Comments on: Gear pick of the year 2016 – A library card

By: don

don — Wed, 21 Dec 2016 17:44:14 +0000

Great! There are so many benefits to the notion of not only the “card” but the utilization of local libraries as a resource for hiking. Research and internet access and a time to rest the feet and recharge the brain are key not to mention air conditioning or heat. A roof over your head in a monsoon or clean bathrooms have bailed us out more than once (as long as you use those perks with discretion, courtesy and subtlety.). There is no better way to discover the pulse of a town than to enter the library. Perhaps the first thing my wife and I look for is the “Community Bulletin Board” located almost always in the lobby! We have lucked out to find local farmers markets, great inexpensive suppers run by churches, scout groups and the local VFD and with a bit of polite interaction (or adept “yoging”) met local people who know the best local establishments and folks who were happy to help us out.

By: Paul Mags

Paul Mags — Sun, 18 Dec 2016 23:34:18 +0000

In reply to Ryan. It is a good survey course type book. Think you'll enjoy it. Be sure to check out Gamblers House as well. A very interesting website!

By: Ryan

Ryan — Sun, 18 Dec 2016 21:20:33 +0000

A timely post… I’m currently planning a Canyonlands backpacking trip (specifically to see some ruins and such) and will have to put in an interlibrary loan for that book so that I gain a better appreciation of the history

By: Lisa Frugoli

Lisa Frugoli — Sun, 18 Dec 2016 03:03:56 +0000

I love libraries, too.
A couple of things. First, you can also find magazines at your library – both paper & electronic. Second, not all library cards are created equal. If you don’t live in a “big” city in your state, you might request a library card next time you visit. The digital collection could be much better. San Francisco will issue a library card to anyone with a CA address and their ebook catalogue is much better than my local library.

Thanks!

By: Paul Mags

Paul Mags — Sun, 18 Dec 2016 00:30:53 +0000

In reply to Joan. I keep on meaning to download some audio books for when I am driving to and fro places that are usually rather isolated. Good reminder. Thanks!

By: Paul Mags

Paul Mags — Sun, 18 Dec 2016 00:29:49 +0000

In reply to Jarrett. I don't feel as if I moved into a new town "officially" until I get my library card. I love libraries.

By: Paul Mags

Paul Mags — Sun, 18 Dec 2016 00:29:22 +0000

In reply to wsp_scott. ILL is a fantastic resource esp for regional books. I read a book about Rhode Island politics and was able to get it sent to Colorado from a library in Massachusetts!

By: Jarrett

Jarrett — Sun, 18 Dec 2016 00:11:37 +0000

I moved to a new city a little over a year ago and never bothered to get a library card. This was the push I needed to go get one today. I wasn’t able to find any of the references books I wanted, but I did check out a few audiobooks using Overdrive. Thanks for the suggestion!

By: wsp_scott

wsp_scott — Sat, 17 Dec 2016 21:36:43 +0000

My duster is a librarian and I never would have thought of ILL for guidebooks from other areas. Thanks for a great suggestion.

By: Joan

Joan — Sat, 17 Dec 2016 17:28:11 +0000

Finally a “gear pick of the year” I can relate to! Thanks once again!

One of the best things about moving three times this year was getting three library cards. The bookmobile that served the remote area I was at last winter had a remarkable selection. And with downloadable audiobooks and ebooks, you can even check out new materials while traveling.