Public libraries are your friend

Those who know me know that I'm an avid reader. Heck, I started Water for Elephants last night, slept 8 hours, and finished it this morning (it's great story about life with a circus). Because of my voracious appetite for books, I am a loyal patron of my local public library. Heck, I even reviewed the library on Yelp!

What I didn't really think about, though, is what the library offers beyond books.

For example, they have DVDs that you can take out, no charge. They also have books on CD - great for those of us with long commutes. They offer free internet access. Their research librarians have answers to all your questions (no really, they do).

Ok, maybe you knew all that. What I didn't know, however, was that my local library is really more of a community center. They have events of all kinds, from children's reading hours to talks by authors, storytellers, or film screenings. They host public forums about neighborhood happenings (like Harvard's expansion, new parks, or Mayor Menino's breakfast meetings).

My local library is really more than just a place from which to borrow materials. It's a community hub; an integral part to life in Allston-Brighton.

A few of the upcoming events that caught my eye:

Picnic in the Park -- Wednesday, May 28, from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. Enjoy a picnic barbeque while you share your thoughts with the Harvard landscape architects designing the new Library Park behind the library. Alternatively, attend the Ice Cream Social on Saturday, May 31 from 1:00 to 3:00 PM.

Book Donations -- Donate your gently used books to the Honan-Allston library for their annual book sales. All proceeds will go to support the library's various programs. Make sure to drop off your books by June 1st.

Have You Screen It? The Future of Food -- Monday, June 2, at 5:30 p.m. A documentary film and discussion. This film offers an investigation into the truth behind the unlabeled, patented, genetically engineered foods that have quietly filled grocery store shelves for the past decade.

What are you waiting for? Scoot on over to your local library. There may be more there than you thought. In the meantime, make sure you vote for the Volunteer Boston Blog as the Best Hobby Blog. Thanks in advance!

Some of the decorations in the Children's section o f the Honan-Allston library.

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First photo courtesy of Ansy.
Second photo courtesy of KHChao.