Comments on: Five Ways to Use the Library to Nurture Your Reading Life

By: Diane DeMasi Johnson

Diane DeMasi Johnson — Tue, 01 Aug 2017 00:32:00 +0000

LOL, I’m familiar with INFJ…that’s what I am, too. My husband is IN (I forgot what the last two letters of his were). Our poor children. Our twins are not very social and one has flat out admitted “You know how I hate to talk to people.” Um, yeah, I feel the same. That’s why I sent you to the mailbox when the neighbor was outside. Sorry son.

By: Terri Frank

Terri Frank — Sat, 29 Jul 2017 21:19:00 +0000

Hi Diane, You make some great points. Always ask your librarian for interlibrary options when your library doesn’t carry what you’re looking for. As mentioned in the article, worldcat.org lists libraries worldwide and can help you find one near you. But, as you noted, it is more commonly used to see which libraries own a particular book. We love to help with this! It’s part of the “sleuthing” that drew a lot of us to the profession. And, surprise, most librarians are introverts too! I’m an INFJ if you’re familiar with Myers-Briggs personality types.

By: Diane DeMasi Johnson

Diane DeMasi Johnson — Tue, 25 Jul 2017 23:28:00 +0000

Hi Terri,

What a great resource you are to the DIYMFA team!

One thing I learned a long time ago is to not fret or giveup if your local library doesn’t have the book you want. Libraries within counties often share books and you can reserve them right online. AND, this makes me so giddy, if no library nearby has it, check WorldCat. You can get nearly anything from the library.

Love that you mention going over and talking to the librarian because as writers most of us are introverted and shy away from socializing.

One thing I hope you cover in a future post? All the hidden gems and how to find them. The books that hold local information, easy ways to search for newspaper stories (my library site is pretty confusing there), what lies within the books that can’t be checked out (what are they and what fun tidbits can we learn?). OH! I’ve heard a resource to check magazines for articles (I may be explaining that poorly) and am dying to know what that resource is and how to find it and utilize it.

Okay, so obviously, I have a lot more than one thing I hope you cover. Sorry. I got all excited after reading your post and all the questions I’ve been wanting to ask, but have shied away from, have poured forth.

By: Mary Van Everbroeck

Mary Van Everbroeck — Tue, 18 Jul 2017 15:38:00 +0000

In reply to Terri Frank. Thanks Terri for taking the time to comment. Your use of the word, 'synergy' is perfect! Have a great one.

By: Terri Frank

Terri Frank — Tue, 18 Jul 2017 01:11:00 +0000

In reply to Mary Van Everbroeck. Mary, You are a wonderful example of the synergy that happens among libraries, writers and readers. Thank you for sharing and welcome to DIYMFA.

By: Mary Van Everbroeck

Mary Van Everbroeck — Mon, 17 Jul 2017 14:42:00 +0000

Hi Terri. I am new to DIY MFA. I’m very happy to learn of this tremendous resource. I’m happy as well to learn of you. Your Post is so important. Two years ago while deciding to explore writing fiction, I turned to my local library as the main resource. It had been many years since I had a library card or actually took time to read in the library. It has been a delightful journey. I attribute this practice of utilizing the library as my main resource as the primary reason that I am currently writing. Thanks again for sharing your knowledge and wisdom. I look forward to getting to know you through your Posts.

By: Terri Frank

Terri Frank — Mon, 10 Jul 2017 19:27:00 +0000

Glad to help in spreading the word, Brenda. As you already know, libraries are a tremendous resource for all but especially readers and writers.

By: Brenda Joyce Patterson

Brenda Joyce Patterson — Mon, 10 Jul 2017 19:05:00 +0000

Great article, Terri! As a fellow librarian, I couldn’t have said it better. (And yes, you’re so right about staff being guilty of late returns. I’ve got a couple of books I need to turn in right now…)

I sometimes call myself the Library Evangelist because I love to spread the good news of libraries. Now, I’ll have to tag you as a fellow Library Evangelist. I can’t wait for your next article. 🙂

By: Terri Frank

Terri Frank — Mon, 10 Jul 2017 17:30:00 +0000

Thanks for the feedback, Sara, and I’m glad to hear you’ve had positive experiences with your library. Keep reading!

By: Sara Letourneau

Sara Letourneau — Mon, 10 Jul 2017 16:39:00 +0000

Great first post, Terri! And welcome to the team. 🙂

I’ve been renting books more often from the library this year to catch up on books that are similar in genre and topic to my new WIP, rather than buying all of the books on that list (which would be expensive and alarmingly shelf-filling). I actually wasn’t sure whether the library or the regional system it belongs to would carry the books I was looking for (the WIP’s genre is magical realism), but so far I’ve been pleasantly surprised with what I’ve found – and equally satisfied with what I’ve read.