Free Entertainment Found at Library

By Jacqueline Sit, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- With the economic downturn, library branches across the metro are seeing an increase in memberships and visitors.

The library is the perfect place to learn something new or find free entertainment in a book or a movie. Brad Venator and his son Maddox spend many Sundays at the library, and every visit is helping his family save a bunch.

"This is definitely something that helps us financially because we can get the entertainment value out of it, but it helps educationally," Venator said.

Librarian Karen Bays said she understands how much using the library can save, after all, they provide so much for free.

"If you were to buy a best seller book, you can spend $30," Bays said. "People are checking out a ton of DVDs for children."

The best parts are the seemingly limitless selections, and you can enjoy them all from the comfort of your own home.

Bays said people are also turning to the library for help with job searching, resume building and other skills for career development. There are also plenty of do-it-yourself books to keep people busy, and save them money.

"We have all kinds of books on crafts that can help you make your own Christmas presents," Bays said.

Venator said his wife also finds plenty of uses for the library.

"My wife she really likes to cook, so she goes and checks out a recipe book before she purchases them," Venator said.

But at the end of the day, it goes beyond learning to cook up a feast and playing video games, it's simply family fun times well spent.

"We have three kids and the education they gain from this, besides watching T.V. and just the price and inexpensive nature of it, really helps in raising a family of five," Venator said.