Why a Library Card Might Be the Key to the Best Summer Ever

Congratulations, everyone, we made it: it's officially the First Day of Summer 2023! 

Granted, it doesn't exactly feel that way. For instance, the local school district still won't be scrawling "HAGS" in their yearbooks until this coming Friday, which feels incredibly unkind to those students who are still taking Finals for the next two days, despite the fact that Summer has officially gotten itself underway.

On the other hand, our family has already gone on our first camping trip of the year. I've had visits from my younger sister, who missed Washington sunshine by mere days, and am currently enjoying the company of my younger brother, visiting from the other side of the state. One of the counters in our family's kitchen has been stocked with what my mom calls "Summer Bar" - aka, seasonal liqueurs and mason jars with handles - for the last few weeks. My zucchini are already threatening to crowd out the carrots, and my strawberries have so many runners you'd think they were planning a marathon.

I think it's safe to say that Summer, whether your school district likes it or not, is truly here. 

But whether you've been celebrating the sunshine since June 1st, like I have, or you're still counting down the days until your manager signs off on your first Summer Friday - aka, the true beginnings of "drinking on restaurant patios" season - chances are, you're already making plans for how you're going to spend all of that free time. 

And I know just how you should: at your local library! 

now, hear me out

Granted, this is a books-and-reading-focused blog. Whether you're just now stumbling onto my corner of the Internet, or if you've been a frequent flyer for quite a while (Hi, Dad), chances are you don't need much convincing. 

And yet. 

Just a few weeks ago, I was scrolling through my feed on Bookstagram, and noticed that a fellow enthusiast who I'd been following for quite some time had recently made a significant life change: after years of living in New York City, and furthermore, working adjacent to the Publishing field, she had taken the plunge with her partner, and traded in their big city apartment, for a house in the suburbs. And for the first time ever, she wasn't just navigating a world on a much wider scale than she was accustomed to, but she was also contending with an entirely new challenge... that of learning to use her local library, for the first time, as an adult. 

So it's even within our own ranks, of Book Enjoyers Everywhere, that some might need a little convincing to branch out, and check out your local branch, to check out a book or two. Again, even my own father - I SAID HI, DAD - himself a lifetime reader, ventured off to the library with my brother and I earlier this year to pick him up a new library card, in order to make better use of the free audiobooks and ebooks available through the Tacoma Public Library system. 

If you're new to the game, no worries! There's no age limit as to who is "too old" to get a library card, let alone try something out of your comfort zone. There's nothing to lose, and everything to gain. And let me tell you something: the artistic choices for the library card you pick up, are probably a lot more aesthetically pleasing than the one I've had since approximately 2010 or so. 

And the best part is, Summer is, by far, the best time to get a library card. 

let me tell you why

Well, first of all, there's the material, physical benefit. Libraries are a public good, and as such, are one of the few places you can exist peacefully in the world without having to pay money for the privilege. Howard Schultz may think that he made Starbucks into the world's great meeting space; however, unlike Starbucks, libraries have restrooms without codes to unlock them, and friendly workers who are much more likely to spell your name correctly. 

They also have - barring general disaster - guaranteed air conditioning. And almost always a place to refill your water bottle, and usually chairs there, in case you need to just sit down and take a minute. They usually have computers you can use for free, and a printer that you can use for a certain amount of pages each month, for less than a dollar. Sometimes they're built next to a public park, or picnic tables, which are also more than enjoyable on sunny days. 

And while these all might seem like petty goods in comparison to what you might already have at home, they're not nothing. Not for a lot of people. Things like access to computers and the Internet, to comfortable environments, to social connection and community access, aren't guaranteed, though I think most sane individuals would agree they should be. 

Plus, I've also heard they have books there. 

The books thing is pretty cool. I mean, I think you should check out your own local library just to see how many books they have! Bet you can't count them all... but if you're willing to try, well, then, be my guest. 

But really, the whole "free books" thing is just half of the reason you should give a library a chance. 

(Note: I focus mainly on the Tacoma Public Library and Seattle Public Library, because they're what's local and accessible to me; however, you should absolutely stop by your own local library branch and ask a friendly librarian what sort of opportunities are available at your own local system!) 

TAKE PART IN A SUMMER READING CHALLENGE... OR SEVERAL

Summer Reading Challenges have been a longtime favorite of librarians the world over. For children, they help combat the Summer Slide - the documented downgrade of academic acumen that takes place during the months of June through August - by incentivizing continued reading development by way of fun prizes. For adults, it gives them a chance to pursue a new goal, or stretch their bookish wings during prime reading season... and also win fun prizes! 

No matter your age, chances are, your library has a Summer Reading Challenge you can enjoy, too, for no cost to yourself or your kiddos. It may require you to pick up or print out a Reading Challenge tracker - like Bingo sheet, a Candyland-style track, a puzzle, etc - or in this high-tech day and age, download an app on your phone. Depending on what your local branch's style is, you might be tasked with reading for a certain amount of minutes to progress, or checking off various book titles you've completed. 

