The Wichita Public Library offers more services than you might think | Commentary
Libraries have more superpowers than a Marvel character. And they adapt rapidly to help you harness your own powers with each swipe of your library card.
Did you know you can save thousands of dollars each year with your library card? Seriously. For every book, DVD or audiobook you check out, you’re not only saving money but also sustainably reading, watching and listening. Thanks for helping our environment and keeping dollars in your pocket! In 2021, residents saved a total of $4,027,883.51 by using the library.
You can spend time at the library for hours and never be expected to spend any money. Library branches are remodeled to include flexible seating, collaboration spaces and a place to connect with community that isn’t work, school or home. Bring a beverage. Grab a laptop and enjoy fast Wi-Fi. Use printing, copying and faxing services to conveniently get your work done.
Even if the word “library” makes you think of books, the services you get from Wichita Public Library are infinite. The Advanced Learning Library has 3D printers; an AV Studio where you can create videos, music and more; and Virtual Reality programming. Get a test proctored. Book a meeting room. Borrow Wi-Fi hotspots or Internet Bundles if you need access to technology at home or check out a telescope through the always-growing Library of Things collection to view the planets from your backyard.
Reading has healing powers. Reading reduces stress and increases your resilience, has medical benefits that fights depression, helps your sleep and improves how your brain works. Come sit for 30 minutes with a book and we guarantee you’ll leave the library with more capacity to handle what the world throws at you. Better yet, join a book club with your friends and neighbors and use the Library’s Book Club Kits to provide you with hundreds of choices for discussions. Even better, participate in the 2022 #ReadICT challenge and stretch your reading into new genres.
Storytime isn’t just for kids. Our Youth Services Librarians integrate skills that help ready kids for reading and helps caregivers and babies learn and practice activities that build early language skills. Parents are the first, best teacher and your library gives new parents the skills and information needed to help their children soar successfully into kindergarten.
The more curious you are, the more empathy you develop and the more you can overcome your fears. Develop bilingual super strength with Mango Languages. Even if you’re not a strong reader, being curious about the world can teleport you into worlds you never could have imagined. Wichita Public Library has access to so much information and can help you not only get started, but also get you unstuck or even help you stay interested in countless topics.
Let’s be honest — Google doesn’t know it all. Public librarians are your detectives who can spot reliable information, dig deeper and even pull together the best of the best information that’s out there. Stuck on a Wordle problem or have a last-minute test prep question? Have a technology question or need some training? Call, email or send us a text message any time we’re open and our team will join you to get the information you need, no matter how obscure or vague your question. One more of our superpowers is being comfortable to say, “I don’t know” and always following that up with “let’s go find it!”
Don’t worry if you haven’t visited the library in a while. Super speed your access with an Instant Digital Card to borrow e-books, e-magazines, and e-audiobooks immediately. Or, visit us to get set up with the most powerful card you will ever have in your wallet. Happy reading and we hope to see you soon!