The wisest decision I made in first year was getting a Kingston Frontenac Public Library (KFPL) Library Card.
Obtaining a library card is free and simple. I walked to the KFPL Central Branch library at 130 Johnson St. with a piece of ID and left with a passport to many different realms without having to leave Kingston. Since I made this decision, I can read whatever I want, when I want, and best of all, without spending a dime.
A library card unlocks a world of knowledge, stories, and adventures, offering an escape from the stresses of university life and a chance to be immersed in a new perspective. Whether you need a break from the rigours of academic life, a quiet study space, or simply a good book to get lost in, the library is there for you.
Having a library card has provided me with a break from the monotony of campus. Walking down the street to the library on the corner offered a change of scenery when I was in my first year and stuck between the same three residence buildings. Throughout exam season when Stauffer and Douglas Library are packed with students, drinking coffee and tearing their hair out, I often found solace in the public library’s quiet study spots.
Most university programs require a lot of reading. This incessant reading of lengthy texts can be tedious, but getting a library card helped me break out of the reading rut I had entered and allowed me to reconnect with reading simply for the joy and power of a great story.
Walking into a library is always exciting—you get to pick from an unlimited number of books and read whatever your heart desires. As you read more and immerse yourself in the lives of those in different worlds, you’re passed the mundaneness of everyday life and start exploring the world without leaving the comfort of your dorm room.
One of the great features of the KFPL library is how it makes the process of getting a book smoother than ever, allowing you to reserve the book of your desire and have it delivered to your nearest branch. This is perfect for staying on budget and being more responsible with your spending, without the need to buy new books.
A library card not only helps you stick to a student-friendly budget, but it also connects you with the many people who have read and experienced the same book. As you immerse yourself in its events and emotions, there’s comfort in knowing that others before you might have felt the same way.
Throughout my university experience, books have been there for me in various ways, helping to fill certain voids created through my transition into higher education. For example, while away at school, reading adult fairy tales, such as Pan’s Labyrinth: The Labyrinth of the Faun, when I’m sick helps me feel comforted the way my mother used to be able to do for me when I was sick. Reading contemporary literary fiction about other university students’ experiences like Connell from Normal People by Sally Rooney helped me see my occasional loneliness represented, which is paradoxical because then I feel less alone.
The power of reading is immense—it can comfort you in times of loneliness, make you laugh or even cry, inspire you when you’re feeling lost, and transport you to worlds far beyond the confines of your dorm or university room. Take advantage of this incredible resource and let the library become your gateway to endless discoveries and a lifelong love of reading.
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