It’s 2024. My 3-year-old politely requests a book about how monsters are made at the library’s help desk. The librarian leads us to a copy of Monstrous: The Lore, Gore, and Science Behind Your Favorite Monsters, which he decides is just scary enough without being too scary. It’s his favorite bedtime book for two straight weeks.

It’s 2011. The breeze is brisk, the leaves are crackling underfoot, and I begin my uphill walk with a gaggle of other teenagers to the square after school lets out. I secretly hope that they will all want to split off once we get uptown and then I can settle into my special window nook at the library and read Eragon in relative peace.

It’s 2005. I’m tucked amongst the stacks of Pinnacle Academy’s school library, alternating between White Fang and The Babysitter’s Club, relishing in the quiet solitude. I spend so much time there that our school librarian creates a special award to give me at the end of the year. Years later, I don’t know where the award went, but the books she gave me as a parting gift are still on my shelf.

As much as my life has changed in the last two decades, one thing is for certain—I love the library. I love what they do for communities, and the community they create. I love that the library is somewhere I can go without being expected to buy anything. I love the sanctuary that it provides for so many people. Libraries are more than just book repositories: they’re community centers, technology hubs, and lifelong learning spaces.

And now, for Library Lovers’ Month, I get to share some of the best ways that you can give your local library a little love back for all they do for us!

1. Get a library card.

If you managed to stumble across the Libby Life blog but don’t have a library card, then welcome! This is a great first step.

Many libraries give you the option to sign up for a card online, but there’s always the old-fashioned way of signing up in-person (which I highly recommend—there’s nothing quite like getting to sign your name on a new card and bring it home).

Encourage friends or family to sign up for their own card as well! Positive peer pressure works wonders.

2. Tackle your TBR.

I tend to collect books in dozens of comforting piles around my house. But these days, I’m always on-the-go with work and kids, so the only way that I get any reading done is on Libby.

Give me ebooks on the lowest brightness as I rock my youngest to sleep in the middle of the night, or give me audiobooks on my way to work, while I fold laundry, or make dinner.

If you’re looking for recommendations, we recently announced the finalists of the Libby Book Awards, highlighting the best books from 2024. Now’s the time to start jumping onto those waitlists! The crème de la crème will be announced March 5th, so many sure you’re following us on social to keep up to date.

3. Borrow more than you think.

Did you know that there’s more to borrow at most libraries than just books and audiobooks? Besides being able to stream movies and TV for free through Kanopy, some libraries offer zoo passes, power washers, musical instruments, sewing machines—the list of surprising things to borrow goes on and on!

Check out your library and explore all it has to offer.

4. Attend events for all ages.

Just at my local branch, they offer homework help sessions, history presentations, tech workshops, sewing classes, story time, yoga (for kids and adults!), arts and crafts, seed starting programs, and so much more.

They’re always coming up with something new and have always been receptive to suggestions if you have any.

5. Explore as a family.

Listen, I have two boys, aged four and one(ish). For those that don’t know, one of the struggles of modern parenting is finding somewhere, anywhere that you can bring your kids (that doesn’t involve dropping $20+ or being looked at funny when they get overly excited).

My oldest loves the computer games (as did I—Pajama Sam and Freddi Fish were my JAM), and that there are endless books about bugs and dinosaurs for him to borrow. It’s one of our favorite Saturday family activities!

6. Host a "Library Crawl."

Whether it’s with a group of bookish friends or a pod of parents and their kids, go out and visit multiple libraries in your region! It’s a great way to familiarize yourself with the different resources that each library puts together.

7. Organize a book drive.

Work with a local group to donate gently used books to the library. A great way to clean out your shelves and stock up theirs!

8. Spread the word.

Excited about the book you just borrowed? Did you have an amazing time at the last program you attended?

Share it with your library on social media! If they have social channels, engaging with their content only helps to spread the word about what a fabulous resource they are.

9. Donate or volunteer.

If you’re in a place financially that you can donate money or purchase from library used-books sales or giftshops, please do. Most libraries rely on additional funding outside of what they’re allotted from local and state taxes.

If your first response to that was “Donate money? In THIS economy?”, don’t worry about it. You can also donate books, technology, or materials that the library can use or resell.

Donating your time assisting with shelving books, helping at events, or volunteering with tutoring programs are other valuable ways to contribute.

10. Show up for your library at the polls.

Stay on top of your local elections and pay attention when a new library-oriented tax levy hits the ballot. Contact your local officials to advocate for library funding. Share your stories about your library’s value with other community members.

Like with so many relationships, one of the best things that you can do for your local library is show up! Whether that means heading to your local branch for a program or borrowing an ebook, audiobook, magazine, or comic through the Libby app, every interaction helps your library learn more about what their community wants and needs.

Libraries are magical places where many people seek refuge, information, and community, but they’re not immune to hardship. As the backbone of our educational system, the importance of keeping that foundation strong is immeasurable. They depend on us just as much as we depend on them.

Happy Library Lovers’ Month! ❤️