The Pasadena Public Library as your practical partner

 

The New Year is traditionally a time when we resolve to break old habits and develop positive new ones that contribute to our health, wealth, and wisdom. I'd like to suggest one New Year's resolution that will certainly meet those criteria.

Have you thought of your library as a place to pick up a volume of light reading to relax with?  Perhaps a good spot for children to enjoy an environment that encourages the development of lifelong reading interests? The destination of choice when a difficult homework assignment awaits?

 

These and many other examples are often what we think of when we consider the value library resources provide for our community...and for us personally.  But have you ever considered the benefit of cold, hard cash from your library visit? Real money in your pocket, savings that free up funds to do other things with? If not, I hope you'll resolve to begin thinking in a new way about your library in the new year.

 

The fact is, your Pasadena Public Library has been working hard to provide even more materials--from research oriented to recreational--to enable YOU to keep those extra dollars in your own pocket.

 

The first stop on our savings tour might be the extensive database that the Pasadena Public Library offers users. If the word "database" makes you cringe, just think of it as an online version of materials that are often in print first. I'd like to make you aware of a few that may be just what you need to keep those hard-earned dollars:

• Handy with tools and trying to avoid an expensive car repair? The Chilton Library provides photographs, diagnostics designed by instructors, step-by-step repair procedures, Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) maintenance schedules, wiring diagrams, recalls and Technical Service Bulletins for automobiles and light trucks, all in one web site.
• Why pay for expensive test preparation materials when you can get ready for that civil service, military, or professional licensing exam for the price of a library card? The cards are free, by the way.
• Don't want to pay for expensive audio books for your commute? Our Overdrive connection brings you audio books, e-books, and videos for your PC, Mac or mobile phone in MP3 format, and makes road rage a passing stage.

I haven't even mentioned the best-selling books and  DVD titles that we carry that let you indulge your particular entertainment passion without doing irreparable harm to your budget. And for those with business on their mind, our Business Center offers computers, Net access and even software training classes that provide invaluable career assistance without requiring you to pay that monthly access charge or software update cost.

 

These are just a few of the practical ways you can save money when you develop the habit of going to your library's resources first for your information, education and entertainment needs. Check this month's Library Savings table to find out how much money you can save. You'll be amazed at how much can be saved when you make the library your practical partner. And learn more about Overdrive and how it can enrich your daily commute or quiet downtime with a vast assortment of quality listening and viewing materials.

 

So ring in the New Year with us by resolving to learn more about your Pasadena Public Library. There's a world of wonderful learning and enjoyment here for you to experience, and we'd love the chance to help you discover it in 2011.

 

Happy New Year from your Pasadena Public Library staff!

Wayne D. Holt
Interim Library Director, Pasadena Public Library