If Life is a Slog, Check the Catalog!

Posted October 8, 2026 by Abby Edgecumbe

As you may know, I’m in the public librarianship concentration here at Simmons. This means that I take courses about public services, collection development, library advocacy, and many other topics. But what about real life? How do I actually use my public library?

I live in Brookline, so my local public library is the Brookline Public Library. As of the time I’m writing this, I have 8 items checked out, 10 on hold, and 1 ready to pick up. The Number One way I use the library is by checking out books to read, and it saves me a lot of money. Recently, I was reading the books on the Booker Prize longlist, and I really thank the library consortium for working to get me The Vivisectors by Missouri Williams and The Renovation by Kenan Orhan so quickly. 

But I also love using the library to watch TV and movies on DVD. Here’s an insider fact about me: I hate ads. Anyone born before the year 2000 is shaking their head, me acting like DVDs is some great new innovation. However, as streaming services become so granular (why is all I can watch ‘originals’? Why do I have to pay to rent this movie on Prime, when I have a Prime subscription?? Why do I pay for Hulu Premium and still have ads??!), and people can often overlook the convenience and accessibility of DVDs. I am rewatching Supernatural, and I’ve been getting all the seasons out from my library. As well as Girls, and Sherlock, and Scrubs, and so many more. Not to mention Hoopla!

The public library also supports my mild gaming habit. I rent games for my Nintendo Switch from the library. Most recently, a challenging game where you play as a sword-wielding fox called Tunic. The Brookline Library has a wonderful selection of games to rent that span a range of gaming consoles, and of course, your library card gives you access to the collection at the entire consortium of libraries. 

I also take advantage of the social aspect of the public library by going to book clubs and other events and talks hosted there. It really is a hub of activity in my life, as well as being a big money-saver! 

Although I’m sure it’s no surprise to any of you, it always bears repeating that the public library is easy to use, and easy to weave into your normal daily life. Anything you need, it’s worth asking yourself if your local library has that. Bird-watching kit (no kidding, I used the BPL bird-watching kit one time)? Yes! 

You can remember this handy rhyme: If life is a slog, check the catalog!