National Library Lover’s Month

February is also National Library Lover’s Month.  You can find a library in just about every community in the United States.  They are big and small.  They have different offerings but they are all free to the public.

Think about what a gift it is for you  to be able to choose a book and then take it home to read for no cost.  The topics are endless.  You could read a mystery, a romance novel, a biography, a book of poems or a how-to book.  It’s whatever you want.

How did libraries come about, you ask?  The answers are a bit contested but the first free public libraries appear to be opened in the 1800’s.  

The first was opened in Peterborough, NH in 1833. Then Harvard with the claim of creating the first library card catalog in 1840.

Also in 1840, the University of South Carolina had a library that was the first free-standing building from other academic buildings.  As a matter of fact, this is considered the oldest continually operated library in the US.

The Boston Public Library is the  last contender.  It’s claim to fame is the first free library in a large municipality.  This was in the year 1848.

As you can see libraries have been around for a long time.  Over the years you can get more than just books from a library.  You’ll find digital resources, movies and music to access.  

If you have children, the children’s portion of the library offers story hours, get togethers and activities.  If you are into geneaology you can find family and community information as well.

Many libraries also offer meeting spaces for different community organizations.  Artists often showcase displays. A couple of times a year there might be a book sale.  You might be able to find that special book that you can read over and over. 

Private Home Health Care loves books and we hope that you do too.  A good book can give you a mini vacation or expand your thinking.  You might even find an interesting library to visit.  The possibilities are endless.

#NationalLibraryLoversMnth