Do you believe the era of public libraries is over?

fuzzybuddy

fuzzybuddy

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Location
The Sticks, Northeast PA.
I'm dyslexic, so reading is chore for me. It dawned on me that I haven't been in a public library in decades. I was wondering if public libraries are passe. You can get books on almost any device, today. And, most reference books are online. Do you think the era of public libraries is over?
As a sideline question:
It's "library"- L-I-B-R -A-R-Y, but do you call it, "libRary" or "libary"
For me, it's 'libary".
 

Not here in Toronto, which by the way has more public library branches than New York city has ( we have 99). The Toronto Library system is alive and well. They are a community resource and they have innovative programs like the " borrow our tools program " and the use of 3D printers and lessons on how to use them. English as a second language classes, job search programs , and cooking classes. JimB.
 

I hope not, I love our local libraries. The two I go to are great community assets and get a lot of use. One thing I notice is the computer stations they have set up are almost always in use by local residents. I assume these people don't have home wifi so use the libraries.

The library is also a meeting place for local clubs, knitters, quilters, book club, there's always something going on.

Oh and they have books, lots and lots of books, my favorite part!
 
As a former librarian for 10 years, libraries are going strong. It isn't simply offering book shelves lined with reading materials.
It's the oasis of many small communities where moms can bring their children for social reading times and interact with other small tots.
It's a place where teens can use tech tools, goggles, cafe tables to meet with friends while doing homework.
It's a place tutors meet with students outside the school after hours for needed help.
It's a place science programs, magician acts, zoo keepers, stretching routines, cooking classes, Alaskan sled racers, computers skills, painters, artists, book clubs, and a hundred more offerings on a week night or a Saturday morning are available for sign ups.
It's a haven for the homeless for a few hours to get warm in a study room, those who can't afford computers can use the library's for a time.
It's a place ...... the best place....any town or village can keep the community thriving.

No, libraries have a place in our lives no matter our age, race, religion, or interests.
 
Unfortunately yes..here in this part of the world anyway..we've lost so many beautiful Libraries and every one that's left has either been reduced in size, and is 1/2 laid out for computer use... or the library which remains in it's originally state is 3/4 laid out for computer use.

The Library is no longer the quiet study place it once was, and as a life long user and lover of the library I no longer go..

The lack of new books, the actual lack of care of older books .. the noise from dozens of computers, the NOISE from screaming children.. ( no longer do libraries have a quiet policy).. all mean the library is not the Haven it once was...

I pronounce it LibRary
 
Sounds like most of you have what libraries were meant to be.

I have always loved libraries & we can go online to borrow books from some neighboring counties. Libraries are important.

Sadly, our county has been spending money building new libraries like crazy, whether needed or not, including a new two-story main branch. My local building was around 35 years old with a 10-year-old metal room (storm damage replacement). No one seen a reason for a new one, but we were told it needed to be located next to the new school for kids. The library went from being in the near center by neighborhoods to the far edge of town.

A few ladies & I talked when it opened that we thought we would have at least the same number of books, but we had less. Our favorite cookbook section was cut in half. BUT, they installed an open playroom with toys for the kids to play with.

The last renewal levy passed by a small margin. This has me concerned about the future support.
 
hollydolly said:
Unfortunately yes..here in this part of the world anyway..we've lost so many beautiful Libraries and every one that's left has either been reduced in size, and is 1/2 laid out for computer use... or the library which remains in it's originally state is 3/4 laid out for computer use.

The Library is no longer the quiet study place it once was, and as a life long user and lover of the library I no longer go..

The lack of new books, the actual lack of care of older books .. the noise from dozens of computers, the NOISE from screaming children.. ( no longer do libraries have a quiet policy).. all mean the library is not the Haven it once was...

I pronounce it LibRary
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Describes our closest public library exactly ... people seem to go there only to socialize, or use the computers.
Books seem to have taken a back seat to the purpose of these buildings.
 
hollydolly said:
I love real books but the library isn't the place to go if you want the joy of choice and quiet.. so now I download books to my kindle..or buy Harback Books...
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It's too quiet at home these days, so I love the hustle-bustle of the library. I talk to other patrons, the librarians and especially the kids. I ask them about their books and recommend some.

One branch almost always has a big friendly golden retriever who just LOVES to hear about what you're reading, especially if a belly rub is included. I get a huge kick out of seeing a kid laying on the floor reading to the Golden, who is just totally fascinated with the whole plot.
 
I would have thought libraries were finished, but my favorite library spent over a million dollars in 2014 rebuilding and reinventing themselves. Ditto my hometown library which I never use due to poor parking. So I guess libraries are still hanging on for a while. It's great for people who love libraries, old skool books, reading groups and all they have to offer.
 
Our local is doing well. I only use online resources now because it’s too hard read paper print now. I miss going there.

In winter it’s used by the homeless. Unfortunately they had to remove the entrance door to the washrooms; they were being used for business purposes and staff were being threatened. I think that’s under control now after they brought in security.

Library.
 
Jules said:
Our local is doing well. I only use online resources now because it’s too hard read paper print now. I miss going there.

In winter it’s used by the homeless. Unfortunately they had to remove the entrance door to the washrooms; they were being used for business purposes and staff were being threatened. I think that’s under control now after they brought in security.

to
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My cousin worked at a library like that one. She was lucky enough to get a transfer to another one that is closer to her house which is good for her with our bad winters. She likes this one much better.
 
We have a county library system. Libraries in the different municipalities can access whatever they like from the others such as books and DVDs and have it delivered to a person's local library. I have a book ordered from another library now and I should get a call next week to pick it up. Access to what's in their collection is available online.

It's more than just books anymore as mentioned.
 
I worry about it; I live in a county as described above: one of the most re-relected, popular county supervisors said to a library patron who asked him to vote for a measure to ensure better funding for our woefully underfunded library, "The library! Not only will I not vote for more money for the library, but I figure that every moment the doors to that damn place are open means another drug dealer on the streets!" (Other things this guy has said make it clear he considers himself "Mr. Law & Order.")
 
chic said:
I would have thought libraries were finished, but my favorite library spent over a million dollars in 2014 rebuilding and reinventing themselves. Ditto my hometown library which I never use due to poor parking. So I guess libraries are still hanging on for a while. It's great for people who love libraries, old skool books, reading groups and all they have to offer.
Click to expand...
My local library which was in a Big beautiful Listed building.. was closed and moved to a tiny little basic box style store.. in the middle of some shops.....so the next town had a great big Library and theatre with plenty parking... then after a while they filled it with Computers.. and noisy children and people.. and no new books as I said previously.. but what finally put the nail in the coffin for most people, is that they closed the Car Park, so now no-one can get near the library, much less the disabled and elderly.. and have to drive 3/4 of a mile to the next public car park where everyone has to pay a premium price to park and then walk back up a hill to the Library... !
 

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