Editing Public library (section)

===Other services===
{{See also|Computer lab#Academic software bundles}}
[[File:Biblioteca Movel.jpg|thumb|Mobile library in [[Olinda]], [[Pernambuco]], [[Brazil]].]]
Depending on a community's desires and needs, public libraries may offer many other resources and services to the public. In addition to print books and periodicals, most public libraries today have a wide array of other media including [[audiobook]]s, [[e-books]], [[compact disc|CD]]s, [[audio cassette|cassette]]s, [[videotape]]s, and [[DVD]]s. Certain libraries stock general materials for borrowing, such as pots, pans, sewing machines, and similar household items in order to appeal to a larger population.<ref>{{cite news|last=Garrison|first=Ellen|title=Borrow a sewing machine? Sacramento Public Library to start loaning more than books|url=http://www.sacbee.com/news/local/education/article8920145.html|access-date=28 July 2013|newspaper=Associated Press|date=2 February 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150203010640/http://www.sacbee.com/news/local/education/article8920145.html|archive-date=3 February 2015}}</ref> Collections of books and academic research related to the local town or region are common, along with collections of works by local authors. Libraries' storage space and lending systems may be used to lend a wide range of materials, including works of art, cake pans, seeds, tools and musical instruments.<ref>{{cite news|last=Householder|first=Mike|title=Sets, drums and rotary tools: Libraries across US lending way more than books|url=https://www.foxnews.com/us/sets-drums-and-rotary-tools-libraries-across-us-lending-way-more-than-books/|access-date=28 July 2013|newspaper=Associated Press|date=18 July 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130725171437/http://www.foxnews.com/us/2013/07/18/sets-drums-and-rotary-tools-libraries-across-us-lending-way-more-than-books/|archive-date=25 July 2013}}</ref> Similar to museums and other cultural institutions, libraries may also host [[Exhibit (educational)|exhibits]] or [[exhibition]]s.

In addition to the extension of media variety and services, public libraries have been experimenting with different means to cater more specifically to their local patrons. One such program in California, Zip Books, works to provide books that libraries may not have in their collections for patrons who may be looking for them. Initially started as a pilot program in 2011 through an LSTA grant from the California Public Library system, the program works by patrons of partnered library districts initially making requests for books through Zip that their libraries does not possess. The libraries then purchase the books and have them sent directly to the patron requesting them. Then, once the patron has finished the books, they simply bring them to their local library, where the library will then incorporate them into their collection. Any libraries seeking to join the program can write out an application for their district to join Zip and their application then goes through a review process determined by need and the funding that is available. Funding is then distributed to members each year, with current members and libraries already on a waitlist taking first priority. This program, as of early 2022, has been expanded to 89 districts throughout California and any new applicants can apply for up to $35,000 worth of books in tangible formats. The maintenance of this program does fall onto the individual libraries and their librarians are then responsible for record keeping and managing the grant funds and their requests.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Zip Books - California State Library |url=https://library.ca.gov/services/to-libraries/zip-books/}}</ref>

As more government services move online, libraries and librarians have a role in providing access to online forms and assistance with filling them out.<ref>{{cite news|title=Filing for unemployment will be online-only starting in August|url=http://www.winknews.com/Local-Florida/2011-07-13/Filing-for-unemployment-will-be-online-only-starting-in-August|access-date=22 August 2013|newspaper=Wink News Now|date=13 July 2011|quote="'I don't even have a computer at home, so I have to go to the library or a friend's house,' Kenneth Miller, who is out of work, said Wednesday."|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716005114/http://www.winknews.com/Local-Florida/2011-07-13/Filing-for-unemployment-will-be-online-only-starting-in-August|archive-date=16 July 2011}}</ref> For example, in 2013, American public libraries were promoted as a way for people to access online health insurance marketplaces created by the [[Affordable Care Act]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Lade|first=Diane|title=Confused about Affordable Care Act? Library can help|url=http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2013-08-15/health/fl-libraries-healthcare-counseling-20130814_1_open-enrollment-medicare-part-d-affordable-care-act|access-date=22 August 2013|newspaper=Sun Sentinel|date=15 August 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20130824015759/http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2013-08-15/health/fl-libraries-healthcare-counseling-20130814_1_open-enrollment-medicare-part-d-affordable-care-act|archive-date=24 August 2013}}</ref>
	 
In rural areas, the local public library may have a [[bookmobile]] service, consisting of one or more buses or pack animals (such as [[Biblioburro|burros]], [[Bookmobile#Present-day mobile libraries|camels, donkey, or elephants]]) furnished as small public libraries, some equipped with [[Hot spot (Wi-Fi)|Internet access points]] or computer labs, and serving the countryside according to a regular schedule. In communities that are extremely isolated or that have poor digital infrastructure, libraries may provide the only access to online education, [[telemedicine]], or [[remote work]]. Libraries also partner with schools and community organizations to promote literacy and learning.<ref name=Sunday>{{cite news | title=Sunday Forum: The importance of libraries| quote = You'll find librarians guiding customers to information that will help them to find a job, start a business or trace their family trees. You'll find teens learning to use video cameras and online media to support a worthy cause. You'll find children settling into a cozy pillow with a picture book.| newspaper = Pittsburgh Post-Gazette| date = 13 January 2008| url = http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08013/848584-35.stm| access-date = 18 November 2009| url-status = live| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090301173114/http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08013/848584-35.stm| archive-date = 1 March 2009}}</ref>

