I rarely actually go to the library, either. We can order books online and they will be delivered within a couple of days (unless there is a waitlist for them). I believe you can also call the delivery service to come pick them up. They can be renewed online, as well.

Apparently our library cards never expire; I haven't had to renew mine in years.

Electronic media can be downloaded right away.

When I was physically going to the library, I was surprised how noisy it is! The main library downtown wasn't as bad as the branches, but all were quite noisy with people talking, kids running around, etc. I think you can still have a library employee check your books out, though there are many self-checkout stations.

Of course, all that depends on the computer system working properly! I wonder if the employees even know where to look for something if the system is down.

Donna

We have a delightful and attractive public library that is heavily visited and full of helpful employees and volunteers. Our only problem is that so many people want to use it that they've had to add a second parking lot across a busy street - so you may have to wait at the corner for the walk light. I seldom phone them, but when I do, I normally get more help than I asked for. So, Vee, some of us are luckier than others when it comes to our library.

I deal with a branch of our public library and haven't been to the main branch since I discovered computerized requests. I love being able to request books online, after which I am notified by email when the book comes in. If I'm feeling lazy, I can tell the woman behind her computer that I have a book(s) to pick up, and she will get it for me from behind the check-out counter. If there is a line at the counter, I get the book myself where the requested books sit on shelves in alphabetical order by customer last name.

We have just begun to have self-check computers. I haven't tried one of them yet. My biggest complaint is that we seem to have an erratic Inter-Llibrary Loan program. I haven't used it often, but sometimes the book never appears and I never hear from my request again. Another complaint is that new books aren't always ordered promptly. I suspect I would be told that money is a problem!

The personnel are quite pleasant to deal with, and there is a help desk you are sent to for questions to be answered or assistance with a problem.

I really love the public library and use it for most of my reading.

Poor Vee! I have borrower cards for three different libraries as each local government area runs its own branches with book purchasing budgets but books are bought and distributed mainly by the State Library system.

I usually request books from the local library either in person or online for the ease of collection. They are on shelves under the requesting person's surname. This is a free service. Two of the libraries are self serve, one scans all your piled up books at once!

Occasionally there is a request that you go to the help desk to check that your details are up to date but no new card is issued. One of mine was taken out in the 1970s. I was asked if I would like a new one with more up to date library phone numbers but declined. This card is an old friend!

My library set up is the same as Carolyn's. Our main library is located on a very busy stretch of road and parking is difficult, so I use the branch (we have 3 library locations in town) to pick up whatever I've requested online. Requested books are shelved alphabetically by patron's name for pick up, the automated check-out is easy to use, and there's usually no line or waiting to do so. I can zip in and out quickly, and there's a drive-up book drop in the parking lot for returns if I don't want to go into the building. The branch I use is situated on the edge of two large elderly housing developments, so the librarians are often busy with older patrons. Many of our librarians have been there for decades and they are wonderful.

Vee, were you ever able to renew your card and get your book?

Sheri, yes I 'renewed' the card on line . . . the physical piece of plastic doesn't alter, and ordered the book. When the item arrives at the branch I will receive an email giving me so many days in which to collect it. They also send out emails telling you that there are only a certain number of days remaining before the book has to be returned. If it is not in demand it is possible to take it out for longer.

I cannot see why they don't have some system to let you know that the card is just about to/has expired . . . there is no information anywhere telling you that it only has a certain 'life-span'.

I really miss our mobile library. No fines were ever imposed, the staff were like old friends . . . in fact we would often spend longer chatting/catching up than checking the shelves (they only waited for about 15 mins). Although there were only a few books from which to choose it concentrated the mind wonderfully and I picked up stuff I would usually never have read.

I only balked at the tatty books that had previously been in the library at Gloucester Prison, they were always very well thumbed and needed a good disinfect!

I'm blessed to have a wonderful city public library as well as a college library within walking distance. Also, a book mobile makes visits 2 times a month to my building. The staff are all helpful and pleasant. I place my requests for books and movies with them, usually. Alternatively, I can call the public library and request materials. I don't go on line, although I could, if I wished. My library cards have never expired.

The large public library is well-stocked and relatively new, with computers available for public use. The college library is inviting for me, since I am a student. With this privilege, I can use the computers, check out books, and even print out a certain amount of copies for free. The Interlibrary loan department is fast and efficient. The reference department is helpful and courteous. These 2 library systems have been a real positive in my life, since I relocated here 5 years ago.