Dec 13, 2021
With AJ Funchess, Assistant Director of Marketing & Communications for the Detroit Public Library
Are you in search of a new job or maybe thinking of changing industries? Maybe you’re a late bloomer or a DIY-er that wants to learn something like basic plumbing. Maybe you’re just looking for a new hobby like playing a musical instrument, but don’t know the first thing about where to begin. These days there are how-to instructional materials for just about anything and everything, and they’re all available for free at your local library!
My guest today, AJ Funchess, is the Assistant Director of Marketing & Communications for the Detroit Public Library. A wealth of information and research materials can be found both online and in-person in library catalogs. I LOVE libraries! When was the last time you visited your local public library? AJ tells us all about the amazing benefits available at his library and others across the country.
What You’ll Hear on This Episode:
- AJ tells us all about the catalog at the Detroit Public Library.
- Do many young people go into a career in libraries?
- Are libraries open for in-person now?
- What are some digital resources that libraries provide?
- What is the “weeding” of books?
- How did the pandemic affect library circulation?
- What kinds of events are at the library?
- Is it true you can check out a laptop from a library?
- How are libraries funded?
- How have library events become virtual?
- What kind of events do libraries have for kids?
- What is a “Mobile Library”?
- What is “Ask a Librarian”?
- How do you get a library card and where else can you use it?
Today’s Takeaway: Knowledge is power. There is literally a wealth of information at your fingertips that doesn’t cost a thing at the public library. For those that don’t have time to read, audiobooks are great timesavers that also allow for multitasking. They allow us to hear from our favorite authors, motivational speakers, or industry experts while doing things like driving, putting on makeup, or walking the dog. Expand your knowledge with scholastic journals, industry periodicals, or eBook versions of your favorite novels, memoirs, or business publications. Whatever the topic, you can find the information at the public library. You can even check out a laptop at some libraries. It’s truly a one-stop shop! Or if you can’t get to the library, perhaps the mobile library will come to you. So what are you waiting for? There’s no better gift that you can give yourself than the gift of knowledge. With knowledge and wisdom, today’s dreams can become tomorrow’s reality. Today is a gift. I love reading and going to the library. It truly enriches my life. I’m Florine Mark and that’s “Today’s Takeaway.”
Quotes:
- “Our catalog is vast, actually. We have books from centuries ago, we have books that are current, we have materials from our special collections.” — AJ
- “It’s not just books. Our catalog also includes movies, DVDs, CDs, and albums. It’s a variety of mediums of communications that we offer.” — AJ
- “All of our events are free and open to the public. You do not have to have a library card to attend any of our events. It’s for everyone.” — AJ
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