Issue 40: Library-ception

… 📚🎥💿🔬🔎🖥🖨🕹

It’s the day before Thanksgiving as I write this and I’m at my happy place where I can get some peace and quiet: the library. I’m soaking up the last hours of silent goodness before they close for the holiday. This week on the podcast, I reveal why this revered institution isn’t just a place where people “shush” you. If you look, silently that is, you’ll find many treasures await you. And unlike the myriad of shopping venues, both on and offline, the majority of the offerings here won’t cost you any money.

-John

Moving Forward 489: The hidden treasures of the library

I know what you’re thinking. “The library? I haven’t been to one in years.” Well, if that’s the case, you’ve been missing out. Long gone are the card catalogs of yore along with sayings like “of yore.” Today, libraries are information meccas sporting the latest in media, databases, technology and yes, those bound sheets of paper that have words in them.

Books

Let’s start with the aforementioned obvious. In case you’re wondering, libraries still have books, both in hardcover and paperback. However, what was once a game of chance in finding the title you want is now an efficient process of a few clicks on your smartphone. Today, most libraries have an app or website that allow you to check whether a title is available in-shelf. You can even lay claim to it with a hold request before you throw on your coat and leave the house. If the book isn’t available at your branch but is at another, you can request it through a magical portal called interlibrary loan. I think they beam it over or transport it in a shuttle ala Star Trek. You can also get on a waitlist for a popular new release. Currently, I’m number 12 on the list for Sonny Boy, Al Pacino’s new autobiography. In the past, if I wanted to read a new title, I’d hop on Amazon, make a dent in my credit card, and voila: instant delivery to my Kindle or paperback delivery in two-to-three days. Today, I’m more content to wait my turn, borrow it from the library, read it, and return it. Lately, I’ve come to realize there are very few books I want to revisit much less keep. Moreover, as I’ve been on a big decluttering kick over the past year-plus, the library’s neat system is well aligned with my desire to own fewer things that I don’t absolutely need.

If you’re more of an ebook aficionado, the library has you covered with apps like Hoopla and Libby. While these sound like Harry Potter characters, they’re more accurately a gateway to read a volume from that famed wizarding series. Through these apps, you can check out ebooks and audiobooks with instant access on your phone, tablet, or computer. You can even deliver many ebook titles to a Kindle account, allowing you to read them on a Kindle device or through the Kindle app on your phone or tablet. Best of all, they go “poof” like magic when they’re due. No need to hop into your car or onto your flying broomstick to return them.

Beyond traditional books, over the past two years I’ve rediscovered my enjoyment of comic books, graphic novels, and collections known as omnibus(es) or omnibi? The library has been my gateway to the expanded lore of Star Trek, Star Wars, DC Superheroes, and more without having to add to my literary clutter at home. Many of these you can borrow from your library in e-versions or physical print.

Media

As a kid of the ‘80s and a teen of the ‘90s, I grew up in the heyday of Blockbuster Video. Browsing these stacks to find the right movie was a revered Friday night institution, along with buying a bag of Twizzlers at the checkout counter. Alas, physical media is quickly becoming like the dinosaurs at the end of every Jurassic Park movie. With RedBox going the way of the dodo, and fewer stores carrying physical media, libraries are one of the last bastions of DVDs and Blurays. You’ll be amazed at the collection your library has of new and vintage films, TV shows, and documentaries. Reminder: if your library doesn’t have it, you can often request it from another branch. Best of all no rental fees! Downside: you’ll have to go somewhere else for the Twizzlers unless … your library is hosting an event with snacks.

I’m not a gamer but if you are then you’ll be in a button-mashing paradise. I’ve seen stacks of games for PlayStation and XBox at my library that make any GameStop green with envy. You may even be able to find a game system to check out within in your library’s library-of-things (LOT) catalog! More on this later.

