greatest thing since sliced bread

The bee's knees.

The cat's pajamas.

The bomb dot com. 

Okay, enough with the ridiculous idioms.  On to the point.

My library rocks my socks off.  {Yes, you read that right.} 

In case you were wondering, yes, people were allowed to read on the roof during Library Week. And no, that's not why my library is awesome.  It's because of this:

Those are books.  On my front porch.  And they were delivered there, free of charge, by my public library.  {!!!}  How amazing is that? 

Until recently, I had no idea this service was available.  A couple weeks ago, I went to the library website to find out whether a newly released book I wanted to read was available.  {Full disclosure: I'm lazy and didn't want to walk the 1/4 mile to the library at lunch to find out whether the book I wanted was checked out.}  I entered my library card number and password at the website and I was in business.  A quick search revealed that the numerous copies of the desired book were all checked out.  However, at the bottom of the page, I spotted an innocuous little button labeled "Request".  Being a newb to the library site, I figured "what the heck?" and clicked it.  I thought maybe I could put my name on a waiting list and perhaps get a call or email when the book became available. 

This is when I made the discovery that will save me hundreds {and hundreds and hundreds} of dollars per year. 

By "requesting" the book, I was placed on the waiting list to receive the book.  And once the book became available, it would be delivered to my front door.  Free of charge. 

What?!?

Turns out, it isn't just for unavailable books either.  I can request any book in the library and have it delivered to my front door.  I'm sorry, but I think that is just the greatest thing I've ever heard. 

I can't fathom spending $249 on a Kindle or Nook and $9.99 per book when this service is available.  And the book or two that used to find its way to my cart on every Target trip?  A thing of the past, I declare!  Oh the money I'll save.*  And sharing books instead of buying new will help to reduce my liberal guilt carbon footprint.  Win, win!

Orlando Public Library, you've made me a very happy lady. 

Does your library offer this service? 

ETA:  I was asked which books I ordered - my first shipment included: The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger, The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd, Mommywood by Tori Spelling {I know, I know, but she makes me laugh} and The Book Thief by Markus Zusak.  I received Heart of the Matter by Emily Giffin on Wednesday.

*Don't think for a minute this will stop my marathon trips to Barnes & Noble, scouring the stacks for new books to read, Starbucks latte in hand.  Never gonna happen.  A girl's got to have a little fun.  But I'll try to make a list and order my finds from the library instead.  nopromises.