How to Use a Modern Public Library
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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
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
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.
Detective Ashley Jones works at a police department in England. He has recently made a significant_______- -loneliness is a serious social problem that can contribute to depression and even crimes, but it can be_______in a clever way. The_______? Chat benches.
Jones got the idea after he had talked with an elderly lady who had been cheated of her_______. The lady would get a call from a stranger every morning who _______made her believe that he was her friend, and then she lent him about “f 31,000 . Jones was_______ when she said that she didn’t actually_______ being cheated. “Otherwise, 1would never speak to another person for weeks on end,” she said.
This led Jones to the conclusion that there are too many extremely _______ people in his community, who are easy targets of cheating. So he_______ to do something about it. He__________ the police department to allow him to __________ a couple of “chat benches” in two of their local parks. Then he hung a colorful sign on each of the benches that__________:”HAPPY TO CHAT. “Just a few days after the signs went up, he found people sitting there and engaging in active and__________ conversations.
The idea is catching on__________There are now over 40 chat benches throughout England. More new chat benches have sprung up across the UK and beyond. All who participated have gained a(n)__________ outcome from getting involved. Jones’ idea has been fully __________-the “HAPPY TO CHAT” benches help__________ the invisible social barrier that keeps people from saying hello.
This effort is not just a(n) __________ at being community minded- -it’s also a __________ measure. It prevents people who are cut off from society falling victim to cheaters.
The Chat Bench is a fantastic new project that__________ those of all ages to interact and get to know each other in the future.
1.A.choice B.discovery C.visit D.promise
2.A.experienced B.suffered C.prevented D.felt
3.A.solution B.puzzle C.excuse D.intention
4.A.pleasure B.prize C.credit D.money
5.A.eventually B.frequently C.previously D.occasionally
6.A.ashamed B.shocked C.excited D.amused
7.A.mind B.forgive C.risk D.enjoy
8.A.active B.lonely C.cautious D.stubborn
9.A.learned B.refused C.pretended D.decided
10.A.forced B.ordered C.convinced D.taught
11.A.put away B.make out C.tear apart D.set up
12.A.read B.claimed C.meant D.implied
13.A.formal B.joyful C.awkward D.crazy
14.A.randomly B.slowly C.quickly D.purposefully
15.A.positive B.disappointing C.correct D.embarrassing
16.A.realized B.examined C.discussed D.formed
17.A.break down B.put up C.keep off D.take out
18.A.glance B.attempt C.knock D.attack
19.A.heart-breaking B.risk-taking C.face-saving D.crime-cutting
20.A.forbids B.appoints C.encourages D.troubles
The student completed this experiment to make come true ______ Professor Joseph had said.
A.that B.what C.when D.where
The dancer’s incredible performance had the audience on its feet ______ for 10 minutes at the end of the show.
A.being clapped B.clap C.clapped D.clapping
We can’t ______ buying a new printer for our company. The one we have doesn’t work.
A.take up B.carry out C.keep on D.put off
For my fifth birthday, my mother baked me a cake ______ a monkey.
A.in the shape of B.beyond the reach of
C.at the mercy of D.on the side of
