How to Select Books From the Public Library

The public library is a great place to discover new authors, loose yourself in an adventure or find information on a wealth of subjects. Selecting books from the public library is itself an enjoyable process. A visit to the library is also a great family activity.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Grab your library card if you've got one, or stop at the service desk at your local public library and apply for one. Decide if you're looking for fiction or non-fiction books. Also note that children's books are usually in their own section of the library.
2. Use the library's online catalog to search for a book by title, author or subject. When you find a book that looks interesting, write down the call number if it's non-fiction. Note if the book is currently on the shelf or checked out.
3. Go to the fiction section, if that is what you are after. You can find books there alphabetically, by the author's last name.
4. Refer to the call number you wrote down to find non-fiction books. At each shelf end, there should be small signs that indicate the range of call numbers in that aisle. Once you locate your book, look at other titles near your original choice to find other books you might want to read.
5. Browse by topic in the non-fiction section, without referring to the online catalog, if you like. Note the range of call numbers associated with the topic you're looking for, then go to the stacks to find all the titles about that topic.

Tips & Warnings

• All you need to get a public library card is proof of your address. An identification card or a bill of some sort will usually serve the purpose.

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