The library can make your life easier. That’s the whole point of libraries, really, to serve the needs of our communities. Here are a few life hacks — or, if you don’t know about life hacks, think of them as helpful resources to make your life easier — found at the library.
Are you thinking of making a big purchase — car, washing machine, electric toothbrush — and you want to spend your money wisely? Consumer Reports has reviews of more then 8,500 products. It is funded through subscriptions, not advertising, and is known for providing accurate and objective reviews and analysis. Because it’s funded through subscriptions, it can be expensive — but not for patrons of Daniel Boone Regional library! With a library card you can access it for free through our website without even leaving home.
This brings me to my second tip, we have lots of resources that you can access from anywhere armed with only your library card and an internet connection. Consumer Reports is mentioned above, but we have many, many more digital resources including books, movies, TV show, and audiobooks. That’s not all, though.
Do you need to study for a test? The LearningExpress Library has study materials and practice tests for the ACT, ASVAB, civil service, EMS, firefighter, GED, GMAT, GRE, law enforcement, paramedic, PPST, real estate, SAT, United States citizenship and more.
If you’re a student and you just need some help or tutoring, Brainfuse HelpNow provides live, online tutoring for elementary through college students in a variety of subjects, including writing and test prep.
Brainfuse JobNow has a resume builder tool and many other job resources — other sites will make you pay to print off the resume you just labored over.
Trying to troubleshoot an issue with your car? The digital Chilton Automotive Manuals cover most modern cars.
Planning a post-COVID trip? Mango Languages is one of the latest interactive tools for learning a new language. A to Z World Travel has travel guides and resources to help you plan a trip to over 200 cities around the world. Global Road Warrior offers maps, photos and information about 175 nations and territories around the world. We are also offering passport services at our Fulton and Columbia branches by appointment.
If you’re willing to put your shoes on and come to one of our libraries, we have many useful services available on site. At our Columbia branch, we generally have a notary available Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Consider calling in advance to make sure the notary will be in on a particular date and time.
At ten cents per page, our faxing services are the cheapest I’ve ever seen. Printing and copying is also only ten cents a page for black and white. We have color printers and copiers at fifty cents per page.
The Perk Desk is back at the Columbia branch! This mini-cafe in the library offers freshly brewed Lakota Coffee as well as organic fair trade tea, hot chocolate, juice and soft drinks and other snacks. It is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. If you bring your own mug, fill ups are only 75 cents.
Have you wanted to start a book club? We currently offer book discussion kits for over 100 titles. Each kit contains eight to ten books and a discussion guide. They check out for eight weeks so your group will have plenty of time to read them.
Most importantly, remember that we work at the library, not for the pay or the glory, but to help connect people with the information and resources they need. We love sharing the power of the library with others.
So, ask us for help. Bring us your questions. We are literally here for you.
P.S. If you need more life hacks, we have books about that! Here’s a list of them.
