The library

[pacergal]

I love books-- I was a nerdy introvert kid who was (and still remain) a voracious reader. I used to read our encyclopedias when unable to get to the local library! DH and I visit our local library once a week. I am just now starting to use digital versions, but really much prefer a hardback copy.

[scrabbler1]

I have always liked libraries, going back to when I was a kid. I worked in my Jr. high school and high school libraries when I was a teenage and later on my local public library as a page for nearly 2 years - it was my first real job.


That good relationship with my local public library paid some dividends when I needed to take out magazines when I was writing some term papers while in college. I'd research the mags at the college library (which didn't allow mags to be removed from the library) then take them out from the local library (and they let me borrow them for 4 weeks even though the limit was 2).


I also worked as a page in my college library for a year. I had a strange class schedule as a senior and they were very flexible in letting me work my hours. They like having someone who already had prior experience as a page.


I didn't use my local libraries a lot when I was working full-time in the 1980s and 1990s. But knowing my way around a public library was always helpful. In the 2000s, when I began working part-time, I had more time to read and took out a lot of books, a practice which only increased after I ERed.


And thanks to technology, I have made better use of my county's overall library system. This includes using their website to request and renew books. They even requested for me a book outside the county's library system.


When I have had PC problems over the years, I was able to use my local library's internet to stay connected. I once had some problems when I had a newer version of Excel installed on a new PC and some old Excel spreadsheets became unusable. I was able to call up those files on the library's PC and resave them in an Excel version compatible with my new PC.


My local library has online access to a newspaper database which I could access even from home, another nice feature.


I never cease to find more ways to use my local library system to help enhance my quality of life, a no extra charge.

[pb4uski]

Quote:

Originally Posted by scrabbler1 .... I never cease to find more ways to use my local library system to help enhance my quality of life, a no extra charge.

It seems that some geezers (not you scrabbler 1) have been particularly innovative in finding ways to use their local library to enhance their quality of life.

We had the issue arise in a neighboring community a couple years ago of people with no internet access using library computers to watch porn... or worse.... sometimes even within the earshot of children's areas.

I thought it was outrageous but libraries have trouble regulating it. Some libraries that have put filters in place to prevent porn have been challenged by geezers on first amendment grounds. Crazy world.

[Potstickers]

I'm a library fan...but please remember that most libraries need financial donations to support programs and services. You can probably contribute to the Library Foundation or Friends of the Library Group and get a tax deduction as well.

Donations to our library's foundation pay for the summer reading program, concerts, adult programs, films, and many programs and activities for seniors. It also funds proof-of-concept like book-club-in-a-bag (15 copies of a book that can be checked out for your book club's use) and many author talks.

Taxes pay the day to day running expenses for most libraries. Most of the extra goodies come from donations.

If you're so inclined, naming your local public library foundation/Friends group in your will can also make a huge difference. Our local history services are substantially supported because of the forethought of several wonderful folks who left us bequests.

[Meadbh]

Quote:

Originally Posted by donheff I almost never buy books. I put library holds online and pick them up or download when ready. I just wish the library would keep a data base of my reading accessible so I could confirm whether I already read something. Decades ago they did but stopped when governments abused the information to investigate peoples' reading habits.

You could use Goodreads for that. Currently, I have listed almost 450 books I've read (some of which I've reviewed) and over 50 on my to-read list.

I totally agree that libraries are one of the most valuable public services, for all the reasons stated.

[MichaelB]

Quote:

Originally Posted by braumeister Just one of the blessings of living in this society.

Yea verily.

As a middle school student we were taught how to use the library reference section to do research. Our town was small but the library system could borrow almost any publication. It is an incredible, enabling resource and a critical component of my education. I was reminded of just how important it can be when we moved abroad - my children did not have access to one.

Now I use two, regularly.

[Walt34]

Like many, I always enjoyed the access to libraries and all the books/magazines they had. My parents always encouraged reading; our house had built-in bookcases that were always overloaded with books. Although on a limited budget for entertainment we had two sets of encyclopedias.

And yes, I was one of those who would often take a book and a flashlight to bed when I was told to stop reading and go to sleep.

[braumeister]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Potstickers Donations to our library's foundation pay for the summer reading program, concerts, adult programs, films, and many programs and activities for seniors. It also funds proof-of-concept like book-club-in-a-bag (15 copies of a book that can be checked out for your book club's use) and many author talks.

Sometimes those extra programs can be surprising. Here's an example:

Our local library learned that there was a real need for clean underwear in schools. Children can need a clean pair due to accidents at school or issues at home. Since the parents can't bring a clean one to the school when it's needed, it can mean missed classroom time. So our library has an ongoing program to provide them. 30 to 100 pair a month are used in the county. Not something you would normally think of donating, but much appreciated.

[Chuckanut]

The Library is a good friend of mine and one I fully support.

[Marathoner]

Adding my voice to the choir. I am a heavy library user. Not only does it save me money, but it helps to prevent clutter in my house (though I do still have too many books.) And my local library system also has The Great Courses/Teaching Company products available for check out (my prior system did not.) It's great!

