Library hopping – give it a try, you just might like it!

SoapBox Rants

By Pamela Bratcher-McMillan
President, Chair & CEO, of PETAL et al.

People that know me well know that I enjoy hanging out at the library taking advantage of the free Wi-Fi and the books they have to offer. I love visiting libraries in the ChicagoLand and Northern Indiana areas. They all have their own unique environment and books on the shelves. For example, at the Hammond Indiana Library, the two levels have a generous amount of space for hanging out utilizing brain power. The first thing I noticed when I approached the second floor was the large quantity of Graphic Novels/Comics.

This week, I visited the Oak Lawn Library, South Holland Public Library, Lansing Public Library, and the Calumet City Public Library.  All of these libraries were clean and well-kept with very helpful staff.

I visited Oak Lawn Library this week, probably the largest amongst them all, with several floors. They also provide training for Microsoft Office and Adobe products via online instruction. They also have a few more conference areas than most libraries for studying and meetings.

South Holland Library is a nice library with plenty of activities taking place from learning Microsoft Excel to playing video games. There is plenty of seating available with many little quiet and private areas for studying without distraction.

As I entered the Lansing Public Library what struck me most was the waterfall. Not only is it nice to look at in the middle of the library area, I found the sounds of the waterfall very relaxing. It set up a tranquil place for learning. They even allow Lansing Library card holders to check out laptops to use in the building. That means you can pretty much sit anywhere you’d like in the library and “get your study on.”

The Calumet City Public Library has a very spacious open area as you enter. One cannot help but want to hurry and find a spot to get “geeky.” Entering the foyer, right away I noticed the outstanding art. Several sculptures await you as you walk in. You have to keep an eye out for it as you travel east on State Street off Torrence Avenue or you could miss it nestled in the background of the Lansing Police and Fire Station.

I enjoy Chicago Public Libraries, but towns with their own library can be quite an adventure. They are usually unique in that they are the only public library in that town. So take time and map out your project, pack your laptop, mouse and headphones and head over to one of these libraries or even two or more this week. And you’ll see just how much more you can get done when you are sitting around others looking to gain knowledge to improve their lives, work on projects or just plain learning something.

Believe me, there is a difference!

Pamela Bratcher-McMillan is a technology Expert and President, Chair & CEO, of PETAL et al. She is also a weekly columnist for CopyLine Magazine