As an RVer, have you ever needed a document printed, reliable high-speed WiFi, a quiet conference room or just want to check out the latest magazine without having to buy it? What if I told you about a dirty little secret that allows you free access to all of those…and more! One of the best resources available to RVers are local public libraries. And while they are funded almost solely by local taxes, grants and donations, that doesn’t preclude any of us from access. Simply put, public libraries are an RVer’s best friend!
Let’s go back a minute. It all started a few years ago while we were parked at a U.S. Military Naval Weapons Station FamCamp near Williamsburg, Virginia. Every time we tried to get online using our WiFi hotspot and MiFi, the signals were constantly being jammed. I had a blog submission deadlines and proposal emails to be sent out. I couldn’t download or upload anything; even at two in the morning. My frustrations grew to the point of anger so I had to come up with a solution.
I needed to find a clean, quiet, and respectable place to score a decent WiFi signal. A little lightbulb went off– the public library! I opened my mapping app to locate the closest public library in downtown Williamsburg. After, I quickly packed my MacBook, grabbed my purse and asked Dan to drop me off at the library. I set up my workspace and went right to work. In less than three hours, my work was done, deadlines met and proposals were steaming for approval! It was one of my most productive and pivotal moments as an RV entrepreneur.
Fast forward a few years and three RVs later, visiting public libraries is a common occurence in our journey. In fact, they are now our best friend on the road. Every town and city has one and they’re free to use. Libraries are not just a place to check out books. There’s a ton of reasons why we public libraries are our go-to resources for work, research and relaxation.
Lisa, great article.
You’re so right about the library being an RVer’s best friend! While serving on my university’s Nursing Alumni Society, I found myself with 100 on-line scholarship applications and no WiFi in our beach campground. YIKES! What to do?
I am pleased to recommend the Barbee Library on Oak Island, NC. They saved my day, actually 3 days, and I finished the project before deadline.
Kathy SKP#143724
Totally agree with you Lisa. One of my favorite public libraries is in Sierra Vista, Arizona. Home to Fort Huachuca the Sierra Vistaa library has all the benefits you mention AND a large parking lot. When we moved out of our home to go back on the road, I donated 3 car loads of books to the Friends of The Sierra Vista library. Their store is HUGE with a selection to match so there is always another book I would like to buy 😉
I agree – great article – and public libraries are a great asset to use when on the road.
But not to be a “Debbie Downer”, public libraries are not free. True – there is no cost to use the facilities or enjoy a book, magazine, rest room, music, free Internet, but please be assured, someone is paying for this service you enjoy. I also realize as an RVer, we stay in local communities and add to the economy.
But libraries are funded with local tax dollars, which most libraries get very little of. I often wonder how my local library stays open! I can tell you, here in my town, there is a lot of fund raising.
So my point being, if you use a public library, consider a small donation to the “Friends of the Library”, donate old books that can be sold in a library thrift store. By doing this, especially in todays digital world, you will help keep public libraries open and the communities that support them will appreciate it.
Glenn SKP# 128059
As a Tucson librarian I can tell you we are more than happy to see RVers, good thing since I’m in that group too. While our, and many other systems are offering limited admittance and service during this frustrating and scary time, know that all Pima County Libraries have wifi until that reaches outside the building. Too, we will print, make a few copies and send a fax for you until you are once again able to come in again to do it yourself. Life on the road can be bumpy. We can make it a little smoother.
I know this sounds crazy, but libraries are also good for books! Many libraries have ebooks you can check out digitally and read wherever you happen to be.