I love to read. I’m also cheap. It shouldn’t be any surprise that the library is one of my favorite establishments!

I used to spend hours at the library. I’d wander the aisles, picking up whatever books struck my fancy. I’d sit and read magazines or newspapers. It was lovely, quiet and relaxing.

That ended about two and a half years ago, when Poppy came onto the scene. I love the little goof ball to the ends of the earth, but have you ever tried to stroll through the library’s aisles with a rambunctious toddler? It isn’t easy. At least, it isn’t easy with my rambunctious toddler.

Fortunately for me, libraries seem to be built to serve. I’ve carried library cards at four different libraries in the last 2 and a half years, and each offered a hold service through its Web site. All it takes is a library card, an Internet connection and a few minutes of your time.

I keep a list of books I’d like to read. Every few weeks, I go to the library’s Web site and search for one or two of them. Then I click “hold.” A few days later, I go to the library. And there are my books, waiting for me at the circulation desk. The only thing that could make it more convenient would be a drive-through window!

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