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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 aimed at 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. 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
3. 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.
【1~3题答案】
【答案】1. C 2. B 3. C
【解析】
【导语】这是一篇说明文。主要介绍了如何使用现代公共图书馆的方法以及现代公共图书馆的提升与改善。
【1题详解】
细节理解题。由文章第二段“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.”（当图书馆还在出借图书时，你会发现，借助于区域图书馆的合作网络，你可以更容易地得到你想要的任何东西。通过这样的网络，图书馆通过运输工具彼此分享他们的书籍。一旦你要的书送到最近的分馆，他们会通过电子邮件通知你，你就可以去取了。）可知，通过合作网络连接的公共图书馆可以将读者想要的书籍送到附近的分馆，方便读者，读者因此受益。故选C项。
【2题详解】
细节理解题。根据文章第四段“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.”（当你安静地坐在一个角落里看一本好书的时候，你可能会发现带着你的小孩去听半个小时的故事是一件很轻松的事情。）可知，带小孩去听半个小时的故事，家长可以自己坐在一个角落安静地看书，享受自己安静看书的美好时光。故选B项。
【3题详解】
推理判断题。根据文章总领段第一段“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.”（你上次去公共图书馆是什么时候？如果是这样，你可能会惊讶地发现，图书馆已经变得更好了。）以及“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.”（它们已经把自己变成了一个可以在那里培养自己对知识的热爱，结识有趣的人，或者找到如何创业方法的地方。），再结合下文所罗列的现代公共图书馆的提升与改善可知，文章的意图主要是介绍已改善的公共图书馆服务。故选C项。