[scrabbler1]

My library has a book sale every year, so I can buy some really good used books for $1 each. This has caused me to struggle finding space on my bookshelves to put these books, and I buy only 2 or 3 a year this way.

[ohyes]

As a youngster, I remember a snippet of a conversation my dad was having with another guy about taxes. My dad commented that there were two taxes he always voted for --schools and libraries.

That had nothing to do with me working as a public school librarian for thirty+ years, but I have always been proud that he thought like that. And, I have voted likewise.

The whole premise of libraries and how they work has always amazed me. What a great idea.

[Nemo2]

Quote:

Originally Posted by scrabbler1 My library has a book sale every year, so I can buy some really good used books for $1 each. This has caused me to struggle finding space on my bookshelves to put these books, and I buy only 2 or 3 a year this way.

Our library has an associated used bookstore operated by volunteers....we buy used books there regularly, and re-donate them there, or to a thrift store, or to friends, when we're done......there's currently a stack of unread ones at each of our bedside tables.

[GalaxyBoy]

Yes, love the library.

Loved it more when it was a quiet place to be able to concentrate. Now, the librarians make so much noise chatting and laughing it's hard to sit and read. They built a beautiful new branch not far from me and installed computers in the kids area where they play video games with the sound turned all the way up.

Sorry, that should be in the pet peeve thread. But I really DO still love the library. I just have to either read at home or search for a less-noisy corner to hide in.

[Bestwifeever]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GalaxyBoy Yes, love the library. Loved it more when it was a quiet place to be able to concentrate. Now, the librarians make so much noise chatting and laughing it's hard to sit and read. They built a beautiful new branch not far from me and installed computers in the kids area where they play video games with the sound turned all the way up. Sorry, that should be in the pet peeve thread. But I really DO still love the library. I just have to either read at home or search for a less-noisy corner to hide in.

Our library has quiet nooks but more importantly it has a dedicated quiet room with a quietly closing soundproof door. The only sounds are pages being turned.

We joined Friends of the Library at an event. A $25 membership fee but even better that's it--no newsletter, no appeals for money or labor. I know the group underwrites some activities but there must be some deep pockets somewhere.

I think of the library as the tax dollars that everyone can take advantage of if they wish. Most of them seem to provide what their community and frequent patrons want.

[EastWest Gal]

Public libraries...another reason to be grateful for Ben Franklin's contributions to the world.

[RetireAge50]

I used to go to the library and like others here enjoyed it. Now I don't use it much at all as any information I need is available in my pocket.

Also around here the libraries have gotten out of control. The voters keep passing huge library budgets so they double and triple the size of the library building with about the same amount of books. There is even an entire skyscraper library downtown.

[Calico]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GalaxyBoy Yes, love the library. Loved it more when it was a quiet place to be able to concentrate. Now, the librarians make so much noise chatting and laughing it's hard to sit and read. They built a beautiful new branch not far from me and installed computers in the kids area where they play video games with the sound turned all the way up. Sorry, that should be in the pet peeve thread. But I really DO still love the library. I just have to either read at home or search for a less-noisy corner to hide in.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bestwifeever Our library has quiet nooks but more importantly it has a dedicated quiet room with a quietly closing soundproof door. The only sounds are pages being turned. We joined Friends of the Library at an event. A $25 membership fee but even better that's it--no newsletter, no appeals for money or labor. I know the group underwrites some activities but there must be some deep pockets somewhere. I think of the library as the tax dollars that everyone can take advantage of if they wish. Most of them seem to provide what their community and frequent patrons want.

Another huge library fan here! We have an excellent library in my county; I was there this afternoon picking up a book I put on hold via my online account yesterday while the library was closed for the holiday.

The kids' section in our library has several computers available, but each one has headphones attached to it, and the kids use them. That is not to say that room as a whole is quiet - it is not - it is very lively! I guess the general chatter of the kids in the room does not bother me, because any time a kid has a book in their hand versus a phone or a video game is a huge plus in my opinion.

If I want absolute silence, our library also has a large, glass-enclosed reading room downstairs where no sound is permitted - no conversation, no phones, no computers. Pure heaven! I expect to spend a lot more time there when I retire.

[Winter]

Another library lover here. Just returned from another book run and am eager to dive in to what I checked out. I got enough new material to last me a few weeks which is nice when it is so cold outside. We have a young new director and she has been wonderful. She has brought so many programs and fun into our library. It is a small one but is just incredible.

[Focus]

It's gratifying to see so many other library supporters here. The library has bookended my life -- it was my sanctuary as a kid, and now I'm using it actively as a retiree.

Quote:

Originally Posted by RetireAge50 I used to go to the library and like others here enjoyed it. Now I don't use it much at all as any information I need is available in my pocket.

It's true that in terms of research the web has largely supplanted our libraries, but I remain grateful for many things the library system provides, including:

• E-books
• Free music downloads
• Free access to the Consumer Reports site
• Free access to genealogy sites
• Passes to local museums

All of the above are obtained electronically, which points to the main question for modern libraries: To what extent should they remain brick and mortar? I recently answered a lengthy survey from the library system, and it's clear that they're in the process of actively redefining their role in the internet age.