If you’re more into streaming content, use Hoopla and Kanopy to browse and check out movies, TV shows, and documentaries through your library card. You can watch these on any device, including a smart TV that have these apps installed. What’s available in your library’s entertainment catalog has only increased in recent years, giving premium streamers a run for their money; all without taking yours. You can even find weekly or monthly passes to premium channels such as Hallmark+, Curiosity, iNDIEFLIX, and more.

Research Databases

I recently took a class through Johns Hopkins Odyssey on business feasibility taught by the Baltimore County Public Library’s (BCPL) small business administrator. The course covered premium databases for researching all aspects of starting a business, including market and demographic data, competitive information, and more technical data points such as customer acquisition costs (CAC). Normally, access to this kind of information is hidden behind paywalls and expensive subscription fees. However, you can access many of these databases for free through your library card! Additionally, if you need legal forms such as contract templates or specialized agreements, and you can’t afford an attorney, your library will be your best bet. They will have plenty of forms in print but may also offer access to robust legal forms databases online. Recently, in my writing class, I showed my students how to find specific author copyright and editor agreement templates that they can use when hiring freelance editors.

You can even fall down rabbit holes researching old newspapers and magazines as I did last summer trying to hunt down the title of an obscure PBS travel docu-series I watched as a kid. The answer: “PBS educational programming.” … Ok, you can’t win them all but I got really close!

Learning

If learning is your jam; perhaps you want to crash course a language before traveling abroad, or you want to pick up gardening, podcasting, or investing, before you break out the wallet, check your local library. Libraries often have subscriptions to premium platforms like LinkedIn Learning, The Great Courses, virtual language classes, and more.

Events

Maybe you want to get out of the house and meet some new people. Over the past year, I’ve attended lectures, business networking events, and two live jazz concerts - all at the library! Your library is a hub of activity where you can connect with others, learn, and enjoy some live entertainment. Some of these events even have snacks, making it the one and only loophole to the universal prohibition against eating in the library. To see what’s cooking at your library, check their bulletin board (old school) or online at their website or app. Speaking of, and timely shameless plug, I’ll be tag teaming with BCPL to teach a one-hour webinar on how to sell on Poshmark next Thursday, Dec. 12th. The class is free and open to all (even if you don’t live in Baltimore or have a library card). If you can’t make that one, I’ll be teaching a post-New Year Poshmark class with the Acton Memorial Library on Thursday, January 16th, 2025. Either way, you’ll have a chance to learn how to turn that ugly Christmas sweater into inventory for a new side business.

Library-of-Things (LOT)

Libraries aren’t just for books and media. Did you know that my library has camera kits, craft kits, fishing poles, induction cooktops, scientific equipment, Chromebooks, board games, and engraving pens I can check out? Many libraries offer a catalog of equipment, games, and other accessories through their library-of-things (LOT) collections. Instead of buying or renting a piece of equipment that you may only need for a brief time, see if your library has it to check out for free.

Speciality services

Finally, your library is at its core a place to help you find solutions to questions or dilemmas. If you need a photocopier or printer, check your library. If you need to get a document notarized, check your library. Libraries offer a myriad of services ranging from job searching and resume building to legal, business, and social services. If you’ve got a problem to solve, ask your librarian. They are there to point you in the right direction.

I’m continually amazed at how libraries are expanding into 21st century areas. Recently, one of the BCPL branches finished a long renovation project that included building a recording studio with the latest in sound engineering equipment and software. They’ve even hired a studio manager who previously worked as a producer in the music industry. I attended the required one-hour training a few weeks ago and as I write this, I hope to record a podcast episode there in the near future.

Additionally, libraries offer technology that’s not always easy to come by or is expensive to access commercially. As I’ve been on a decluttering journey, one of the areas I’ve been working on is digitizing physical media; specifically print photos. I discovered last spring that another branch of BCPL has a preservation station: a collection of digitizing equipment, including a flatbed scanner for photos and negatives, and specialty equipment to digitize VHS and 35mm film. This one is unique in that anyone can book a three-hour time slot, even if you’re not a BCPL card holder or a Maryland resident.

