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When I got my library card, that's when life began. ~ Rita Mae Brown¹

Libraries are a great place to read, learn, explore and grow at any age. Plus, it's free and now they're even lending eBooks! Can it get any better?

If you're not convinced, here are nine reasons on why you should love your local library. It's time to dust off that library card and head to your local library to check out books.

Easy On The Wallet
The books, in addition to the DVDs, CDs, magazines, audio books and more, are free to borrow! Getting your books from the library instead of purchasing is easy on your wallet, plus many libraries make it very convenient to get the item you want. You can add your name to a waiting list to have it reserved when it is returned, borrowed and shipped from another library to the one closer to you and more. Ask your local library about options available.

Cure For Cabin Fever
Some libraries offer budget friendly entertaining programs and events that can cure a common case of cabin fever. They are a great opportunity to get you and your family out of the house to doing something fun together. Check out your local libraries website for a list of upcoming events. This is also a nice way to meet new people and feel like you're a part of the neighborhood.

Please, Be Quiet
To get reading or work done in a place with minimal distractions and quiet, the library is the perfect place to be. You'll also have a ton of research at your fingertips. There is no background music, orders being taken or coffee machines to distract you for getting what you wanted to get done. Additionally, you won't find other household chores to take you away from the goal at hand - the dishes are at home in the sink patiently waiting for you to come home to be cleaned.

The Librarians
At the library, you'll also have access to knowledgeable librarians to help you with research or to recommend books that you might find interesting. You can't find that doing research or searching for a new book online.

Pressure Free Browsing
Instead of searching online or going to a bookstore for a new book to read, you can browse for one at the library without feeling pressure to buy or borrow something. You can also take your time and read the first chapter to see if you really want to take it home without a barista giving you the eye for taking up a café table for so long without buying something. Now, you won't have the online reviews to read, but you can always check to see how often the book as been checked out as an indicator on how popular it has been.

Less Clutter At Home
Borrowing books from the library versus buying them at the bookstore also contributes to less clutter at home. If you have the book in your house for as long you're reading it, it won't take up space after you're done. Now this means that you do have to take the book back to the library. Also, yes, eReaders offer the same convenience but you're paying to download the book not borrowing it for free.

Books, Books, Books
Lastly, it's the books. There is something about being surrounded by all of those books. For me, it's like being a kid in a candy store - you're not sure where to begin and you end up with a stack taller than you that has to narrowed down to practical amount for only a two to three week time period. It can often be a tough decision!

When was the last time you went to your local library? What types of books are your favorites? Tell us by joining the conversation and leaving a comment on Facebook.

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¹ Source: QuoteGarden.com

Sources: SavvySugar.com, ILoveLibraries.org