Reading passage
Almost every town has a public library, and in large cities there is one in every neighbourhood. A public library is a place where anyone can read, study, and borrow books without paying. The first public libraries opened more than one hundred and fifty years ago, and the idea behind them has not changed. Books and information should be free for everyone, not only for people with money. Today, libraries are still busy places, used by millions of visitors every year. They are open to old and young, rich and poor, students and workers.
The most important job of a library is lending books. Members can usually borrow several books at the same time and keep them for two or three weeks. If they need more time, they can often renew the books online or by telephone. If a book is very popular, members may have to wait in a queue, because many people want to read it at the same time. As well as novels and story books, libraries lend magazines, music CDs, and films on DVD. Many libraries also have audio books, which are helpful for people who find reading difficult.
Modern libraries offer much more than books. There are computers with free internet, and visitors can print documents for a small price. Every morning the library puts out daily newspapers, so people can sit in comfortable chairs and read the news. Some libraries have a small cafe, and many have a special room for children, with low shelves, bright pictures, and soft seats. In the corner there is often a noticeboard with news about local events.
Libraries also organise activities for the local community. Every week there is a story time for young children, where a librarian reads picture books aloud. Older students can get homework help after school, and adults can join a reading club to talk about a book they have all read. From time to time, writers visit the library to give talks, and there are classes that teach basic computer skills. All of these activities are free, and everyone is welcome to join.
The people who work in a library are called librarians, and they do much more than put books on shelves. A librarian can show visitors how to find information quickly, both in books and on the internet. They can also help people who have never used a computer before. If a visitor cannot find a particular book, the librarian can often order it from another library in the same city. Librarians also choose the new books for the library, so they read a lot of reviews.
Joining a library costs nothing. To get a library card, a person usually needs to show proof of address, such as a letter or a bill with their name on it. Children can have their own cards from a young age, and there are no fines for late children's books in many places. The card works in every library in the city, not just the nearest one. Many people are surprised that such a useful service costs them nothing at all.
For many students, the library is the best place to study. The reading rooms are quiet, the desks are large, and the light is good. Before important exams, the library can become very busy, and students sometimes have to wait for a free desk. Studying at the library also helps people who live in small or noisy flats, where it is hard to concentrate on school work. Many people say they work better there than at home.
Libraries are changing with the times. Members can now borrow electronic books and read them at home on a tablet or phone. Some libraries stay open later in the evening, and a few even open on Sundays. Money is often a problem, and small libraries sometimes close, but most towns fight hard to keep theirs open. A good library is still the heart of a neighbourhood, a warm and safe place that welcomes everybody. Grandparents read to their grandchildren there, and teenagers do their homework after school.