1. Save money. If you buy books, DVDs, or magazines, you spend money. The average price of a new hardcover fiction book: $35. The average price of a new release DVD: $25. If you borrow from the library, the cost is free. The price of a library card: priceless.
2. You don't have a library card? This is another reason to visit a public library this summer. Renew your membership, or get a new card. Your library card can be used at any Saskatchewan public library. If you are travelling around the province this summer, put your library card to use.
3. Bring a child to the library. Studies show children's brains go a little soft over the summer if they don't read. Most library branches in Saskatchewan are part of the TD Summer Reading Club. This year the theme is Imagine. Have your child sign up and read for 15 minutes a day - or more.
4. Activities and events at the library. Are you bored? Is your child bored. How often do you hear "I'm bored. There is nothing to do." Check out activities and events at the library. By the end of summer, perhaps your child will be saying "Mom, Dad, will you take me to the library?."
5. Win! Play Lakeland Library Region's Summer Bingo and enter to win great prizes like a Kobo e-reader or gift certificates. It's fun. It's easy. Visit a branch for more information, or check out Lakeland's webpage at www.lakealnd.lib.sk.ca.
6. It's cool - air conditioning. Maybe not all libraries have air conditioning on hot, hot summer days, but just the same, in our opinion, libraries are a cool place to hang out.
7. More than just books. Libraries have more than just books. Other resources available at the library include CDs (music and talking books), DVDs, magazines, Internet access and much more.
8. Internet. Do you take your home computer on holidays? Not everyone owns a laptop. If you need Internet access while on summer holidays, seek out a library. Most libraries offer free Internet access. Some branches also offer Wi-Fi service.
9. Community pride. If you are hosting visitors from out of town and you are showing them your community, drive by or stop at the library. Be proud that Saskatchewan library cards are free, and all libraries in Saskatchewan share one catalogue.
10. E-services. Download audio (talking books) or e-books using Llbrary2Go. Download free songs with Freegal. Learn a new language with Mango. Check out databases that are accessible with your library card. Ask a librarian.
"Getting my library card was like citizenship; it was like American citizenship." - Oprah Winfrey
"When I graduated from high school ... I couldn't go to college, so I went to the library three days a week for 10 years." Ray Bradbury
"What in the world would we do without our libraries?" - Katharine Hepburn
