Collegiate Times

You'd probably prefer that the word 'library' stayed out of your vernacular during the summer months, but when you're bored and broke, your local library could be your biggest ally.

The Montgomery-Floyd Regional Libraries include those in Blacksburg and Christiansburg. Many libraries have programs for free or on the cheap that don't even require a book.

"A lot of our programs are drop in," said Sarah Gordon, the youth service manager for Blacksburg Public Library. This means that even if you haven't owned a library card since you read the Hardy Boys, you'll be good to go.

Video games

If your roommate with the Wii went home for the summer, you don't need to wait until August to get your gaming fix.

A regular feature is the Game On! program every second and fourth Friday.

Gamecube and Wii consoles are available for games like Dance Dance Revolution and Rock Band. The featured games depend on the demand, so bring your friends and ask for a game as a group.

This is available at both the Blacksburg Public Library and the Christiansburg Public Library at varied times.

Movies

With a library card, DVDs can be rented at the Blacksburg Public Library, but the library shows movies, as well.

The Blacksburg Public Library holds a "Reel Fun Movie" every month. While the movies lean toward the PG side of the rating scale, the next movie is "Confessions of a Shopoholic" on June 29.

The Radford Public Library strays from the mainstream. This summer, the library will showcase one "really, really bad movie" each month, said Library Technician Dave Banker. The event is called "Bad Movies and Free Popcorn."

 June's movie was "Santa Claus Conquers the Martians." July's movie will be "Teenagers in Outerspace" and August's will be the 1960's version of "Little Shop of Horrors."

To avoid paying the fee to play a movie with a copyright, Banker perused all the public-domain movies, and decided to pick some of the worst available. He hopes that the free popcorn and air conditioning will beckon some viewers.

"Most aren't good, even on an ironic level," Banker said of the movies available through public domain. "But some are gems."

Book clubs

If you like to read, there are book clubs available through MFRL.

A book is chosen for a monthly meeting, and anyone who would like to join the discussion can read the book before the meeting. Coffee and pastries are provided, and a book club leader has discussion questions planned.

"Each library has their own sort of flavor to their books program," said Linda Spivey of MFRL, so do some research. The MFRL Web site lists each library's monthly book. If you're itching to read a book but want some ideas, join a book club for a month.

Special seminars

Beyond entertainment, Blacksburg Public Library holds monthly alternative-health sessions led by local professionals in its "Natural Healthcare" program.

July's session focuses on "Reiki," a Japanese healing method. Spivey called this one of the "very successful" programs at the library.

Virginia Tech will team up with the area's libraries to conduct seminars to improve job skills. You can get help with your resume or interview skills.

Volunteering

You won't get paid, but if your parents are on your case about finding something to do while in Blacksburg, all libraries accept applications for volunteers.