This title is misleading. But quite honestly, my creative juices are hibernating right now because I’m excited to word vomit all of the incredible resources military libraries have to offer us.
I really…I mean REALLY wanted to be a Librarian when I was younger. So much so, that I took on the Dewey Decimal Challenge with full force in Elementary School and set a record for how fast I found all of the books on the list. No, I’m not joking. My mom still has the piece of paper our Librarian wrote on to prove it!
Back to business. Something about being in a library has always brought me a sense of peace…BUT going to the library in physical form isn’t always possible for my family. So, I get it. That’s what this post is all about, a quick resource for you to know what is most likely available for you at your local base library. I still recommend taking the time to go in and chat up someone working there because they are a WEALTH of knowledge, but this is a great place to start so you can make the most of that chat.
Movie Rentals
Everything from new releases to workout videos (P90X anyone?), all you need is a library card and you have access to all of these rentals.
E-books/Audiobooks
I think this is the biggest hidden gem on base libraries offer FOR FREE. With apps like OverDrive and RBdigital you have access to thousands of ebooks and magazines. Yeah…you can subscribe to magazines…again, for FREE. This is such a great resource for travel, on one little tablet you can have several reading options. In order to access these books you’ll have to go to your local base library and have a librarian get you registered!
Language Software
This is a perk that every single librarian here at Laughlin is surprised more people don’t take advantage of. We have free (how many times can I reiterate that in this post do you think?) access to hundreds, HUNDREDS, of languages in this language learning software. Best part is, it’s all online so you don’t have to worry about checking out CDs, DVDs, etc., you just login and get busy learning! This is another program you’ll have to stop in and get registered for at your local base library.
Book Borrowing
Of course you have your standard book borrowing that takes place at a library. From my experience the books have been very current and if they don’t have a copy of a book I’m looking for in hardcopy the librarians will request a copy to be sent over so you can read it! There’s just something about reading a book in hardcopy sometimes, so I’m very grateful they’re wiling to work so hard to get the titles I want to read.
Free Programs
We are always asked how to make friends when you move to a new base and this is one great way to do just that! We started attending baby story time at our base library and I’ve already been able to connect to a handful of other spouses I otherwise wouldn’t have met! Obviously quite a few programs are catered to children, but they do have a few adults too – ours is currently offering themed escape rooms.
Please understand that this is a very, very abbreviated run down of what base libraries offer. From my experience, the best way to know what your base offers is to go in and chat with the librarians, they love to helping and are a wealth of knowledge. If there’s one thing I’ve learned in the WAF life, it’s that taking advantage of the positive perks makes the sting of the inconveniences a little less harsh!
If there’s a base library resource you love, make sure to comment below and share your knowledge!!
