The public library. To some it is a foreign concept, a long forgotten memory from childhood. Most people probably couldn't locate their rarely used library card, and wouldn't find much reason to need to as they might not be particularly interested in spending their free time reading.
Libraries also often have a negative connotation with being boring. For students, their time spent in the library is often at their college studying for whatever exam they have, and not truly appreciating their surroundings. But I have come to see it as a pleasant place to gather my thoughts, especially if you can find a nice, quiet section. At my own public library there is a ridiculously comfortable chair tucked back behind book shelves and facing a window where I can sit and read or do work in peace. Your sanctuary could also be out there waiting at your public library.
But what I think might be the biggest benefit of the library for the general public isn't the plethora of books. It's the large selection of DVD's and box sets for TV shows that are available. Though most people use Netflix, sometimes it doesn't include every title you may be looking for, and the library can be a great way to supplement your binge watching addiction for free. They often have new and updated titles, and if you can't find it there the librarians are very helpful in getting it from another library in an easy and speedy manner.
The amazing discovery I made at my library this year was that they had the entire series of Game of Thrones available for me to watch. This is a show I have been wanting to watch for years, and since I wasn't willing to pay for HBO or download the series illegally, finding it for free at my public library has been an amazing thing. Even when there wasn't a series directly available for me to checkout I would tell the librarian that I needed it and would usually get a call just a few days later that my DVD set had come in already. I had so many people asking me how I was watching the series and were shocked when I told them it was from the public library for free, so I think this is an important thing for the library to feature.
Another great feature of my public library is the Bookworm Café that they have. It provides food, sweet snacks, and delicious drinks to enjoy while getting work done. With the loss of Coffee Culture in Batavia, the café provides a great alternative place to meet up with friends to get work done over a nice meal for a reasonable price.
I am a big proponent of the benefits of the public library and believe that if more people knew about all it offers, it would be even more popular. A place with long hours, quiet spaces, good snacks, and free wifi is the perfect place to get work done or just relax. And the fact that it provides popular and up-to-date books, movies and TV shows for free just adds to the list of many features that the public library provides and why it just might be your town's hidden treasure.
