Anne M. Litz: Celebrating National Library Week

April 23-29 is National Library Week!

But maybe you haven’t been to the local library in a while. Quite a while. Your library card expired, say, a couple of decades ago. Maybe you remember having to pay for a card back then. Maybe you’re not “into” books that much. Maybe you’re just wondering, “What’s in it for me?”

Fortunately, just about anywhere in our area, library cards are now free. And lately, most libraries in the entire country have also gone “fine-free,” so there’s no charge if something is returned late. (Also, items will even usually automatically renew as long as no one else is waiting.)

And, now more than ever, libraries are offering more opportunities not just for readers but for everyone in their communities:

• Free wifi accessible even from almost every library parking lot and other outside areas, no library card or password required.

• Free computer and internet use on computers inside the library as well as low-cost printing and scanning when your tech is on the fritz. Some libraries even have a 3D printer.

• Free classes on how to use the latest tech, whether it’s your new phone, Excel spreadsheets, or TikTok.

• Free hotspot rental so you can save your data while on vacation.

• User-friendly online card catalogs that make reserving books and other items as easy — or easier — than shopping for them on Amazon or Barnes & Noble. The Allegheny County-wide catalog (librarycatalog.einetwork.net) offers access to millions of items in both physical and electronic forms. This is a great way to “try before you buy” expensive books for your home such as cookbooks, repair manuals and gardening guides.

• Helpful assistance from library staff whenever you need it, and self-checkout when you prefer that option.

• Access to tens of thousands of eBooks and audiobooks from home via the free Libby app, as well as access to movies and music through the Hoopla app.

• Free DVD rental (including new releases).

• Free access to paywalled licensed content such as Consumer Reports ratings for cars, appliances and everything else.

• Resume workshops to not only update your work history but modernize it.

• Genealogy resources such as access to the Ancestry.com database, Family Search Library (in-library access to thousands of records from the Church of Latter-Day Saints), necrologies, and newspaper microfilms or microfiches with pages that can be printed out.

• Special programs of interest to seniors regarding Medicare, internet safety/scam awareness, hobbies, health and history.

• Used-book sales — a boon to both readers and libraries.

• Room rental for baby or bridal showers, birthday or retirement parties, and other special events.

• Volunteer opportunities of all kinds; your “free” time is priceless to your library!

• Free or minimal-cost classes on painting, needlecraft, knitting, and cooking, themed book discussion groups, murder mysteries, local author talks, nature webinars, and fascinating local-history programs like “Who Knew?” for adults.

• And, of course, lapsit programs for babies and storytime for preschoolers, as well as play areas stocked with toys; book- and pop culture-themed programs for grade-schoolers; and teen programs on BookTok books, art classes, manga/anime clubs and much more. And summer reading clubs for everyone!

But library services don’t stop at the library doors.

No transportation? No problem! Most libraries offer free item delivery to sites such as daycares and senior centers, and also livestream popular programs online at no charge. Plus outreach programs to both children and grownups of all ages bring the library and library activities to you.

Many libraries also offer free books in birdhouse-like little libraries scattered around the community, mini libraries with books to sign out in assisted-living centers and rotating picture-book collections in schools. Some are even looking into offering books by mail.

Libraries are one of the very few places left in the modern world where no one is expected to spend any money. Anyone can relax and cool off or warm up for hours at a time in a library without any expectation of having to buy or pay anything at all.

So, if you haven’t been to the library for a while, stop in and say hi. Sign up for a card. Take a look around. Ask questions. Or, as library people like to put it, “check us out!”

Ann M. Litz is president of the board of directors of the Community Library of Allegheny Valley (alleghenyvalleylibrary.org), which is celebrating its 100th anniversary. An open house is planned from 10 a.m.-2 p.m April 29.