Ask the Reference Librarians
The Reference Department of the Garden City Public Library provides a variety of services and resources to residents. The adult reference librarians answer information requests, perform research, make reserves and inter-library loans for materials not currently available, plan and host programs and book-discussion groups for adults, assist with book selection, and provide reader’s advisory. In addition, the Librarians assist patrons with accessing online electronic-information services, downloadable ebooks and audiobooks, and downloadable and streaming music. The Reference Department also offers the Museum Pass Program to all residents, and the Book-in-a-Bag Program for book clubs.
One of the most important services that the Reference staff provides is reader’s advisory to connect patrons with fiction and nonfiction suggestions for their leisure reading. Very often, librarians have a personal interest in a particular reading genre, but as professionals they develop knowledge about a broad spectrum of book genres by reading library review journals and popular media, as well as by attending conferences and author events. To assist you with book selections, the Librarians prepare bibliographies and information sheets about read-alikes and popular titles, which are available and displayed in the Reference area. There are also book-related electronic databases available through the Library that the librarians can introduce to you.
Throughout the year, the librarians also highlight special reading topics and genres within the adult collection by creating displays with books that focus on residents’ interests as well as on world events. Residents have the opportunity to ask for reading recommendations and discuss the books they are reading with the librarians through an email service, Speaking of Books.
In addition, the librarians have selected popular titles for book discussions and provide the Book Club in a Bag for book groups to borrow. Each Book Club in a Bag checks out for six weeks and contains 10 copies of a discussible title, usually a large type, audio material, and an information package with a summary, book reviews, biographical information, and discussion questions for the group. If a title a book club selects is not available in the Book Club in a Bag collection, patrons can ask the reference librarians if multiple copies of the title can be inter-loaned for the group. In addition, the librarians will provide background material and discussion questions if available.
Whenever you are looking for a reading recommendation for yourself or your book club, call (742-8405 x5236 or x5237), visit, or email the Garden City reference librarians to talk about books with book lovers just like you.