1. When did you first go to the library/get a library card?
I don't remember having my own library card as a kid. I think there was a policy that kids had to be on their parent's library card. I was on my dad's. I suppose then that the first library card that was my own was for my high school library, which I got given when I started aged 11. I probably still have it somewhere! It was blue.
2. How often do you use your library?
I use one of my local libraries all the time. I go to a craft club every Monday that is held in the IT suite of a library a few miles away from where I live. It means the room is used, showing a need for the library to remain open. I often browse books while I'm there, and even though it's quite a small library there's still tons of great books in it. I sometimes use the reserve function online to get a book to that library to pick up, so that I don't have to drive other places to get it.
My book club is also supported by the library, and we try to have half of our books a year be ones that come from the library, to again use it and show there is a need for it.
I don't use the library in my village very often, but it is truly tiny and parking near it is difficult. I think the council will close it down in the next few years, which will be a shame as it is often used by others in the village.
My book club is also supported by the library, and we try to have half of our books a year be ones that come from the library, to again use it and show there is a need for it.
I don't use the library in my village very often, but it is truly tiny and parking near it is difficult. I think the council will close it down in the next few years, which will be a shame as it is often used by others in the village.
3. Have you ever had a late or lost library book?
No I don't think so! I'm a bit paranoid about library return times, and I think I was the only person I knew at university who never had a fine.
4. What’s your favourite thing about your library?
I guess I'm fond of the one I go to craft club in because it has a good teen section, because it supports our craft club, because the staff are friendly, and because it has good parking. It's also in a nice village where I sometimes do a bit of shopping too. It's a small town/large village!
5. Are you a browser or do you plan what you’re taking out?
Oh I'm a broswer. I pick up anything that catches my eye. Some of the best books I've read have happened into my hands that way! Sometimes, as I say, I request books from the catalogue, which is really useful, so I guess I do plan then. My town council demolished the old central library a few years ago to build another, and put all the books in storage in council buildings. Using the request service meant that you could get anything that was in storage, which was good. I haven't actually been to the new library, although I've heard it's really nice and has a good cafe onsite!
6. Name a book you took a chance on from the library.
I think the most recent one was Bitter Orange by Claire Fuller, which I read last year and LOVED, after I picked it up on a whim.
7. What is best book you read from the library?
I have really strong memories of reading Silence of the Lambs and Hannibal when I was at sixth form college. I read one on the bus on the way home one dark and stormy night. I know I made my dad read both, too!
8. Have you ever taken the same book out multiple times?
I probably did as a teen, and it was probably something completely embarrassing like a Sweet Valley High book.
9. Have you read a good book set in a library?
Hmm that's a good question. I can't think of any off the top of my head. What are your favourites?
10. Have you used your library’s ebook and audiobook options?
I haven't - I don't actually know how to! I don't really like audiobooks, although when I had a longer commute I used to listen to them on the way to work. I don't know how to access ebooks and to be honest I already have so many that I probably don't need to.
11. Which is the best library you’ve been to?
Oh it's got to be Trinity College Library in Dublin which is home to many amazing books but most famously the Book of Kells, which is a really old illustrated book of the gospels. It is absolutely amazing to see and learn about. The library itself is huge and has huge tall ladders up to the books. If you're ever in Dublin, it's an absolute must-do tourist thing. I've been twice and I would go back tomorrow!
12. What would make you use your local library more?
Parking! I do use my library enough - and recommend you do too!
Trinity College Library - Dublin. Photo taken by me in September 2016
