Libraries can be run in many ways. Often they are just easy and free access to books. Every now and then a regular district library comes out with a system that not only has free access to books, but to movies, TV shows, albums, magazines, and just about every other form of art that can be accessed.
The Capital Area District Library (CADL – Lansing MI. area) is one such library.
Often it is Universities that have the best collections of books however it isn’t all about the books. Easy access means having an online presence. The CADL has a site that enables library members to get their choice of items. The site enables holds to be placed on items that are wanted, which may then be picked up at the closest library. There are a total of 13 libraries connected to the CADL site.
To reserve any item, all that is required is a free account at the library and access to the internet. If one doesn’t have access to a computer, each location has computers available that can be used to reserve items.
Fans of any form of art can check out books (and books on tape) for three weeks, movies and shows for up to a week, and albums for three weeks. Only movies returned late are assessed fines and the fine depends on how new the item is – the fines range from $.50 cents to $1.
There are also reviews of books available on the CADL site available via the ‘Off The Shelf’ link on the home page.
Book sales are a regular seasonal event at the library. Prices are usually much less than buying books retail.
What really makes the library work now is the fact that everything is free. The only time one can be charged is for late items. A complete season of a TV series can be checked out for free for one week instead of being charged over $50 at a store. Whether it be X-Files or Battlestar Galactica, there are many options for TV fans.
Free movies and series are a new feature to the library, and, as the fines aren’t excessive, this is a handy resource.
Few districts can bring together so many fine art items into one place as the CADL does. The vast collections are all interconnected. This is a true achievement in convenience, value and variety. For any major book lover or movie fan in Ingham County Michigan, the library is a treasure.
CADL should be an example for future library processes in the way it treats its customers and how exemplary the services are. CADL is a great organization that should be considered and utilized often.
