Renewing My Library Card—a Love Letter

The other day, I renewed my Hawaii State Library system library card during my lunch break (rewarding myself with a poké bowl and tallboy Diet Coke for my troubles), and it thrilled me so much that I needed to muse about a small personal challenge and why the library is such an underrated community resource—if you haven't already signed up for your own card.

First of All, I Love a New Years' Challenge!

To kick off 2025, one of my best friends on-island and I are doing the 75 Hard, but she's absolutely more in-line with it than I am. (She's a rockstar.) In my domain of intangible creative work dominating so much of my life and routine, it feels refreshing and complementary to pursue a more objective endpoint alongside that.

In the end, one little "everyday growth" challenge I landed on was just to get rid of the nagging bits of my day that hang over my head for far too long. It's not conscious procrastination, exactly (I did rewrite a book this year and a thousand articles, so I was very busy), but a lack of priority. They're low-level and low-intensity, but for that reason, there is always a more important task catching my attention.

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But this year, no itch should linger. If something's bugging me enough to bother me long after it initially crossed my mind, I just need to stop and do the little thing even if there are more pressing matters and call it important for the sake of de-cluttering my own brain.

A few days ago, that goal looked like completely clearing out, purging, and reorganizing my porch. After, that looked like finally going to sign up for my in-person library card at my neighborhood library. Simple yet effective. It wasn't hard or scary obviously, but it was just a little task I'd kept delaying that chipped away because I never stopped to prioritize it.

this blank turf means absolutely nothing to you and absolutely everything to me!

Anyway, I Would Be Lost Without My Library—

Part of why I hadn't done this yet was because I still use my virtual Tampa-based library card to check out eBooks from my system on the mainland. Having access to the Hawai'i system was a bonus

I'm officially a resident of O'ahu now—a kama'aina (not kānaka maoli—huge difference. The first just means resident of Hawai'i.) I waited to get my license switched until after voting this fall because I was nervous about my absentee ballot getting messed up in the transition (and ya girl had to do her civic duty), and then the holidays got hectic. I'm getting my license switched next week (also a lingering task), and felt like it was finally time to tack on the library bit too.

Some current reads.

I'll still use my Tampa card too, because the Libby app allows you to have multiple library cards at the same time, so you get double the access and options.

Similarly, the Libby framework—and most library systems—allow you to borrow from different library systems, apply for non-resident cards (especially to receive access to lit that may be banned in your home district), and more.

An Ode to the Many, Many, Many Benefits Your Library Provides

ain't she a beaut?

This will all sound incredibly basic to thee if you're already familiar with how libraries work, but I've talked to so many people who don't realize the depth and variety of what their local library offers.

Obviously, a library card allows me to check out books, films, music, and more for free—both in-person at any branch within my system or online. I of course prefer to own my books, but that's not feasible economically in a period like now (or ever) when I'm so gluttonous and so quick to finish a book that I would end up spending all my rent money—even at ThriftBooks when I'm snagging paperbacks for $3.

I use my library most frequently (literally daily) to check out eBooks on demand. I can do so on my phone, access them within about thirty seconds, and have a new read queued up immediately. I always have at least one "phone book" in the works at any given time. I love the convenience and portability of eBooks, and get so much reading done while commuting, while in lines, or even while everyone else in a gathering is on their phones. (I have a half-baked post on how to read more about how many books I get through at pregames dominated by Instagram scrolls.)

I don't have to worry about remembering due dates for those either; the eBook will automatically return to the library from my device when my lending period has expired. I can highlight, tag, etc,. as normal. As a journalist, I appreciate that I can also quickly check out an eBook I've read but don't own for reference or research without having to buy it, even though all books (for me) are classified as a business expense because of my career scope.

I'm incredibly picky about audiobooks too and likely won't re-listen to one (aside from The Raven Cycle by Maggie Stiefvater, because I'd like Will Patton to narrate my entire life) so I love being able to one-and-done them via my library.

I'm a hypocrite for having a Kindle because of how I rail against Bezos and his business practices. I got the Kindle when I was young and didn't know any better, and it eventually conked out, so I really considered whether to switch ecosystems when deciding how to replace my eReader. I ultimately decided to make a moral concession and drop $100 or so on the device, which has now lasted me 5+ years—but I don't buy eBooks from Amazon. Instead, I can read all eBooks for free from my local library rather than giving him money. (Don't buy books from Amazon, please. Thank you.)

Libraries are also one of the last completely free "third spaces" we have, and a quiet study-friendly environment to boot with everything you need. Computer, Internet, printer, work tables.

They don't have a title you want? Request it. The book you want has sixty holds on it already? Be patient, ask them to buy another copy, etc,. It will come around. (This has had the added benefit of structuring my mood reading more and reducing my paralysis of choice, personally; when a book comes in, I know which one I'm reading next because I only have a limited time with it.) Not feeling it? Return early and pick something new. No sunk cost there.

In scouring the shelves this afternoon, I picked up some cookbooks I wanted to work through and thought about how cute it would be to work through one in service of my goal to actually feed myself real, scheduled meals. I also mentally bookmarked the arts & crafts and music sections to go through later in service of my desire to deliberately practice my hobbies more. Get back into guitar thanks to the library's collection of sheet music, for example. Pick up knitting patterns because I crave doing something with my hands after a long day of the internal and abstract. Sky's the limit!

Some libraries—like the Hawai'i system—also have skills courses and online coaching classes you can take, whether for personal interest or career growth. Some systems offer personal finance classes, notary services, research assistance, or even tax help. And if they don't have it, they may be able to connect you with another neighboring library system that can help. Parents and babysitters, meet story hour: your favorite activity for getting out of the house.

My sister's library in South Carolina even has community resources like random cookware and household tools that residents can check out so they don't have to buy a product they're only going to use once. Different libraries have different resources, and plenty of them get mighty creative.

Anyway, consider this your friendly reminder to renew your library card!