Do you still use your local library?

R

Rose65

Well-known Member
Location
United Kingdom
I no longer do, I used to go every month up until a few years ago. Now I buy books and love my kindle too.

Two main reasons. Firstly the nuisance of renewing and returning books, the pressure of feeling I must read them quickly. Secondly, too noisy there.
 

Absolutely. While it's nearly an hour's drive away, it's in the little city where we do some shopping every 10 days or so. As my wife is much more delighted with the process of shopping than I am, I usually spend 90 minutes or so in the library.

Online & TV info is fine, but depth is still offered in books. To look through what the librarians have put on the shelves, and from time to time borrow a book or two, is well worth it. Also, at our library they've graciously purchased certain books that I'd learned about, wanted to read, and recommended for acquisition.
 
I do still use our library, but I use the online part of it, and check out books to read on my Kindle app on the iPad Mini. They have a lot of books in that format, and you get to keep them for about 2 weeks, just like regular library books, but there is no need to go anywhere to return them once the loan expires.
There is an app called “Libby” which will connect a person to their local library (providing you also have a regular library card there), and then you can browse books and check out the ones you want, and put a hold on ones that are on a waiting list.
Since I have Kindle Unlimited, I mostly find the books I want to read in the Kindle library, and there is no designated return time with this way of borrowing books.
If a person reads a lot (I do !) then it is well worth having Kindle Unlimited. Since I much prefer reading to watching television, this is a worthwhile indulgence for me.
 
Sure do. On line and in person. Was just there yesterday. I stopped buying books about 20 years ago and donated nearly all of my collection at that time. Never looked back.

With over six million volumes and 72 branches throughout the City of Los Angeles, our public library is truly something to behold. The closest branch is about 3 miles from me, and there are at least two others within 5 miles.

Books (printed and e-versions) are generally lent for 3 week periods, but current best sellers are sometimes limited to 7 day loans.
 
I’m thankful for e-versions. Recently I tried a large print book and couldn’t deal with it. Got through 10 chapters and then ordered it in online. There was a waiting list. He’s a popular author and this book was from 2017 with six copies. I’m glad people are using the library in whatever form they choose.
 
Jules said:
I’m thankful for e-versions. Recently I tried a large print book and couldn’t deal with it. Got through 10 chapters and then ordered it in online. There was a waiting list. He’s a popular author and this book was from 2017 with six copies. I’m glad people are using the library in whatever form they choose.
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Whenever a vote comes up for additional library funds, my family all vote yes. We are all big library users and supporters.
 
We have some nice library branches here and the close one by my house is set on the edge of a large park.
When I worked downtown the main library was just 2 blocks away, so a nice way to spend a lunch hour.

I mostly do on-line books, but use the branch when I want to use the 'Ancestry' computers.

Love the annual book sale, I'm like a kid in a candy shop trying to decide which ones to take home!
 
I would like to use the library more but like the OP, I don't care for the pressure of reading the book in 2 wks. It makes it feel too much like a task instead of a hobby. Plus the homeless hang out there during the day. They are hateful to the rest of the patrons and they often hafta close the library and treat it for bed bugs. No desire to bring company home with me from the books.
 
Rose65 said:
I no longer do, I used to go every month up until a few years ago. Now I buy books and love my kindle too.

Two main reasons. Firstly the nuisance of renewing and returning books, the pressure of feeling I must read them quickly. Secondly, too noisy there.
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Gosh, remember when people only whispered in libraries? I guess those are days past.

I'm like you, I don't like the stress of having to read a book in a certain amount of time so I haven't utilized the library in many, many years. The local library has a Saturday book sale but I usually work Saturdays.
 
Sliverfox said:
Yes!
Books are too expenses & take up space.
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I agree with you on both counts. Donated some books recently. And they can be expensive. I want to re-read the Tony Hillerman books and have some. But only ones I've thrifted. Not sure what happened to all the original ones I had. I try to find as many as I can second hand and I'll buy new if needed. Like some cozy mystery series. I bought two new recently.
 
MarciKS said:
I would like to use the library more but like the OP, I don't care for the pressure of reading the book in 2 wks. It makes it feel too much like a task instead of a hobby. Plus the homeless hang out there during the day. They are hateful to the rest of the patrons and they often hafta close the library and treat it for bed bugs. No desire to bring company home with me from the books.
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Actually, I worry about second hand shops and bedbugs these days. I think library books could possibly also be a carrier. It's hard to know but it does put me off.
 
Often there is a loud singsong going on, with storytelling for children. All very nice but I find it hard to concentrate on finding books. I prefer the silence of times past.
 
Rose65 said:
Actually, I worry about second hand shops and bedbugs these days. I think library books could possibly also be a carrier. It's hard to know but it does put me off.
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yes they can. they had it so bad a couple times they were in the books and they had to shut down for a few days and fumigate or whatever they do & clean. i also don't buy anything at thrift stores here because of the bedbugs in this town.
 
Remy said:
Gosh, remember when people only whispered in libraries? I guess those are days past.

I'm like you, I don't like the stress of having to read a book in a certain amount of time so I haven't utilized the library in many, many years. The local library has a Saturday book sale but I usually work Saturdays.
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Why don't you just renew the book if you haven't finished? Unless it's on a wait list. NYC Public Libraries have cancelled all overdue fees in its effort to get more folks in. I don't return a book till I'm actually finished. If you're on a wait list for it, you can wait a few days more. We are given 3 weeks to read the books. I've been reading slower lately. Do Everything Slower lately!
 
Rose65 said:
too noisy there.
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Since it is still noisy I am pleased to know that your library is still well used. I love mine which is only 3 blocks away. The great thing about my library is I get to read the newspapers from nearby and far away cities. While the internet is great for variety it just does not have the depth nor grasp of local news that interests only a neighborhood.

Also, there are many meetings there of community groups and notices posted to the bulletin boards of community activities, events, and festivals that can't be found any where else. My local library truly serves as the community center for so many of us.

As for books, you are correct. They can be found more easily elsewhere, today. But, I still see kids doing their homework at the library and people sitting at tables reading the books when in the library.
 

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