are a few of my favourites!

You’re surrounded by some of the greatest minds in history – at your fingertips. Walk in. The sheer amount of material is enough to inspire. Any subject, any question, and idea you may want to explore – it’s all right there. And not just the latest bestsellers; you’ll find volumes there that a bookseller could never carry. Ages of wisdom! For instance, on the self-help shelves, you’ll find advice from great minds from years, decades, even centuries ago.

Silence. Serenity. It’s about respect, and nice manners. No cell phones ringing, either. Peace and quiet: Priceless. It's an Oasis. A mini-vacation. It's so much easier to read People in a comfy chair than in line at the supermarket.

Being able to focus! Sample your day. How often in a room is the TV on, with a constant stream of chatter from one of the 24-hour news channels? Sometimes the radio is on as well. Next add cell phones, ipads, laptops, other peoples chatter and barking dogs. Can you say “overload”? The library may be the only place left in the world where there is no soundtrack, no ticker tape news in the background. You can hear yourself think.

You can take books home. For FREE. And not only books – CDs, back issues of magazines, and DVDs.

Deadlines. Okay, admit it. How many books are on your shelf, stacked by your bed, even still in the bag with the receipt? You’ll get around to reading them “someday.” But – if the book has a due date, you’ll usually read it – or at least make a decision about whether you really want to read it or not. There are only three reasons I usually finish a book – especially nonfiction. One, it’s too compelling to put down; two, my book club meets in two days; three, it’s due at the library tomorrow. Deadlines can be inspiring.

It’s a community centre, too. Check it out! Movie nights, classes on writing, book clubs, lectures, play readings, and more. There was even an all-candidates debate during the recent election. Check the library's website or add them on facebook. Keep up-to-date about what's going on there. They also have a posting board in the library stairwell, so if you are looking for guitar lessons, a play that is in town, or a baby-sitter for the night chances are you will find a flier posted.

Used book sales! Oh, yes these are BIG trouble for me. Last time there was a book sale I came home with three BOXES of books. So much fun. And, at the prices they sell them at, you can buy them, read them - and donate them back when you're done.

At the library, you are surrounded by fellow seekers: people who read, who look for answers, and enjoy the presence of other humans. And – just for the joy of it – you can also visit the children’s section and watch the kids play.

The expertise of the staff. Librarians know a lot. Try them. Research librarians are amazing resources. Ask them questions; it’ll save time and frustration, and the answers come with a smile too.

Oh, and (have I already said this?) it’s all free. The peace, the knowledge, the solitude, the company; the books and all the rest. Try it – even one hour a week. You’ll be hooked – or at least I hope you will. The world waits for you at the library. Use it, support it, teach your children and friends about its pleasures. It’s your tax dollars at work, in the best possible way.