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A library is a building or room that contains a collection of books, magazines (which are also called periodicals), films, music, and other materials that people can look at or borrow for free. In fact, libraries are great places to go to practice learning a language – there are so many free materials for you to use!
Today we are going to take a look at English vocabulary that will be helpful for you the next time you go to a library.
Note: In the United States most libraries are public, which means they are open and free for everyone to use. So, don’t be shy, get out there and explore all your local library has to offer, including Transparent Language resources. If your local Library doesn’t have Transparent Language learning resources you can let them know about this and maybe they will soon.
Common library vocabulary and phrases:
to browse – to look through (books or other materials) in a casual manner
catalog – a list of all books and other materials found in a library
to check out – to take a book out of the library and keep it for a specified period of time
Dewey decimal system – a system for classifying and organizing books by subject matter; the system is named after Melvil Dewey
fiction – literature that is not based on fact and includes imaginary events and people; this includes short stories and novels
interlibrary loan – this is a service that lets consumers at one library borrow books that are owned by another library; it is a way libraries share books with one another
library card – a card given to someone who belongs to a library so that the person can check out materials and the library can keep track of who has what
librarian – a person who works at a library, who assists customers, or takes care of the library’s collection of books and other materials
non-fiction – literature that is based on facts, real events, and real people; this includes biographies and history
on hold – when this term is used at a library it means “reserved”; [Example: This is the list of books I would like to put on hold.]
on the shelf – this literally means that a book is on the self and therefore ‘present’ at the library; this is the opposite of a book being “checked out” or not present at the library
patron – this is another word for ‘customer’ or ‘user’; often people who go to libraries are called ‘patrons’ as opposed to customers
Now, take a look at this conversation that could very likely take place at a library. In this conversation you will see some of the vocabulary introduced above and you will also learn how to check out materials from a library in English. If you have any questions about any of this vocabulary or this conversation, please ask them in the comment box below.
Patron: Hi! I’d like to check out the book Wild but I can’t seem to find it on the shelf.
Librarian: Okay, just one minute while I check our catalog.
Patron: No problem.
Librarian: I’m sorry, that book has been checked out until next week. Would you like to put it on hold?
Patron: Yes, please.
Librarian: Okay, let me scan your library card. We’ll call you when it’s available.
Patron: Great! In the meantime, do you have any other recommendations?
Librarian: Always. What kinds of books do you like?
Patron: I really enjoy biographies, but I also read lots of contemporary non-fiction.
Librarian: Let me write down some suggestions. You can also search our catalog to find similar books.
Patron: Awesome! How many books can I check out at once?
Librarian: As many as you’d like.
Patron: And for how long can I check books out?
Librarian: You may check out a book for two weeks at a time.
Patron: Do you charge fees for late returns?
Librarian: Yes, but we’ll send you a reminder e-mail before it’s due. Here’s the list, let me know if you need any help.
Patron: Thanks so much.
