Library use for nomads? And/or book exchange?

[Transmutamus]

Hi there! Nothing really jumped out when I did a search, so I figured I'd post here. Does anyone utilize libraries for their reading pleasure? If so, how do you go about it? Are there any widespread networks where a card at one will be accepted at many? Any suggested libraries with the ability to get a card despite just passing through? Or do you just read a book in one sitting without leaving? Haha!

Alternatively, does anyone know of any book stores anywhere which will accept a used book in exchange for a used book, if they're similar quality? Ebooks are great and all, but you don't get that wonderful smell with them, and there's something about holding a physical book that improves concentration on it.

Thanks!

 

[RVtrek]

I think your best bet is to use the library as a "reading facility."  Go there, read books, leave the books there.  If there's one you really like and you're moving on, try to catch the same book at the next town, or if you're going to the middle of nowhere, it might be time to hit a used bookstore or Amazon and pick up a copy.  When you're done with it, sell or donate it.

Depending on what you like to read, you might want to think about hitting up garage sales, discounts at used book stores, or even sometimes libraries have cheap books too.  Pick up a few different things, then you don't have to worry about checking them out of the library or returning them.

Just my 2 cents.

 

[Thirsty Boots Nomad]

Most medium to large towns have at least one thrift or used book store; when near one pick up as many books as wanted, read, then donate or discard when done, and repeat. Most thrift stores sell books for a quarter or fifty cents, used book stores are slightly higher but have a more diverse selection ...

 

[Almost There]

I have a library card from the town where my legal residence is. With it and an internet connection I can borrow books from the larger library association through Overdrive from wherever in the world I am and download them to either my laptop or my E-Reader.

I prefer my E-Reader because it's so much more portable than my laptop. Apparently you can also use your phone.

I never have to go to a physical library nor do I have to remember to return books. I can borrow books at 3 AM if I want to. I also don't hurt myself by dropping hard cover books on myself when I fall asleep in bed reading. The E-Reader shuts itself off shortly after I fall asleep and remembers which page I was on....

 

[Transmutamus]

Thanks for the responses! Certainly keep them coming!

I have a few reader apps on my phone, as well as an extensive collection of ebook files, but sometimes it's nice to crack open a physical book, y'know? I have actually acquired most of my physical books from thrift stores, so I'll definitely keep them in mind and stop in when I'm craving a new title, but if anyone knows of any libraries that give cards to transients I'd love to hear about them!

ETA: I actually have library cards in three different cities, one of which being Denver, so I can always utilize their online ebooks, I'm looking more for ways to borrow books for a few days

 

[rvwandering]

How about Little Free Library?  https://littlefreelibrary.org/ourmap/
  They're all over in some parts of the country and very scarce in others.

 

[blars]

Library policies vary widely. Some libraries accept each other's cards, but my "home" county is not accepted anywhere else. One county had a fee for a 3-month card for seasonal workers. A small town issued me a card for the asking.

Used book stores usually will exchange two for one. Some give credit that can only be used for a portion of buying another book.

 

[RVtrek]

You could always just walk into the local library and ask nicely if you can borrow the book for a few days.  Who knows, on occasion it might work!

 

[eDJ_]

I'm a regular patron of Public Libraries myself.   I've spoken with a lot of MLS Librarians about the plight of Full Time RV'ers and those in the Transportation Trades where there's need for some kind of National Library Card.  They tell me that the Technology of Cells,  Laptops, Tablets, etc will be the answer to this in time with electronic media.  It is held in their circles that any new book should be also configured  for "electronic mobility" when being published. (just as websites are now being configured to be mobile device friendly)   The technology is now available for a checked "ebook" to disappear from one's device when it's check in day arrives.  (thus it returns itself to the collection automatically, just as you would have to return a book.  And like any other book, there may be a waiting list and you can place a reserve on it too)   Many older books are now being digitalized  to enter ebook service)

I use an Mp3 player to download from Overdrive (using Library Card and Library Website) and I patch the
player into the Aux port of my Car or Van Radio so I can listen to a book as I drive.  In camp the same could be done with my Boombox.  (and there are people making DIY Solar Boomboxes now)

Audible com is a "talking book" site with a monthly subscription fee.   (an annual membership fee too, I believe)   There have been Truck Stops (like Flying J) that have had rented "talking books" in the past
as CD/DVD where they can be returned at other truck stops in their network.  Drivers say they get tired of
the same old music on their radios.  

http://www.audible.com/t2/freetrial...&Matchtype=b&gclid=CJaJxanlidECFYS4wAodLbIBzA

In my area the used paperback book stores seem to take the
form of stalls in the week end Flea Markets.   Some of these are 2 to 3 acre places that once housed a large scale Restaurant (like a Ponderosa Restaurant) with a large parking lot. 

