When you hear the word library the first thing that comes to mind, besides books hopefully, is school and research. In times since social media rose people thought books were going to become obsolete and when Kindle made its grand debut people thought the act of buying a physical book was going bye-bye.

Since research became faster to obtain because of the internet how were libraries going to stay afloat? Easy, install computers and make everything digital. Computers didn't automatically replace books, magazines, and videos, CD´s or DVD´s. They are still being offered but now it´s a lot easier to access.

Here are some ways the library has gone digital:

1. Everything Is Accessible Online

Those computers are handy after all and also so has your phone! You can download your library app straight onto your phone and tablet making everything accessible with the touch of your hand. Here´s the New York Public Library app, it’s free! You can also download E-books and audio books as well through an app called OverDrive. Just find your public library on it. They should offer it.

2. Speaking Of Which...

Thanks to the library app you can put on reserve books, movies, CD´s, etc... and all you need is a valid library card and email address.

Its convenience comes when you’re dying to read the latest book and you don’t want to be the last to get it. You can now request a book and pick it up at the library once it’s available. Most library have their own room for reserved books. How cool is that?

3. Programs! Programs! Programs!

For the most part libraries offer programs and classes and thankfully they are free. Classes such as "Computer Q & A, Internet, Microsoft Word, and Keyboard Instruction" and ¨The 75th Anniversary of the American Negro Theater". Aside from programs they also offer events and exhibitions. Did I mention that they are free?

Thankfully for us New Yorkers the New York Public Library also offers the program Friends of the Library which is a membership that gives you discounts in the library’s shop while you’re also “helping the library provide books, educational programs, and online resources to millions of resources”. Shopping with a cause. How great!

4. Did You Hear The Latest?

You can sign up for the libraries newsletter and also listen to their latest Podcast, if they have one. You can search for it online or ask a librarian. You can also follow them on all the social media platform available. I am sure that your library of choice has a Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Blog, or YouTube.

Go check out your local library to sign up for a free library card. It´s a card with magic that only you can use to explore by accessing one.

*The library mentioned above is The New York Public Library but if you live in another state make sure to check it out and see what they offer as well.*

Happy reading!