Each is a great chance to test your own limits, and give your summer a fun challenge to undertake. You might surprise yourself, in seeing how much reading you can accomplish. 

And did I mention the "fun prizes" part? 

VISIT YOUR LOCAL MUSEUMS... AND SO MUCH MORE

Take, for instance, my local library branch: the Tacoma Public Library card can grant you access to a variety of museums and local attractions, many of which are perfect to enjoy during the hotter days of the year. 

For instance, I could check out an "Art Access Pass" for free entry to the Tacoma Art Museum (usually $18 for an adult visitor), a "Glass Pass" for the Museum of Glass ($20), a "History Museum Pass" to the Washington Museum of History ($14), a "Waterport Pass" to the Thea Foss Waterway Seaport ($10), as well as various local garden passes, like for the Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden ($8), and Lakewold Gardens in Lakewood ($12). 

That means that if I wanted to make a summer project out of visiting everything the library passes had to offer, I would be able to experience $82 worth of local museums and gardens for zero cost to myself! 

All you have to do is look for the pass by location to see which libraries have the pass available, and check out the pass at your library as you would any other item.

Once you've got it, you simply present the pass at the museum or attraction, to receive free admission for up to seven days. Important note: the quantity of available passes varies by location, and you can't check out two of the same kind on the same library card... so make sure the friends you're planning on going with have library passes too!

Also note: passes cannot be put on hold, and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. They also cannot be renewed, so make sure to visit before the return date. You just return the pass to any Tacoma Public Library location as you would any item, which makes for an easy end-of-day task once you're done enjoying yourself at the museum. 

Maybe you can even check out a book when you're done?

TAKE A HIKE... OR A SWIM

Here's another really cool thing Tacoma Public Libraries is doing: as part of a cooperative project called "Check Out Washington," in collaboration with Washington State Parks, the WSP Foundation, the Washington State Library, and other various groups around the state, Tacoma Public Library cardholders have the ability to borrow a Discover Pass! 

If you don't come from an intensive camping background, like my family, you might not know what this means: a Discover Pass provides the necessary payment to help our state parks well-funded, and allows you to visit whatever Washington state parks you'd like. You actually can't visit without one (lest you incur a much more expensive fine). 

Honestly, I think a Discover Pass is a worthwhile investment, as a tree-hugging Washingtonian, anyways: we're a state well known for our gorgeous, protected public lands, as well as plenty of serviceable public recreation areas. Regularly, a Discover Pass will run you $30 for an annual membership - considering adding it to your Christmas List now - as well as $10 for a one-day pass. When you pay to camp at local campgrounds - which can run you pretty steep, depending on where you're pitching your tent - the Discover Pass is likely included at the time of purchase. 

But once you get comfortable with checking out Discovery Passes from the library, you can visit day use areas as much as you'd like, for absolutely nothing! 

According to their government website, Discovery Passes can be used to access "more than 100 developed state parks, more than 350 primitive recreation sites, including campgrounds and picnic areas, nearly 700 water access points, nearly 2,000 miles of designated water and land recreation trails," and even more. I'd say that getting all of that for free is a pretty worthwhile use of your time. 

(Note: while the Discover pass works on Washington State Parks and some other state-funded lands, it doesn't apply to federally-protected lands, like Mount Rainier, or the Olympic National Parks. Check out this website to find all of the places you can visit, and ideas on what to do when you get there!)

Unlike the museum passes, which place limits on how many people can use it at once, a Discover Pass hangs from the front windshield of your car, so there's less of a limit placed on those who can go adventuring with you! Bring along whatever friends you'd like for a hike, a swim, a bout of birdwatching, some frisbee, roasting s'mores in a firepit... whatever activities you can think to enjoy outside. 

You can check out a Discover Pass from a nearby Tacoma Public Library branch during service hours, using a valid library card, but during these gorgeous summer months, you're encouraged to check out the online catalog for current availability first. Discover Passes - like the museum passes - are available on a first come, first served basis, so you'll have to put in a little work to make sure you grab one when you need it! 

START A PODCAST... YES, REALLY

TPL has recently begun offering podcast kits you can check out for a limited time, and use to record, edit and upload high-quality audio. Specifically, they offer both All-In-One and USB Microphone podcast kits, and have a limited number of each, designated for two groups: "Grades 8-12" and "Adults." 

According to their website, "[t]he All-in-one kit includes a portable Zoom H1n Handy Recorder which allows for easy recording of high-resolution audio, and is perfect for starting out on your podcasting journey," and "the USB Microphone kit is ideal for voice overs, and home studio recording." Both of these sound incredible for anyone looking to pick up a new hobby, or figure out if this otherwise costly undertaking is right for them! 

