#actuallyadd

Here are some things that might help

(U.S. Centric)

There have been lots of posts circulating for the last five years or so about how important it is to rely on your public library, now more than ever. However, there are a lot of things that can keep you from actually following through on the things you mean to do to help support it. This is especially true for people with executive dysfunction, like those with ADHD or autism.

I took until just a minute ago to actually do anything library related, because I really wanted to show support for Maus and it got me to take the first step. So I've put together some information for people like me who struggle to do something when they're lacking enough information or direction.

1. If You Don't Know Where Your Local Library Is

"Why would someone not know where their local library is?"

Lots of reasons. I, for one, only moved to this area about 2 years ago, and I don't have my license, and Corona, and so on and so forth.

This may seem obvious to someone without executive dysfunction but really, just Google "city, state, local public library"

If you get multiple results, there might just be two branches of the same library not far away from each other. Google will probably list the address under the location result, so you can just pick whichever one is closest and go to their website. Just make sure it says "public" somewhere on the website, so you know it's government-run and tax funded.

Most libraries have a website, even if it's not specific to the exact branch you'll be visiting. The library may be named after the county and then have 5 branches in 5 different cities/towns in that county.

For example, where I grew up in Washington State, I had a card/account with the Kitsap County Regional Library. That's what the website was called, but the places I visited were called The Manchester Library and The Kitsap Library, which are branches of the regional library.

The overall website for the county library is where you should go. Different libraries have different website qualities, so you may get something that looks like it was made in the 90s, or you may get something very modern. Best of luck with getting one of the better ones lol

2. If You Don't Have Transportation

First, you don't necessarily have to go to the library in person to get a card. Some may require it, but many don't. A lot of libraries have probably newly introduced online sign-up because of Corona, so it's a good time for getting a card without transportation.

Once you have a card, getting books doesn't necessarily require transportation either. Tons of libraries offer e-books, and others can even mail you the books you've requested.

Even if you do prefer hard copies, there are enough libraries that you may even be able to walk to yours. There are a lot more libraries/branches than most people realize - they're often just so small and out of the way that you don't see them unless you're looking. See where yours is located and it may be within walking distance (I'm talking less than a mile), or a two-minute bus ride.

3. If You've Never Had a Library Card Before

Getting a library card for the first time (or the first time as an adult) can be mysterious and spooky. In most cases, it's actually very easy.

For example, I myself just googled and found my local library, and their website, right at the top, says, "Don't have a card? Get one now." With a hyperlink.

I clicked it and all it asked for was my name, address, phone number, and a pin for the card. It asked if I wanted to pick up my card or have it mailed to me, so I selected mail, since I can't drive. It then gave me a temporary card number to use immediately while I wait for my official card to arrive. I could then go request a bunch of books to be put on hold without my card even being here yet.

Some older fashioned libraries may require you to come in person and show proof of identity. In the case that you have to go in person, bring a photo ID and your birth certificate with you. This is usually plenty, even for stricter libraries. They may have you fill out a form when you get there and, after that, they'll give you a card.

You shouldn't have to wait for one to be made, like you would a new state ID or some such, because they're all the same with no name printed on them. The bar code on each card is just different and will be connected to your digital library account.

4. If You Don't Know How Using the Library Works

If you've never used a library before, figuring out how one works can be really intimidating. Here's a general breakdown of what you need to know:

Each library usually has multiple branches. A branch is just one building in the library's "network"

Your library card will work at any branch in the library's network

There is usually no limit to how many books you can check out at once

Most libraries let you check out a book for 2-4 weeks, though the checkout period may be shorter for popular books with high demand

If you're not at the library in person, or if a book is currently checked out by someone else, you can use the library website to put a book on hold. This means you're in a queue. If the book is in stock, a librarian/employee will go and get it, put a slip of paper with your name on it in the book so that it's visibly sticking out, and shelve the book with the other holds near the checkout. This makes it easy to "shop" for books online and then go pick up all of your holds at once the next day or so.

Books will usually be held for 3-7 days before being reshelved

If you haven't finished reading a book yet and it's due soon, you can also renew it, so long as nobody else is in line for it. This can usually be done online by logging in to your account, going to your profile (or wherever it shows the books you've checked out), and hitting Renew. If someone else has put the book on hold, you won't be able to renew it, but can put it on hold yourself and get back in line. You'll have to return it but, once the rest of the queue has finished with it, you can check it out again.

Returning a book usually entails one of 3 things: 1) bringing your stack of returns to a returns desk and leaving them there; 2) going into the library and putting them into a drop-off slot; 3) putting them into a return drop-off bin outside, which is available during closed hours as well.

Fines are typically negligible for the average person. It's usually about 25¢ per book, per day overdue. If you've got one book a week overdue, you owe a couple bucks. This is manageable. Just be careful not to checkout ten books and then forget to return them because that adds up really fast.

Libraries usually don't bother you much about fines unless you hit a limit. For many libraries, if you hit about $20 in fines, they'll make you pay them before checking out anymore books.

5. If You're Trans or Otherwise Have a Legal Deadname

If you would rather not have your deadname associated with your library account, whether there is good news or not heavily depends on what library you're going to. If your library is less concerned with proof of identity, like mine, you can sign up with whatever name you want, no fuss.

If your library requires documented proof of your identity, you may have to sign up with your deadname. However, in more liberal areas (or with a nice employee) you may be able to request that your account be put in a preferred name. With legal proof of identity already there for your deadname, there may be some locations that would be fine with creating your account under your preferred name, perhaps with a note somewhere in the account with your deadname noted for legal reasons. Try your hand at asking though. It's worth a shot.

And for those whose library will not let you use a preferred name and requires your legal name, the silver lining is that the cards usually don't have your name on them, so you won't have to cringe every time you see it in your wallet

Best of luck supporting your local library!

friend: *sends one long text*

me: waddup, im jared 19