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I mind the way they are now they could at least put them in the meeting room and have a door that shuts. I like a quiet library not one full of kidos running around and screaming and these are children old enough to know about the library being a quiet place .
What I do mind is the whittling down of the actual books.
Well, one has to "whittle down" actual books to make room for the bazillions of computer workstations in the Internet cafe as well as the ginormous (usually a full floor) children's room which is more for playing than reading as well as community meeting rooms for this and that and increasingly, in our own town library, political activism reflecting the left-leaning views of the local "Friends of the Library." And why not if no one reads anymore? The red movie box, however, always has a long line! Pretty sure that feature is safe.
Well, one has to "whittle down" actual books to make room for the bazillions of computer workstations in the Internet cafe as well as the ginormous (usually a full floor) children's room which is more for playing than reading as well as community meeting rooms for this and that and increasingly, in our own town library, political activism reflecting the left-leaning views of the local "Friends of the Library." And why not if no one reads anymore? The red movie box, however, always has a long line! Pretty sure that feature is safe.
Why do you assume "no one reads anymore" - gosh just try to get on the waitlist for popular books. People can and do enjoy a variety of activities including reading AND film, as well as internet (after all, here you are) for both fun and research. People who read tend to be people who like to expand their horizons - reading is only one way to do that.
Meetings are by reservation and available to anyone, not just "left leaning".
Why do you assume "no one reads anymore" - gosh just try to get on the waitlist for popular books. People can and do enjoy a variety of activities including reading AND film, as well as internet (after all, here you are) for both fun and research. People who read tend to be people who like to expand their horizons - reading is only one way to do that.
Meetings are by reservation and available to anyone, not just "left leaning".
This sounds like a "get off my lawn" rant.
Statistically, many fewer people read today than in the past due to competing "entertainment" and means of gathering information; I don't think that can be disputed.
And I refer to library-sponsored community events; not private meetings.
Statistically, many fewer people read today than in the past due to competing "entertainment" and means of gathering information; I don't think that can be disputed.
And I refer to library-sponsored community events; not private meetings.
Now, get off my lawn!
Well, there are a larger variety of ways to obtain information (including the internet) - and a larger variety of ways even to read for pleasure. Libraries have ebooks and books on "tape" etc to reach a larger number of readers. It doesn't mean fewer books are available - they might just take up less room than previously. That space can be utilized in a variety of ways.
I haven't seen my library hosting taxpayer subsidized political activism. Can you provide an example of that?
Mine recently hosted "Meet the Candidates." For whatever reason, they were all of one persuasion (that, and there's no mistaking it, of the president of our FOL association). Now, in perfect synch with the Mexican march, we're having Latin Culture Appreciation Day. And so it goes... Snacks are always provided. I doubt if anyone's paying that out of pocket...
I realize libraries are for education, but... Re-education?
Well, one has to "whittle down" actual books to make room for the bazillions of computer workstations in the Internet cafe as well as the ginormous (usually a full floor) children's room which is more for playing than reading as well as community meeting rooms for this and that and increasingly, in our own town library, political activism reflecting the left-leaning views of the local "Friends of the Library." And why not if no one reads anymore? The red movie box, however, always has a long line! Pretty sure that feature is safe.
Actually, no. I've seen libraries that whittle down the books, even when the computer space or children's space remains the same. I can't tell you how angry it makes me just to see empty shelves.
Mine recently hosted "Meet the Candidates." For whatever reason, they were all of one persuasion (that, and there's no mistaking it, of the president of our FOL association). Now, in perfect synch with the Mexican march, we're having Latin Culture Appreciation Day. And so it goes... Snacks are always provided. I doubt if anyone's paying that out of pocket...
I realize libraries are for education, but... Re-education?
Are you involved with the Friends of the Libraries group? Have you voiced your concerns to the librarians?
but I fear one day the book itself will disappear and we all will be left with computers, tablets etc. nothing
paperbound.
Ten years ago, I would have said maybe this was a cause for concern, but I don't believe so anymore.
We have an onslaught of technology, and although magazines are dying, people still love physical books. They love the smell of books, the feel of books, the sensation of turing a page, the anticipation they get when they open a book, and the satisfaction they get when they close it for the last time. Real books can be shared and displayed and taken places where it is not practical to take an electronic device. (In the bathtub or the beach, for example).
People also love book stores!!
The one thing I do love, is how the "iPod" has made audio books much more approachable and personal. Audio books are a huge part of my life--but even so I still have physical books, such as cookbooks, gardening books, and novels I find on sale.
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