And they're not just offering up the tech equipment: TPL is also staging "Podcast Cafes," a monthly group meeting led by a local digital media expert instructor, covering as varied topics as effectively setting up a usable recording space, how to generate interesting content across episodes, and even culturally-minded analyses on the popularity and effectiveness of current trends in podcasting. It allows you to connect with other people who might be undertaking the same journey you are, which allows you to pick up tips from other podcasting newbies, and provides a network for those looking for support in their creative endeavors. 

So whether you're an adult looking to learn a new skill set, a teenager looking to build out their resume before college apps are due in the fall, or a group of friends looking to find a new outlet for their creative conversations, you might want to see if your local library offers podcasting kits, too. 

I mean, you can even start up a podcast, using library equipment, about the books you've been checking out of the library! 

ATTEND LOCAL EVENTS... AND FREE ACTIVITIES

Okay, I feel like out of everything I've said so far, this might be right up there with "they've got books" as a kind of obvious function that libraries serve. 

After all, if you're like me, you might still vividly recall when your local branch used to have that great big room reserved for community meetings, where you'd occasionally overhear a local book club or lecture taking place. Like I mentioned, libraries are a community hub, one where people can easily gather for free. 

Then again, if you're like me, you also might have no idea as to exactly how MANY events and activities are available through your local library. I mean, I certainly didn't... at least, not until I started doing a little bit of research. 

Yes, they absolutely do have lectures and classes, usually available for free, and they're pretty darn cool. For instance, they're typically tailored to your particular locale, which means than some of the lectures offered in my neck of the woods for this summer include things like eradicating Northern Giant Hornets, earth stewardship-focused beach walks provided by experts, local government information sessions, and how to save money on your utilities, presented by Tacoma Power and Tacoma Water. 

Plus, how to make a box fan air filter... very necessary for Washington residents come August. 

Other offerings include a visit from the Reptile Man, as well as a Shelter Pets adoption event in collaboration with the Tacoma Human Society, and even an information session to learn more about Metro Parks Tacoma, our local Parks and Recreation service. All of these can only lead to more adventures across the summer! 

And if you're looking to get connected to other local readers, they've got plenty of options for those, too. I think almost all of them offers a book club or two. Typically these meetings are tied to things like location of the library branch, or a particular genre, but also cover a diverse range of things like LGBT reads, as well as "Books on Tap," which meets offsite each month, at a local brewery. 

Amongst the Tacoma Public Library calendar, there are links to local scavenger hunts, community puzzle events, game nights, checkers and chess games open for anyone, seed swaps, movie viewings, and so much more. There's plenty of children's storytime events, like you might expect, but also pajama storytime for families, and even adult storytime, where you just might encounter your next great read. 

There are art lessons... including "paint and sip" and "sculpt and gulp" nights, for those who are inclined to test their artistic merit under the influence, as well as lessons in string art, bottle rockets, and more. There's a virtual meetup for those interested in various kinds of fiber arts, too! 

Fans of nerd culture can take part in Pokemon League for both deck and DS users, Dungeons and Dragons parties, Comics and Animation Club, Lego "Brick by Brick" Club, Nintendo Night for Grades 8-12, and Mario Kart gaming. 

There are tons of movie + craft options, all of which appeal to me greatly, like a "Ghibli at the Grand" event downtown, where you can watch Spirited Away with free popcorn and make your own wooden bath token, or "Do You Believe: a Month of Cher Movies and Crafts," which, as you can see from the above conversation, has led to much excitement on the part of my sibling and I. 

Those looking for a little public assistance might be interested in events like like legal aid pop-ups, digital instruction for seniors, or drop-in tech help. There's also events for homeless outreach that provide library patrons "with comprehensive life resources" as needed. 

I'm sure that those looking to invest their time in those kinds of resources are more than welcome to reach out, as well: after all, the library is always looking for volunteers, too!

have I convinced you yet?

Yes, I know, this is an absolute behemoth of a post. But if you've been impressed by its length, that's only because of the incredible amount of challenges, events, and experiences made available to you, through the magic of your local library! 

Like I said in this particular blogpost, my experiences are pretty squarely tailored to my personal local institutions: the Seattle Public Library and Tacoma Library systems (as well as the Pierce County Library system, and King County Library system), are all the closest available resources for me, which means I've got a lot to pick and choose from.

To figure out what's on offer at your library, I heartily recommend checking out their website, or visiting in person to ask a friendly librarian about what kinds of resources they have available for your to check out. There might be plenty there that's not even included in this list... things like virtual reality headsets, other kinds of park passes, and even more adventures that await you, if you just take the chance to ask! 

It's like they said on Arthur: "Having fun isn't hard, when you've got a library card!"

Are you taking part in a Summer Reading Challenge? What sorts of events and activities do they put on at your local library? Let me know, in the comments below!