When I received my New York Public Library card this past week, I suddenly felt as if I had now officially become a New York City resident. As one of about 2 million people in possession of this amazing piece of plastic, I can access its 4 research libraries and 85 branch libraries (39 in Manhattan), 20 million books and an additional 30 million other items (including maps, manuscripts, CDs, DVDs, videos, film, etc.)

And the technology is awesome - I can do (nearly) everything online. I applied for my card online, I can check materials out online, and - WOW - there are eBooks and eAudio(books) for download online as well. And it's all free! (Oh wait a second, that's where our New York City taxes go... ok, ok, it's worth it.)

Now if only the libraries were like the restaurants here and provided free delivery...