Musing Mondays 03/08/09

1) If you don't frequent your local library, why not?
At the moment, I am abroad in Russia and as I do not speak Russian well enough to read novels, I did no see the need to look for a local library.
2) If you do visit the library, how often do you go?
When I am in my city, I try to go every week. My "local library" is actually half an hour bus drive away so when I am very busy I cannot make it so often.
3) Do you have a favorite section that you always head to first, or do you just randomly peruse the shelves?
I usually check out the shelf with the new books first and the ones that have been freshly returned. Then I go through the shelves of fiction and spend most of my time there.
4) How many books are you allowed to check out at one time? Do you take advantage of this?
I am allowed 10 I believe and usually there are around 8 in my bag when I am leaving the library.
5) How long are you allowed to have the books checked out?
4 weeks.
6) How many times are you allowed to renew your check-outs, if at all?
2 times I believe.
7) What do you love best about your particular library?
It is never crowded when I come (usually on Friday afternoons), there is a very nice childrens' section on the whole upper floor. It's simplicity of a honest small city library that is also hosting children events esp. around Christmas reminds me of the library I went to as a kid.
8) What is one thing you wish your library did differently?
I wish they had more space for more fiction, one half a floor is really not enough, even if I am far from having read all their books. I also think they should stock up on classics, some authors really should be there with their whole work.
9) Do you request your books via an online catalogue, or through the librarian at your branch?
I usually do not request books as I am never sure if I will be able to go there on the day I have to pick up the book. But I use the online catalogue to make my pre-choices beforehand.
10) Have you ever chosen a book on impulse (from the online catalogue OR the shelves) and had it turn out to be totally amazing? If so, what book was it, and why did you love it?
Taking books on impulse happens really often, esp. when it is a library and not a bookshop. I remember how I took once A Wild Yearning (at least I think that was the title) by Penelope Williamson, a genre I am not usually reading and I really enjoyed it. Afterwards I read two of her other books and they were a disappointment as typically in the cheap romance genre I am not into.