The Crestline Library is a very small building. Honestly, there aren’t that many books - the adult nonfiction area consists of around 5 stacks, while the adult fiction shelves run along the back wall. There is a small magazine area behind the checkout counter, and a large children’s room, that, not having kids, I have not looked into very closely.

I don’t think I’ve even seen a library so tiny.

Yet, I am here several days a week. I go in for the weekly yoga classes, for one thing. And once I discovered the beauty of interlibrary loans, my library became like Santa’s Workshop for me: Christmas every day.

Within the large San Bernardino/Riverside Counties Library Search System, I found an almost unlimited supply of books and DVDs to rent for free. Whoo-hoo!

What you do to search a library book or DVD:

Use that link above. Enter your San Bernardino County library card number (AKA Bistro number) and the last four digits of your phone number. Then start searching for books under author, title or - most useful - keyword, and hit the hold button. Request pickup at the Crestline Library (or Blue Jay, or Arrowhead, or wherever is convenient) - and POOF. You get an automated phone message to pick up your items a few days later.

When I go back to pick up my books, I show my card at the librarian counter (they are starting to know my name…) and mention I am here to pick up books. They pass me the stack and sign me out.

Other Crestline Library Details:

• Returning books is easy - When the library is closed, dump them in the drop boxes outside (not set up for drive-through - you have to get out of your car). During open hours they request you go inside and place on the books on the top shelf of the return cart by the librarian counter.

• Book sale - a small room to the left of the entrance offers used books at dollar-ish prices. Not a huge selection, but you never know what you might find.

• Copier - a large copy machine sits in a hulk to the immediate entrance left. I believe this takes coins.

• Computers - a few machines are available for free Internet browsing and sending emails. Ask the library staffers how to use their system.

• Mountain area info - an entire precious library stack offers booklets and pamphlets about county fire, emergency, health, school and other government-sponsored services. If you live in Crestline, it’s good to check over these shelves for important updates from time to time.

• Parking - There is lots of wonderful flat parking that is (usually) quickly made snow-free in the winters. The parking is shadeless, so do not park with dogs in your car.

• Don’t be late - If it’s almost 5:00, and you want to try to pick up your books by a 5:00 closing hour, do NOT cut it close. The doors are locked and the computer is automatically turned off by the county system at EXACTLY closing time. A minute late won’t cut it. Not even if you try to beg for your books. I’m just saying.

• Our new library in the works - a new Crestline Library building is planned for construction late this year, on the west end of town by Lake Gregory, Goodwins and the Skate Park. From the billboard sketch it looks larger and quite modern. I can’t wait for them to break ground.

Related Crestline Library Articles:

• Crestline Library Information and Hours

• Crestline Library Summer Reading Program

• Crestline Library Yoga Classes

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