My love affair with books and knowledge has been life-long, and no other place offers more fare to satisfy this unquenchable thirst than the Belleville Public Library, 
which I first discovered 12 years ago.
At the time, I was living across the Bay Bridge in Prince Edward County so was not an actual citizen of Belleville.
I thought, however, that working for a company in Belleville would qualify someone for membership.
Unfortunately this was not the case, and in order to have a Belleville Library card, it was necessary for me to pay a fee. The small amount that was required in order to have a library card was more than worth it since the library offers an unlimited wealth of information and entertainment.
Eventually I moved into the City of Belleville and was able to have a library card free of charge, as long as I was able to produce identification showing my name and my address in Belleville.
The library card of today is a high tech little item with a barcode that is swiped everytime you take books out.
It also has your account number which gives you access to your account online.
Once you've logged in to your account, you are able to renew your books (this is a very handy feature that I use very often to renew books which are nearing the due date), and reserve books that are currently not available.
Accessing the Belleville Public Library online site also gives you the opportunity to search the system for books that you are interested in reading, or for books of a particular subject or author that appeals to you. You can keep a list of these books on your personal online library account as well.
If a particular book is not available at the Belleville Public Library, it may be available in the Quinte West Public Library and since these two libraries act as one for the purposes of membership (if you belong to either of the libraries, you are able to take out books in the other library also, free of charge), the book will show up as being available at one of the two libraries.
If it is in the Quinte West Library, you can request a librarian to order the book for you and within days it will be delivered to the Belleville Library for you to pick up.
Similarly, Belleville Public Library is a member of the Ontario Interlibrary Loan 
and will search all libraries in Ontario who participate (which is the majority of municipal libraries and many academic libraries as well) in the program, for the book.
It is a very rare occurrence for them not be able to locate a book for you. I've used this service quite often and every single book I've ever inquired about was able to be found at some library in Ontario and delivered to me at the Belleville Public Library, free of charge, within a week or two. You can search the Ontario Interlibrary Loan Service on our own, as well.
This is a tremendous resource for anyone who is doing research or who prefers to borrow books rather than having to buy them.
Generally what I do is browse new books or subjects on Amazon.com or Chapters.ca and find the books that interest me, then I prepare my list and bring it into the resource desk at the library.
The staff is very pleasant and helpful and will do their absolute best to serve you and attain the books you desire. When your books arrive at the library, someone will call your residence to let you know that your book is in.
You can also take out CDs and DVDs at the library, free of charge.
They have an extensive collection of movies, ducumentaries, music, talking books, motivational as well as instructional DVDs and CDs. You can search to see what is available in the CD and DVD collection by visiting the Belleville Library online search page.
The Belleville Public Library also houses the John M. Parrott Art Gallery on the third floor. There are beautiful displays and shows which change regularly and many of the Quinte area's (and beyond) finest artists have been showcased there.
My Stepmother, Joyce Empey-Smith, has had many of her beautiful watercolour paintings chosen for juried shows at the library and this exposure brings greater notoriety to the more creative and talented citizens of our beautiful area.
In addition to the Art Gallery Displays, the Belleville Library holds regular events such as the Brown Bag Lunch, various Children's Events, the Culture Jam and the Book Club meetings, which anyone is welcome and encouraged to attend.
It's a wonderful way to make new friends and get to know new acquaintances with similar interests to your own in Belleville.
For a relaxing few of hours of research or reading, visit the library today. There are computers for you to use without charge, and free wireless internet service for those of you who wish to bring in your own laptop and work.
There is also an extensive journal, newspaper and magazine area near a cosy fireplace with big comfy chairs just waiting for you.
The Friends of the Belleville Public Library run a used book store just inside the library doors and you can find many of your favourite books at excellent prices there. The proceeds of sales go towards the support of the library.
After you've finished your research, taken out your books, and read the latest articles in the magazines/newspapers that most interest in you, stop by at the cosy Cafe, which is also located in the library, for a scrumptious deli sandwich or delectable dessert and a cup of your favourite coffee.
The perfect way to finish up your visit to one of Belleville's most inviting and interesting places to go.
©2008JoSmith
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Jo-Anne Smith, the author of this article, is a REALTOR® with Royal Lepage Proalliance Realty, Brokerage, in Belleville, Ontario and welcomes your real estate inquiries. To contact her, visit www.QuinteRegionRealEstate.com
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McMullan. Wayne has a building background prior to becoming an active Realtor which is a huge benefit to his buyers and sellers.
If you are a 
