Fulton County adding 8 libraries (Atlanta, Washington: house, school, camp)

[MathmanMathman]

Fulton County has begun building the first of 8 new libraries.

Fulton builds libraries as funding unsettled | www.ajc.com

Again, behind the pay wall.

But the story suggests that Fulton County is uncertain about how to budget for their operation. I'm not too worried as it looks as if the Atlanta area and Fulton in particular are back to growing. But I don't see much of a need for more libraries. Maybe more in the under served North Fulton areas but Fulton County really should be closing and consolidating a lot of the libraries within the City of Atlanta and move more toward a virtual library system.

[AnsleyPark]

Originally Posted by MathmanMathman

Fulton County has begun building the first of 8 new libraries.

Fulton builds libraries as funding unsettled | www.ajc.com

Again, behind the pay wall.

But the story suggests that Fulton County is uncertain about how to budget for their operation. I'm not too worried as it looks as if the Atlanta area and Fulton in particular are back to growing. But I don't see much of a need for more libraries. Maybe more in the under served North Fulton areas but Fulton County really should be closing and consolidating a lot of the libraries within the City of Atlanta and move more toward a virtual library system.

Unfortunately, I think traditional tax payer funded library systems are becoming relics. I love libraries, don't get me wrong. But so much of what they were once intended to provide is now available online, on television, ebooks, etc. Do they make economic sense any longer? I know some things are worth having even though they don't make money...

[Mattie]

Originally Posted by AnsleyPark

I know some things are worth having even though they don't make money...

That's how I feel about libraries. The current situation in North Fulton is woefully inadequate. When our promised Milton branch opens next year, I think the community will rally behind it with fund raising efforts. The Friends of the Library formed a year ago, with no confirmed build, so I'm confident it will be supported.

[StAubin]

Libraries are still important in today's society. Interesting to note that I am currently in the Chicago Harold Washington Library and guess what? It is very busy. Library's are a great place to do research, they house many old public records, they are a place for lectures and exhibits, and you may find it hard to believe but some people don't have access to a computer or the Internet at home so they go to the library to use those computers.

[arjay57]

Libraries will be fine. They are in essence the coffee shops of the modern era. People go there for the free wifi, to surf the web and listen to music on headphones, to take naps and to do so in the presence of other people. If anything there will be a growing demand for these things.

[JPD]

Originally Posted by StAubin

Libraries are still important in today's society. Interesting to note that I am currently in the Chicago Harold Washington Library and guess what? It is very busy. Library's are a great place to do research, they house many old public records, they are a place for lectures and exhibits, and you may find it hard to believe but some people don't have access to a computer or the Internet at home so they go to the library to use those computers.

And more importantly, they have people working there who know how to access this information and lead you to whatever information you need. Search engines don't have that.

[Strangejelly]

Originally Posted by arjay57

Libraries will be fine. They are in essence the coffee shops of the modern era. People go there for the free wifi, to surf the web and listen to music on headphones, to take naps and to do so in the presence of other people. If anything there will be a growing demand for these things.

lol, wut

[ToucheGA]

My wife goes to the library every week to get 10 new books for our 3 year old's bedtime story time. There is no way we can do this on the internet (certainly not for free.) A library in our area recently closed its doors every Fri and Sun, due to budget cuts. Apparently, literacy is not a priority in our area.

[arjay57]

Originally Posted by Strangejelly

lol, wut

It's just the social nature of human beings. Sure, people could do that stuff at home, but go to any bookstore, coffee shop, library or even a Dunkin Donuts.

[Mal93]

Keep in mind that with the closing of the larger chain bookstores, communities lost a place for tutoring sessions, book clubs, etc. Smaller bookstores sometimes do not have the space for larger school groups. The Wolf Creek library will be an asset in the wake of the Barnes & Noble closing at Camp Creek. Plus its a stunning modern design!