Why a public library? The best way to settle down in the city is to get to know what makes the place tick. And a public library has all the information you would like to know about the city: its history, its people, its culture, its mayors, schools, hospitals, its programs and events.

Services and Activities: It is a wrong notion to think that libraries are for dull old people. Most libraries also have services that cater to the needs of all ages; young adults, children and adults. And based on the age group, these libraries also organize a wide range of activities both indoors and out doors.

Activities may include adult education, classes related to crafts, painting, dance, music, theatre, story telling and sometimes even writers workshops. One of the most popular classes among the newcomers to the city is the Driver education classes that prepares you for getting a drivers instruction permit. Other equally popular classes are on safety and baby sitting workshops.

If you are the intellectual type, you will enjoy the book reading sessions on classics and also get to meet new writers, perhaps you can read your latest poem as well. If you become a member of the library you visit the library frequently, you will encounter some familiar faces and eventually you might end up being great friends.

Classifieds: Libraries are also the best place to post classified ads. Lets say you are a great singer and would like to offer music classes, you can advertise in the library and also you get to know of other interesting information like a car on sale and perhaps that is just what you had on mind. Often, you will find useful information related to jobs, classes and scholarships displayed in the notice boards of the library.

Getting your library membership: Getting a library card is very easy. All you need to do is provide proof of your residence. And you need to be older than 13 years.

Address proof documents may include a utility bill addressed to you with your current address, or your drivers license, or a home/apartment contract with your name on it. You may also show a letter or a magazine that has been post marked and received by you. In case you can't provide any of the above, you can give your current address and the library will mail a post card to you, once you receive it you can show it as proof of your residence.

Benefits of a library card: With a library membership you can borrow not just books and journals but videos and DVDs as well. The loan period varies from library to library. But you can also reserve books/publications/media in advance and have them sent to you. Over due charges apply, so you might want to return the material before the due date. If for some reason you are unable to return the material before the due date, you might want to renew it over the telephone and nowadays it is also possible to do it online.