How to Use a Modern Public Library
如何使用现代公共图书馆

Has it been a while since your last visit to a public library? If so, you may be surprised to learn that libraries have changed for the better. It’s been years since they were dusty little rooms with books. They have transformed themselves into places where you can develop your love of knowledge, meet interesting people, or find out how to start a business.
你上次去公共图书馆是很久以前的事了吗？如果是这样，你可能会惊讶地发现图书馆已经变得更好了。多年前，它们只是充满灰尘的小房间，里面摆满了书籍。它们已经转变成为你可以培养知识爱好、遇见有趣的人或了解如何创业的地方。

Check out a book. While libraries still loan out（出借）books, you’ll find it easier to get a copy of whatever you’re looking for, thanks to a cooperative network of area libraries. Via such networks, libraries share their books with each other through the use of delivery a vehicles. Once the book you’ve requested is delivered to the nearest branch, they will inform you by e-mail, so you can pick it up.
借阅一本书。虽然图书馆仍然出借书籍，但你会发现，得益于地区图书馆的合作网络，获取你想要的书籍变得更加容易。通过这样的网络，图书馆通过运输工具相互分享书籍。一旦你请求的书籍被送到最近的分馆，他们会通过电子邮件通知你，这样你就可以去取了。

Check out other items. The library is now a multimedia zone, loaded with information in many formats（载体形式）. You can borrow movies on DVDs, music on CDs, and popular magazines. Some libraries even loan out toys and games. If a popular magazine you want isn’t offered and the library keeps a list of such requests, they may bring it in when enough interest is shown.
借阅其他物品。图书馆现在是一个多媒体区域，充满了多种形式的信息载体。你可以借阅DVD电影、CD音乐和流行杂志。一些图书馆甚至出借玩具和游戏。如果你想借阅的流行杂志没有提供，而图书馆又保留了这样的请求清单，当有足够的兴趣时，他们可能会引进。

Join targeted reading groups. Libraries will often hold reading-group sessions targeted to various age groups. Perhaps you’d like to learn a language or improve your English. The library may sponsor a language group you could join. If you have difficulties reading, ask about special reading opportunities. Your library might be able to accommodate you. And you might find it relaxing to bring your small kid to a half-hour Story Time while you sit quietly in a corner with a good book.
加入针对性的阅读小组。图书馆通常会为不同年龄段的群体举办阅读小组活动。也许你想学习一门语言或提高你的英语水平。图书馆可能会赞助一个你可以加入的语言小组。如果你在阅读上有困难，询问一下特殊的阅读机会。你的图书馆可能能够满足你的需求。而且，你可能会发现，带着你的小孩参加半小时的故事时间，同时你安静地坐在角落里看一本好书，是一种放松的方式。

Start a business using the help of your local library. If you want to have a business of your own, your local library can become a launch space for it. In library books and computers, you can find information on starting a business. Many libraries will help you with locally supplied information about business management shared through chambers of commerce（商会）and government agencies, and they will offer printing, faxing and database services you need.
利用当地图书馆的帮助开始创业。如果你想拥有自己的生意，你的当地图书馆可以成为它的启动空间。在图书馆的书籍和计算机中，你可以找到关于创业的信息。许多图书馆会帮助你获取当地商会和政府机构共享的关于商业管理的信息，并提供你需要的打印、传真和数据库服务。

1. Public libraries connected by a cooperative network benefit readers by__.
   A. sharing their books on the Internet
   B. giving access to online reading at a library branch
   C. sending a needed book to a library branch nearby
   D. making the checkout procedures diverse
   答案：D

2. According to Paragraph 3, what items may be checked out from a public library?
   A. A magazine and an e-book. B. A game and an oil painting.
   C. A music CD and a kid’s toy. D. A DVD and a video player.
   答案：C

3. As is described in Paragraph 4, taking a small kid to a half-hour Story Time allows __.
   A. the kid to learn a new language
   B. the parent to enjoy quiet reading
   C. the kid to overcome reading difficulties
   D. the parent to meet their program sponsor
   答案：A

4. Your local library can help you start a business by __.
   A. providing relevant information and supporting services
   B. offering professional advice on business management
   C. supplying useful information of your potential buyers
   D. arranging meetings with government officials
   答案：A

5. What is the purpose of the passage?
   A. To point out the importance of public libraries.
   B. To encourage people to work in public libraries.
   C. To introduce the improved services of public libraries.
   D. To call for the modernization of public library systems.
   答案：C