24-hour library access has been piloted in certain public libraries in North America, such as the [[Pioneer Library System]]'s [[Norman, Oklahoma|Norman]] Public Library in Oklahoma and [[Ottawa Public Library]] in [[Ontario]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://biblioottawalibrary.ca/en/content/book-lending-machines-prove-popular-stand-ottawa-libraries|title=Book-lending machines prove popular stand-in for Ottawa libraries - Ottawa Public Library|website=biblioottawalibrary.ca|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160822133821/https://biblioottawalibrary.ca/en/content/book-lending-machines-prove-popular-stand-ottawa-libraries|archive-date=22 August 2016}}</ref> Such access may involve anywhere from a "library [[vending machine]]", in which print books are mechanically vended to (and dispensed from) patrons,<ref name=ALA.Review>{{cite journal |date=January–February 2014 |title=2013 Year in Review |journal=[[American Libraries]] |volume=45 |issue=1/2 |page=29}}</ref><ref name=NewsOK.Redbox>{{cite web |last1=Cannon |first1=Jane Glenn |title=Library 'Redbox' proposed for east Norman instead of branch |url=http://newsok.com/library-redbox-proposed-for-east-norman-instead-of-branch/article/3673976 |website=NewsOK |access-date=11 July 2014 |date=10 May 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131230234646/http://newsok.com/library-redbox-proposed-for-east-norman-instead-of-branch/article/3673976 |archive-date=30 December 2013 }}</ref> to reduced staff during the night and early morning hours.

Libraries promote cultural awareness; in [[Newark, New Jersey]], the public library celebrated [[African-American history]] with exhibits and programs.<ref name=tws18novffssa>{{Cite news | first= Dennis | last=Papp | title = Library celebrates Black History 2009 | quote = The Library salutes the lives and legacy of the black doctors and nurses whose pioneering work in the greater metropolitan area opened the doors of the health services industry to the city's African- American population as both consumers and providers. | publisher = Newark Star-Ledger & nj.com | date = 15 January 2009 | url = http://www.nj.com/newark/public-library/index.ssf/2009/01/library_celebrates_black_histo.html | access-date = 18 November 2009 | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110605184146/http://www.nj.com/newark/public-library/index.ssf/2009/01/library_celebrates_black_histo.html | archive-date = 5 June 2011 }}</ref> One account suggested libraries were essential to "economic competitiveness" as well as "neighborhood vitality" and help some people find jobs.<ref name=Sunday/>
	  	
[[File:FEMA - 38290 - Leon County DRC.jpg|thumb|FEMA Leon County Disaster Recovery Center, located inside the LeRoy Collins Public Library, [[Tallahassee, Florida]]]]Libraries have in important role during emergencies and disasters, where they may be used as shelters, provide space to charge phones and access the Internet, and serve as locations for the distribution of aid, especially financial aid, which requires access to computers and the Internet.<ref>{{cite news|last=Rose|first=Joel|title=For Disaster Preparedness: Pack A Library Card?|url=https://www.npr.org/2013/08/12/210541233/for-disasters-pack-a-first-aid-kit-bottled-water-and-a-library-card|access-date=12 August 2013|newspaper=NPR|date=12 August 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130812150840/http://www.npr.org/2013/08/12/210541233/for-disasters-pack-a-first-aid-kit-bottled-water-and-a-library-card|archive-date=12 August 2013}}</ref> The U.S. [[Federal Emergency Management Agency]] recognizes libraries as providing essential community service during times of disaster.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.imls.gov/primary_source_directors_message_--_may_2011.aspx|title=Primary Source Director's Message -- May 2011|access-date=15 May 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150430000427/http://www.imls.gov/primary_source_directors_message_--_may_2011.aspx|archive-date=30 April 2015|date=19 May 2011}}</ref> Libraries have also had in increasingly important economic role during the recession, providing job search assistance, computer skills training and resume help to patrons.<ref>{{cite news|last=Chircop|first=David|title=Libraries' popularity rises as economy sinks|url=http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20090205/NEWS01/702059874|access-date=28 July 2013|newspaper=The Herald|date=5 February 2009|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213062453/http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20090205/NEWS01/702059874|archive-date=13 December 2013}}</ref>

In response to the [[COVID-19]] Pandemic, many libraries have begun offering remote and distance learning options for patrons.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ala.org/news/press-releases/2020/04/public-libraries-launch-expand-services-during-covid-19-pandemic-0|title=Public libraries launch, expand services during COVID-19 pandemic|date=April 9, 2020|website=News and Press Center}}</ref>