Washington libraries celebrate Snapshot Day

Book lovers across the state celebrated Washington Snapshot Day April 10 by sharing with their librarians what aspects about the library they enjoy and what they think needs improvements. Here are a collection of their thoughts.

Adam Fritz

I came to use the computer and read newspapers and magazines.

The Pateros Library is a very nice place to be at. I enjoy the atmosphere and visiting with the Branch Librarian.

I read the newest edition of our local newspaper. Thank you for having this library open in Pateros.

Megan Moore

We love Pateros library. Janice is he most wonderful, helpful, caring person. We love her. It's the only library we choose to go to. It's very clean, quiet and fun. She is wonderful with my daughter.

Tracy Miller, 53

I love it here. It's a wonderful program.

Selena Oros, 13

I come to read magazines and get DVDs.

Easter, 16

I came to get books, DVDs and read magazines.

This is my favorite library, but needs more room. Janice is the best librarian.

Snapshot Day is an American Library Association project and host of Washington State Library Associations.

Library facts:

Two thirds of Americans have a library card in their wallet but most don't realize all of the free stuff they can get because of it or how much money it can save them. National Library Week was April 14 through April 20. The following are five free services and products offered by many libraries:

Movies and Music

Why spend money downloading music or renting DVDs when you can get them for free from your local library? Most libraries are well stocked on both items. Even saving the $1 per rental at Redbox can add up to significant savings in a year.

eBooks

Many libraries have transitioned to free downloads of eBooks (for your Kindle, Nook, iPad and Sony Reader) with your library card log in. Most eBooks are available for 21 days (the same as checking out a regular book).

Audiobooks

Audiobooks continue to gain popularity, especially with families. They can be a life-saver on a long commute or road trip. Plus, reading aloud to children has been proven to help build vocabulary and language skills. Your local library has an extensive Playaway collection, digital audio devices that come with books pre-loaded and run on a standard AAA battery (included). Playaway is a vailable in best-selling titles, hot new releases and award winning content - all delivered in high definition audio. All you need are headphones and you're ready to go.

Video Players

In addition to DVDs, many libraries carry the Playaway View, a portable, all-in-one video player pre-loaded with dozens of award-winning educational and entertaining programs. It weighs less than 6 ounces, has a 3.5" full color LCD screen with a shatter-resistant acrylic cover. It has a rechargeable battery and hours worth of continuous play.

Language Courses

Most language programs cost a small fortune, and taking a language class can be inconvenient as well as expensive. Now you can learn a new language for free.  Mango Languages offers free access to more than 40 foreign language courses and 14 English as a second language courses through your local library account.