But there are Goodwill Stores, Volunteer of America Stores, Salvation Army Stores etc that have resale Stores which are often full of books.

This article will offer some other sources as well.

http://www.wisebread.com/17-more-places-to-buy-sell-and-trade-books

 

[cyndi]

I have gotten guest cards at 3 libraries in 3 different states. Ask the library in question if they provide that service for visitors.

 

[becida]

If I'm in one place long enough I get a local library card, all the libraries have been understanding & two of them issued 'temporary' cards that were only good for the 6 months or so when I was there.

 

[towhee]

I got a library card as a non resident in Quartzsite, Arizona. Seems like a few other libraries I have asked at offered them to non residents.

I was so grateful to have library use in Quartzsite that I gave them a few dollars regularly. I think being generous with offering cards pays off for them.

The Quartzsite library is not affiliated with the La Paz county system. That surprised me. But not being affiliated may offer them the benefit of being able to set their own policies.

 

[akrvbob]

Slab City is famous for its free library, take a book-leave a book.

 

[TrainChaser]

Until there's a universal library card, there is the Little Free Library system, as Tony&Karen said. As of November 2016, there are over 50,000 registered Little Free Library book exchanges in all 50 U.S. states and over 70 countries around the world.

And as dDJ pointed out, it appears that they are attempting to eliminate REAL libraries eventually. Right after that is when we would probably be hit with an EMT or solar flare, and then when we would really need them, they would be gone. I wonder if the U.S. is the king of short-term thinking?

 

[ArtW]

Yes, especially in recent decades

 

[chroniccamper]

I talked to my librarian about this just the other day. With my address, I can keep my library card and access as many e-books as possible. She also said, with an RV park registration they will issue temporary cards. Which works if you're not boon docking. She recommended asking smaller libraries just in case. In my area the thrift stores all offer large book sections for only a few bucks. The best books can be found at the Bibles for Missions store. There is also Craig's list and kijiji, etc where people unload their book stashes. I'm not full-timing till fall but plan to read the easy stuff online and pick-up a few longer and more difficult books as I go. There are so many avid readers out there, I know I can track down books.

 

[VanKitten]

My experience has been a mixed bag. In Albany, NY they didn't care. Bring a book, take a book. They would also issue you a temp pass to use their internet access.

In Philadelphia they required a PA license before they would even let you use wifi. No book exchange....no temp take out.

In Wilmington, DE. They would give you a library card if you could show work or live in the State...otherwise, they would turn you away. Same with Tampa, FL

In Jacksonville. NC they would give you a day pass...you show any license.

In Ocala, FL they will give you a day pass. No book exchange however.

In Grand junction, CO they will give you a daily pass if you show them any valid license from anywhere.

A mixed bag. Maybe someone should start a sticky to list all the various places and the experiences people have had.

 

[TrainChaser]

The rules are what the local library system says they are.

 

[Zizzer_Zazzer_Zuz]

Much like Wikipedia Archive.org is providing a service to humanity that is simply unparalleled. They maintain a number of open source archives of video, music, written and audio texts. Everything on the site is free in every sense of the word.

Audiobooks - https://archive.org/details/librivoxaudio

Misc. audio and open source music - https://archive.org/details/audio

Grateful Dead, Grateful Dead, Grateful Dead - https://archive.org/details/GratefulDead

They have also been the home for Project Gutenburg for several years. - https://archive.org/details/gutenberg
Project Gutenberg began in 1971 by Michael Hart as a community project to make plain text versions of books available freely to all.

It can take hours just to become familiar with what is even available.

 

[VagabondsPhoto]

If you're ever in California you should check out the library at Slab City run by the folks at squattheplanet.com