Public libraries offer a wealth of benefits to individuals and communities. Some of the key advantages include Free access to information and resources. You can borrow items such as books and digital resources including free access to e-books, audiobooks, magazines, newspapers, and online databases.
Many libraries also provide free access to computers, printers, scanners, and internet, which can be crucial for those without personal access. And of course many libraries also offer educational support such as homework help and lifelong learning offering various programs, workshops, and resources for continuous learning and skill development.
Here in Guernsey the Guilles-Allès Library offers a huge range of fantastic FREE local services available to all members of the community. Here's our top tips of making the most of your local library... and did we mention it is all available for FREE!
✨ Library Tip #1 – Joining the Guilles-Allès Library ✨
Anyone can become a member of the Guilles-Allès Library and it's absolutely FREE! You can fill in a form at the Library or over 16’s can join online - www.catalogue.library.gg/protected/join-the-library.
The kids also get to choose their own membership card from a selection of various themes which is lovely and exploring the kids fantastic library area is a great FREE way to spend some time with the kids at the weekend or during the holiday 📚 🥳 Further information on the kids library service is available here - www.library.gg/kids
As a Guilles-Allès Library member you can borrow up to 12 items at any one time, including books, audiobooks, jigsaws, games, music, DVDs, and access newspaper and magazine subscription services… but more on all that coming up over our series of Library Tips! 💖
You can return your books back to the Guilles-Allès Library or you can use one of the 'out of Town' return points - there are returns boxes at St Martin's Community Centre and at the Salvation Army Community Centre on the Bridge.
💡 MYTH BUSTER!! There are NO FINES at the Guilles-Allès Library! But you are encouraged to return or renew your Library books on time so others can use and enjoy the collection.
✨ Library Tip #2 – BorrowBox 🎧 ✨
After cancelling my Audible subscription earlier this year, I thought I’d try the Library's BorrowBox instead. BorrowBox is an App you can download to your phone (or other device) that gives you access to AudioBooks and eBooks.
The beauty of BorrowBox is that local public libraries can subscribe to the BorrowBox service which enables ALL OF THEIR LIBRARY MEMBERS access to the BorrowBox service for FREE! 🥳 💃
What's the difference between an eBook and an AudioBook?
An eBook is a book in electronic format (like reading on a Kindle or an iPad) 📖
An AudioBook is a recording of a book being read out loud 🎧
How to use BorrowBox
Download the BorrowBox App to your device from www.borrowbox.com (or app store). When you open the App you’ll be prompted for your Library ID. Select your local library from the list note: not all libraries are linked to the service! Enter your Library ID followed by your PIN/Password.
If you can’t remember your ID, Pin/Password, you can try resetting your password or give the Library a shout and they’ll be happy to help you out.
Once you’re in you’ll have FREE access to thousands of eBooks and Audiobooks including bestsellers like Richard Osman, Dawn O’Porter, Lee Child… loads of autobiographies and there’s loads of kids books too! 🥳 For further information on using BorrowBox see here - https://www.library.gg/ebooks
If that’s not enough reason to join the library, I don’t know what is!
Happy reading... or should we say 'listening'! 🎧
✨ Library Tip #3 – Community Libraries 📚 ✨
Did you know our local library here in Guernsey, the Guilles-Allès Library provides FOUR community libraries to make the library service more accessible for people who find it difficult to get into Town.
The community libraries offer fiction and non-fiction books, large print, audiobooks and DVDs. You'll find a warm welcome from the friendly volunteers, and regular events for children and adults. Drop in to enjoy the library service without the hassle of going into Town 🤩
The four community libraries are located at: Western Community Library at St Saviour's Community Centre; La Nouvelle Maraitaine in Vale; Rosaire Court in St Peter Port; and the Salvation Army Community Centre on the Bridge. See map below.
Community Return Points 📚
If you can't get into Town, you can return your books at these five locations:
📚 Western Community Library - located in St Saviour's Community Centre. Open Tues 14.00-16.00 and Weds 10.00-12.00
📚 La Nouvelle Maraitaine Community Library - open every weekday morning 10.00-12.00
📚 The Bridge Community Library - located in the Salvation Army Community Centre on the Bridge. Open Mon, Tues, Weds and Fri 9.30-14:00. Sat 9.30-12:00
📚 St Martin's Community Centre - large green returns bin in the entrance area. Open all day
📚 Castel Douzaine Room - red returns postbox towards the back of the entrance room. Open from 9:00-12:00 on weekdays only.
For more information visit www.library.gg/community-libraries
Our local Guille-Allès library here in Guernsey offers so much for our community! And it's all for FREE! 💖
More library tips on the way shortly!
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