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Do you find it easy to find the books you need at the library? I'm mainly looking at Bigger right now.

I have found the emerging readers easily at my library but as far as the books that are needed all the time, I wasn't successful at finding at our library.

I think it just depends on the library in your location. Mine had most of the books listed in Bigger... so I ordered the books that were not at the library when I placed my order with HOD. However, I am considering placing another order before we start Bigger...for the other books. My reason: I have a problem with returning books late, and the fees incurred may surpass the cost of the books. That's just me; others (and you) may do fine.

We had several concerns with using the library:

They almost never had what we needed, and inter-library loan will give us only 1 week with no renewal.

The *good* library, that still usually didn't have what we needed was 30 miles away. Sure we could go there when I was grocery shopping, but our days are usually sooooo full that it took time that we really didnt' have on those days.

OR I could make a special trip which would cost a small fortune in gas (3 gallons of gas x $3.20 = $9.60) I would be spending less if I bought the book in most cases!

I think it totally depends on where you live and your local library. While my library is considered to be a good one for a small town, I didn't find hardly any of the emerging readers. (Only Frog and Toad, Amelia Bedelia, and Wagon Wheels) Our interlibrary loan is also free...but you are only allowed one book a month that you get to keep for a week.

It would stress me out if I had to go to town to try to get specific books to be able to do our school work, but you may be totally different...or live close to the library. For us it will be wonderful to have them availble at home.

Kathleen