Yay for the Leabharlann
The best value for your tax money
If you don’t love your local library, then I’m telling you to start now.
Libraries are, quite simply, bloody brilliant resources. Open to everyone, they offer much more than just books. They act as a social centre, a warm place to sit and quietly read the newspaper, or to access a computer or printer. In my opinion, they are the single best value you will get for your tax payer money.
In a world that seems to be descending into farcical lunacy, libraries stand for logical order (thank you Dewey Decimal Classification), and open access to information and books. They are portals to a whole other world.
So what can libraries offer food lovers?
Try before you buy
Like a lot of food-lovers, I have an extensive collection of cookbooks. Last year I found myself returning a popular, mass-market cookbook that I had purchased online due to errors in the recipes and layout. I also have several books that I purchased in a fit of ‘that looks good’ but turned out to add zero value to my collection. My intolerance for wasting money is growing as I get older.
So how do you ensure that you buy only ‘good’ cookbooks, those books that bring something new or worthwhile to your collection?
Going to a physical bookshop and spending time to browse cookbooks is one way of vetting. Libraries offer another way. In fact, checking out a cookbook from a library is a real road test, giving you time to read at your leisure and perhaps even try a few recipes. You can borrow both physical and digital books, then you can decide whether to invest or not.
No need to spend
Perhaps you only want a cookbook for particular occasions e.g. Christmas cooking? Get yourself to the library and check out one of Mary Berry’s or Delia Smith’s Christmas specials.
Want to keep up with the glossy, but pricy food magazines? Download the BorrowBox app, link it to your library account, and you’ll be able to access a wide range of British and American food and drink magazines. Last time I checked, titles included Good Food, Olive, Delicious and Decanter. All available for FREE!
Support authors
Did you know that every time you borrow a book from the library, whether physical or digital, the author receives a royalty payment? It’s known as a Public Lending Right and while these payments are fairly small (we’re talking cents per loan), it all adds up.
How do I get started?
It’s as simple as calling into your local library with photo ID and proof of address. Once registered, you can set up your online account which allows you to search for and reserve books, as well as accessing the BorrowBox app. It’s also possible to sign up online, but a physical visit is usually required to confirm the account.
You will be signed up to the library service in your local council, but all Irish libraries are now connected together, and you will be able to reserve, borrow and return books all across Ireland.
Happy reading!
What a gorgeous read. The library was my favourite place when I was a little girl, it’s still my haven now!
It’s a marvellous free facility, long may it continue. Use it or lose it.