Make Use of Your Library and Read For Free!!!

Derek Neighbors — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 01:44:42 +0000

I have recently rediscovered the awesomeness of the Maricopa County Public Library system. My family has started going there again and when the kids asked recently, I took them instead of the wife. I picked up a book or two as well as some movies. This prompted me to commit to doing it more regularly.

Some time ago I had started to put all the books I wanted to read into an Amazon.com wishlist. However, I just can’t bring myself to spend money on books right now in this current economy. Then it dawned on me, that I was being stupid. I could just checkout books from the library that were on my list. I promptly created a “Books to Buy” list and a “Available at Library” list as well as keeping the standard “New Wishlist” list.

My workflow worked something like.. Hear about a new book add it to the “New Wishlist”. Then about every two weeks go through the “New Wishlist” and look to see if the book was available at the library. If it was available then move the book to the “Available at Library” list if not move the book to the “Books to Buy” list.

This workflow worked well, but I didn’t like the Amazon website very much and it’s recommendations were getting useless. Also, when I was done with a library book what should I do? If I removed it from the list then it would allow me to add it to another one at a later date. In other words I had no way to mark it as “read”. I guess I could have made a “Read” list but didn’t think about it at the time.

In comes, Readernaut and incredible site for book lovers like me. It has the work flow I want. So now, if I hear about a book or see a friend reading something interesting I can just add it to the “Reference” group. Then once a week I go to the library site and see if it’s available. If it is I move it to the “Plan to Read” group if not I move it to the “Wishlist” group. When I am done reading the book I move it to the “Read” group. Life is now grand. I have a great stable of books I know are available at the library. This already has me now reading a LOT more than before and also since I take my kids with me they are reading a lot more too!

For those that don’t know the Maricopa Library District has a program in place that you can order a book from any library and have it delivered to your local library at no cost. This is FABULOUS. Happy reading.

Step 1. Search for a new book and add it to Reference Group

Step 2. At end of week go through reference list to find a book

and then look to see if book is available at library

Step 3. If it is at library add it to your “Plan to Read” group other wise add to your “Wishlist” group

Step 4. Browse your “Plan to Read” group to select a book

and then go reserve the book online from the library

Step 5. Check on your request. When it’s ready pick it up!

Step 6. Read the book and add comments in Readernaut!

Step 7. Mark book read and return it to the library!

Step 8. Add me as a friend on Readernaut!

The best part. My local librarian is on Twitter! Say hello to him at @SonoranDragon.

Derek Neighbors » library

Make Use of Your Library and Read For Free!!!

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