4 Myths About the Library

The library as an institution has gone through many changes in the last decade, and while it may be the same on a fundamental level (championing the freedom of information), the library has grown and expanded in many ways. From hosting concerts to lending items like ice skates and blow-up movie screens, the library is certainly more than what it used to be! February is Library Lovers Month, and today we are busting 4 myths about the library! 

Myth #1: The library is outdated, still has VHS and cassette tapes, and uses an analog card catalog. 

Not only does the library no longer carry VHS or cassette tapes (and hasn’t for probably a good decade or more), but we also continue to innovate and keep up with all the tech changes of the digital age.  

We no longer use an analog card catalog, but rather use an online catalog where you can search and find all the items we have to offer, as well as items you can borrow from other neighboring libraries within our library system, Bridges Library System. 

(Did you know? With your New Berlin Public Library card, you have access to 23 other libraries within Waukesha & Jefferson Counties! Most general materials can be sent through our transit system and returned to any library in the system.)  

The library gives you free access to e-books and e-audiobooks, movies to stream, and more through apps like Libby and Hoopla. We even have our own app, CAFE Libraries, where you can get a digital copy of your library card, place holds, renew items, and more! These are just a few of the many technological advancements in the library today. 

Myth #2: The library doesn’t have any new books or movies. 

Because the library is often seen as an old, stuffy place, many are surprised to learn that we carry new releases of all major books, DVDs, music, and more! If there’s a title you’re waiting to hit the shelves, chances are, it’s in our catalog and you can get it on hold! (The sooner the better – these titles are popular!)  

Additionally, if there’s a title you’d like that you don’t see in our catalog, you can always suggest a purchase, and if we do decide to add it to our collection, you can be first in line to check it out. 

Myth #3: The library is just about books. 

It’s common knowledge that the library also has movies, music, and audiobooks in addition to print books, but you may be surprised to learn that we also have several other special collections, including vinyl records, board games, STEM Kits, a seed library, experience passes, and our Library of Things! 

The Library of Things includes hundreds of additional items for patrons to check out, including baking kits, giant yard games, a telescope, snowshoes, ice skates, sewing machines, bicycles, and party supplies – just to name a few. 

Our experience passes are also popular! You can check out a free pass to visit local museums, cultural attractions, and more! See what we have to offer here. 

Myth #4: The library is just for kids, and now that I’m an adult, there’s nothing there for me. 

Many people have fond memories of going to the library as a child - participating in summer reading programs, discovering new-to-them titles and authors, and going to library storytimes or other kid-centric events. Once adulthood hits, coming to the library falls out of habit, and many adults don’t realize that the library actually has much to offer them! 

Our library puts on several cultural, enriching, and educational events for adults each month, including book clubs, movie screenings, craft classes, educational lectures, and more.

Our librarians are available for one-on-one technology help through our Book-A-Librarian program. We also have access to databases such as Ancestry, Newsbank (free digital Milwaukee Journal access), and Consumer Reports. 

When’s the last time you visited the library? 

These 4 myths about the library just scratch the surface of what the library has to offer you today. Whether you frequent the library often, you’ve never been here before, or it’s been decades, we’d love to see you! We’re confident you’ll find something unexpected and just for you! Stop by today, or check out our open hours here!