Find a Book Series 1 of 5: The Library Is The First Place To Start

If you're an avid reader and don't have a library card, then you're just a snail without a shell. Yikes! I didn't mean to call you a slug, but ya get where I'm coming from. The library is a book lovers paradise and technology has just made our humble little library larger. Let's start at the basics.

The library's nonfiction section is categorized according to the Dewey Decimal System. This library classification system was designed by Melvil Dewey and first published in 1876. The Dewey Decimal System is used by all libraries ~ state, county and schools ~ and guarantees we can find what we're looking for with relatively little effort. For those of us with OCD issues, it's our dream world! Here is a VERY basic guideline of the Dewey Decimal System.

000 - General works, computer science and information
100 - Philosophy and psychology
200 - Religion
300 - Social sciences
400 - Language
500 - Science
600 - Technology
700 - Arts and recreation
800 - Literature
900 - History and geography

The 800's is an extremely large section that includes all novels, poetry and short stories. Most libraries remove the novels and keep them in their own section called "fiction". Fiction can be further broken down into juvenile, young adult and adult sections. Libraries also carry magazines, newspapers, non circulating reference materials as well as DVDs and CDs although I know the vast majority of patrons are interested in only the print material. *wink, wink*

How does this help you find a new book? Well, now you know what the library has and where to find it. On your first visit, apply for a library card. It's fast, easy and FREE! The librarians do a great job picking out books to put on display and the new bestsellers are waiting for readers to pluck them off the "new books" shelf. I highly encourage everyone to peruse the juvenile and young adult sections of the library no matter how old you are. Children and teen literature has exploded recently and one can find some great books in those sections. Need I remind you that you will find Divergent, Hunger Games AND Twilight all in the young adult section. 

I did mention technology didn't I? The Anne Arundel County Public Library system has a great interactive website. You can find new books there too! The best part about the website, is that you can search for books, put them on hold and pick them up at your local branch. Books are pulled from all over the county to fulfill holds. E-books are also available although they are limited in supply.

Looking for a great, new book? Check out your local library! There is a branch right here in Edgewater on Stepney's Lane and the Annapolis branch is on West Street on the left slightly past the Goodwill.