Skip to main content

Visiting your local library

Libraries provide a safe and welcoming space for you to browse, learn and connect.

Download and print this article:

Visiting your local library

Your local library provides much more than books. It’s also a vital community hub with free safe spaces for work, study, and play.

Libraries have expanded what they offer too. Some examples include musical instruments, game consoles, bike repair kits, seeds, and child or dog toys.

Most libraries offer a range of programs and services. However, you can still browse books and find free entertainment. 

You can learn more about how and why to keep reading as you age here.

Your local library provides much more than books. It’s also a vital community hub with free safe spaces for work, study, and play.

Libraries have expanded what they offer too. Some examples include musical instruments, game consoles, bike repair kits, seeds, and child or dog toys.

Most libraries offer a range of programs and services. However, you can still browse books and find free entertainment. 

You can learn more about how and why to keep reading as you age here.

Read less...

Free and equal access

Libraries provide free and equal access to information and resources. From the comfort of your home, you can also access many online resources. For example:

  • Books
  • Magazines and newspapers
  • Audiobooks
  • CDs and DVDs
  • Materials that can be used for education, entertainment, or personal growth

Libraries provide free access to computers and WiFi. Many libraries offer training programs and workshops to help you develop digital skills.

Libraries provide free and equal access to information and resources. From the comfort of your home, you can also access many online resources. For example:

  • Books
  • Magazines and newspapers
  • Audiobooks
  • CDs and DVDs
  • Materials that can be used for education, entertainment, or personal growth

Libraries provide free access to computers and WiFi. Many libraries offer training programs and workshops to help you develop digital skills.

Read less...

When you can’t get to a library

Libraries can keep you connected in other ways when you can’t get out and about. They can provide access to technology, resources, and services.

  • Libraries have online platforms to access books, media, programs, courses, and resources.
  • There may be book bundles and grab bags if you can’t browse the shelves.
  • There are outreach services with mobile libraries, pop-up libraries, window visits, and drop-in events. Some libraries also partner with local organisations like food banks.
  • Libraries with mobile services offer WiFi, laptops, and telehealth access.

Libraries can keep you connected in other ways when you can’t get out and about. They can provide access to technology, resources, and services.

  • Libraries have online platforms to access books, media, programs, courses, and resources.
  • There may be book bundles and grab bags if you can’t browse the shelves.
  • There are outreach services with mobile libraries, pop-up libraries, window visits, and drop-in events. Some libraries also partner with local organisations like food banks.
  • Libraries with mobile services offer WiFi, laptops, and telehealth access.
Read less...

A community hub

Libraries play an important role in community engagement, social inclusion, and diversity. They have traditionally been the go-to place for local history and genealogy research. This hasn’t changed, but now you may also find your local library is organising and hosting:

  • Book and media clubs
  • Author talks
  • Workshops to teach various skills
  • Book and film clubs
  • Film screenings
  • Art exhibitions
  • Boardgame and hobbyist events
  • Children’s services and school holiday programs
  • Social events

Libraries play an important role in community engagement, social inclusion, and diversity. They have traditionally been the go-to place for local history and genealogy research. This hasn’t changed, but now you may also find your local library is organising and hosting:

  • Book and media clubs
  • Author talks
  • Workshops to teach various skills
  • Book and film clubs
  • Film screenings
  • Art exhibitions
  • Boardgame and hobbyist events
  • Children’s services and school holiday programs
  • Social events
Read less...

Why you’ll enjoy visiting a library

Libraries use new technology to meet growing community needs. However, people still enjoy visiting libraries for the social aspects and community interaction.

Most libraries are well-designed and welcoming spaces that make you feel good. They’re anchors of community life and great spaces to meet new people. Free access to computers, WiFi, and safe spaces are other bonuses.

Libraries contribute to the idea that the community is a good place to be. They enhance the social and cultural health of the community.

Libraries use new technology to meet growing community needs. However, people still enjoy visiting libraries for the social aspects and community interaction.

Most libraries are well-designed and welcoming spaces that make you feel good. They’re anchors of community life and great spaces to meet new people. Free access to computers, WiFi, and safe spaces are other bonuses.

Libraries contribute to the idea that the community is a good place to be. They enhance the social and cultural health of the community.

Read less...

Download and print this article below!

Visiting your local library
LiveUp provides free information to help you make informed decisions about your health. This information is for general and educational purposes only, is not intended to provide a comprehensive guide, and does not replace medical advice. Everyone is different, so some of these tips may work better for you than others. You should use your own judgment and seek medical advice when applying this information to yourself, to determine if it is suitable in your circumstances. Your use of, or reliance on, this information is solely at your own risk. Independent Living Assessment Incorporated is not responsible or liable for any injury, loss, or damage caused as a result of your use of, or reliance on, this information.

Find out how to age your way

Take our easy OpenUp quiz to get personalised advice and see suggested products, services and support in your local area or online.

Let's go!