Local Library Reopens After Renovations: Reactions from Students

By Derik Eaquinto 
American Journalism Student

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The Moraga Public Library recently reopened after a number of indoor cosmetic renovations were completed. The library compliments the larger Lafayette Public Library, and both are part of the Contra Costa County Library system. Students at Saint Mary’s are eligible for a free membership as local residents, however currently, many students use the Saint Mary’s library exclusively. 

The Moraga library includes a second hand nonprofit book shop, Friends of the Moraga Library, where the library website explains that donated books are sold for a fraction of retail price. Proceeds from the shop are used to provide the library with books, magazines, DVDs, furniture, and other necessities. “It's a great system to have. The shop provides another option for people looking to add to their personal collections, and the money supports the library's other free services” said one library volunteer. 

Residents of Contra Costa County are eligible for a free library card, giving them access to any library services within the system. “The library systems are connected. A book checked out in Moraga can be returned to Lafayette, and vice versa… For students who live off campus, this gives them a chance to explore the Moraga Library whenever they are near Saint Mary’s, and take books back anywhere they like” explained another worker. 

“The fiction section at the Saint Mary’s library isn’t great, but I had not considered getting a membership to the Moraga Library,” said one student. A library card could help supplement book choices and options for Saint Mary’s students. Increased use of kindles and other e readers have cut down sales and usage of paper books in recent years. “I do a lot of audio books, so I don’t see the point in getting a library card,” said another Saint Mary’s student. “A library card also gets you free access to a huge number of ebooks and audio books from the Libby App” explained a library volunteer. 

The Moraga Library hours and services can be found on their website. 

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