Impressive Swedish Libraries

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Library

Because I didn’t have time to study Swedish full time with my full time job, I decided to go down to the local library and check out some books, perhaps see if they have any programs in Swedish going on.

Now, first off the selection of books in English is pretty impressive for a small town library. They have some books in other languages as well (no excuse to not brush up my french!) as well a great language section. There were many books on learning Swedish, and all of it was for free! And of course Swedish is not the only language they have.

But this is not what impressed me the most about the library. The staff is helpful (and I practice my Swedish when speaking to them) and friendly, but that is the way it should be at any library, right?

Well, coming to the states I had a little bit of a dilemma. I’m reading a fabulous Swedish book in English and did not want to leave it for when I returned. Flying is the best time to read! But when I checked out the book it would be due two days before I returned for Sweden. Arg!

So I spoke to the library staff. They asked if I had a pin with my library card. I wasn’t sure, but I did. They said that I could renew (låna om) the book online! Wow, that is pretty cool! It also seems that I can even search for books in the library by title, author, or ISBN and the website will show me where the book is located. Some books I can even reserve online!

But the best part was that I even got an email reminding me the book was due, with a link to renew it! I don’t know why I’m surprised that Sweden uses technology to its fullest advantages. I love it! Add it to my list of top things I love about Sweden.

Now granted, this is just my experience in the library in Skellefteå. But if our small Norrland town can have such great services as this, I’m sure other libraries do too. So check out your local library and start using what you spend your tax money on. If you already use your Swedish library, tell us about your experience! Is it as good as mine or am I just lucky to live in such an technologically advanced Swedish town?

Those readers who don’t live in Sweden, is your local library just as awesome as my Swedish one?

4 thoughts on “Impressive Swedish Libraries”

  1. Yes, in England we have the same system, and you can also ask for any book you want to be delivered to your local library online as well, although you pay a small amount for that – and in the small town where I go to use the library, there is also a large room full of computers for anyone to use. I love our libraries, although some branches have had to shut lately due to government cutbacks.

    Reply
    • Libraries are a dying bred. I found out later that they also have a book bus that takes the children’s library around to different villages. Very cool

      Reply
  2. My library has all that, plus a machine where you can download/loan audio books directly onto a USB…. I think they have music on it too, i haven’t checked.

    That aside, the fantasy selection is too small! *grumpy* And they keep buying the wrong manga.

    Reply

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