The Joys of a Library Card

TLDR: get as many library cards as you’re eligible for!

It didn’t really occur to me to try and get a library card in Deltaville. After all, we don’t have any official paperwork tying us here, something I assumed was required. As soon as I got a new driver’s license in Vermont, my Charlottesville library card was unceremoniously canceled, no warning given. Just “invalid card number” flashing when I tried to sign in. Sigh.

But a sign in the restroom at the boatyard next door had me thinking. Maybe not all libraries are limited to residents only?

I love that I have a library card from the little library in Canaan. My library card is in the low 3 digits, which might tell you something about how small the town is up in Northern Vermont. There are limits, though - the library budget of this small town is similarly small; often the books I’m looking for just don’t make the spending cut for the electronic versions I’m limited to given where we are. Even new ones (hello, new Outlander) might take months to even appear as an option.

A good, real book is a super treat. There’s nothing quite like snuggling into a settee, book in hand, pages rustling as you turn them. I would choose a real physical book when given the chance. But. The benefits of an e-reader can’t be overlooked! Space is huge. And a bonus of e-books is that you can check them out wherever you happen to be!

Wondering about why a library is a good thing? I love to read. Books to buy run the range from free (sometimes) to $45+, if you’re after a new hardcover some topic or other. I’ve read 17 books in the last 2 months. If you think that the average book costs $10, that would be $170. In 2 months. Instead, with the library card? I’ve spent exactly $0. Our budget thanks me.

I sent an email to the Deltaville library (Middlesex County), even though the website seemed to say you needed to be a resident, including proof of residency, to get a card. The response was quick and friendly. “Welcome to the area! Just come in with an ID card and a mailing address, even if it’s not local. We’ll be happy to set you up with a card.”

I now have 2 libraries to peruse. 2 separate places to research. 2 small towns to love. Already there are books from each library on my e-reader - I couldn’t be happier!