Your library may offer community services outside of the building too. This past year, I’ve attended close to a dozen free shredding events, many of them hosted by the library, in an effort to purge 40+ bankers boxes of old documents.

There’s more I can say, and although I have four hours till close, I think it best not to turn this newsletter into a textbook on the virtues of the library. After all, I do have a life too. Sorta.

I’ll simply close by saying it’s neither hyperbole nor exaggeration to say that your local library has many treasures that you’re not taking advantage of. There is a wealth of information, data, services and more that can literally change your life. These aren’t simply buildings with books. They’re information piazzas for the modern era. So give yourself the best gift this year that won’t cost a dime. Get a library card and while you’re at it, check out some great books, movies, games, and more.

Catch this week’s episode on Spotify.

Moving Forward is also available on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeart, CastBox, Pocket Casts, Spotify for Podcasters (formerly Anchor), and Audible.

^{*Affiliate disclosure: these are links to Amazon through which I earn a commission from qualifying purchases.}

Hacks

Accessing the library on your phone:

1. Library website (see BCPL and MCPL as examples): this is where you can get information on collections, temporary or digital cards, access to research databases, and events in your area.

2. Library app (see BCPL as an example): If your library has a native app, you can often find and reserve or request books, check them out, and RSVP to upcoming events.

3. Hoopla: Works in conjunction with many library cards to check out ebooks, audiobooks, streaming content (movies, TV shows, documentaries), digital comics, digital music, and online courses.

4. Libby: Works in conjunction with many library cards to check out ebooks, including ones you can send to a Kindle device or Kindle app, and audiobooks.

5. Kanopy: works in conjunction with many library cards to check out digital editions of movies, TV shows, and documentaries.

^{Note: check with your library to see which apps work with your card. Access and materials may vary.}

Available now at my bookstore on Pangobooks

Go ahead and add yet a little more pumpkin spice to your life with the smash hit romance novel of 2024.

Quirky reads 📚

Speaking of good books, here are some titles I’ve been reading lately.

[Affiliate disclosure: these are affiliate links to Amazon through which I earn a commission from qualifying purchases.]

• My Heart Will Find You by Jude Deveraux (not yet reviewed).

• Follow me on Goodreads for book recommendations and to see what else I’m reading.

Upcoming (December 12th, 2024)

Speaking of the library, join me next Thursday for a one hour free webinar to learn how to sell on Poshmark, hosted by The Baltimore County Public Library.

Upcoming (January 16th, 2025)

Rather wait until after the New Year? Join me in January to learn Poshmark basics, hosted by The Acton Memorial Public Library.

One spot left!

Upcoming (January 28th, 2025)

Speaking of books, my next writing class starts January 2025.

Upcoming (March 25, 2025)

Speaking of decluttering, my next class starts March 2025.

Resources

Teach a man to fish, you know the rest (if you don’t, check these out).

• Book a coaching call with me on Clarity.

• Follow me on Goodreads for book recommendations.

• Check out one of my favorite daily newsletters Morning Brew (affiliate referral link).

Books

I wrote most of these so spruce up your home library and look smart in the process.

• The Poshmark Guide for Individuals and Small Businesses (Paperback, Kindle, Audible) 

• The Poshmark Guide for Individuals and Small Businesses (Apple audiobooks)

• The Poshmark Journal for Individuals and Small Businesses

• The Corporate Cliches Adult Coloring Book

• I Am a Professional Metalhead (audiobook) (Audible affiliate link) written by Angelo Spenillo, narrated by John Lim

Support the newsletter and podcast

“What are you selling?!?” -actual quote from a b-school classmate

• Books! Check out my used bookstore on Pangobooks.

• Try out Audible (affiliate paid link).

• Try out Amazon Prime (affiliate paid link)

Affiliate disclosure

Note: Links to Amazon and Audible products are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.