Some advice to graduates

In institutions all across America, the end of May means something very specific: finals. Whether students are cramming for their first end of year exams or they are embracing all-nighters for the very last time before "growing up," one thing is for certain: the library will be a busy place. Students will pack every meeting room to share study guides and there will be lines of tired teenagers waiting for computers and printers to free up. If I could offer one piece of advice to all the graduates who may be finishing up their last finals ever, it'd be this: Don't let this be the end of your relationship with libraries. Let it be the beginning. As I've mentioned prior the library has always been a place I've treasured, but during college it can become a place that is used more out of necessity as opposed to enjoyment. Yes, you're furthering your education and gaining knowledge there, but it can leave a sour taste in students' mouths knowing that it's being done because someone else is telling you to do so. Graduates, don't let this be your last memory of the library! Once finals have ended go back and you'll discover that it is so much more than just a quiet place to contemplate what Jean-Paul Sartre was talking about. (Googles phenomenology…) For starters, the library offers you the opportunity to actually READ FOR FUN! You'll also discover wonderful free events like farmer’s markets, music and author readings as well as community gatherings. Librarians can help you prep for job interviews by assisting in cleaning up and formatting your resume. When you do land that great new job and you're looking for entertainment on your commute that's where we come in! Also, just because you've graduated doesn't mean you need to stop learning! The library provides the tools and opportunities to learn new languages, discover foreign cultures and experience subjects that may never have even crossed your mind during your time in those hallowed halls and classrooms. The library provides you all these options completely free of charge and, thanks to eBooks, you can experience them from anywhere in the world if you can't make it to the actual building. Graduation is an exciting time. It's a pivotal moment in life where you truly get to decide the path your life will take. After you're handed that diploma the world will be waiting for you. You'll have opportunities to discover the world, meet new people and learn new things. I just hope that you take this time to also rediscover that the library is more than just a place to silently cram for an exam. It's a doorway to anywhere you want to go and anything you want to do. Adam Sockel is a Marketing Communications Specialist at OverDrive. He did not excel in his French philosophy courses.

URL: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/OverdrivesDigitalLibraryBlog/~3/hcdOXnekKvs/