As we know it foretold by CNN. First it was the demise of the printed word (newspapers, magazines & books) which follows that libraries, in their current state, are on their last breath too.
I don't know about you, but as of right now, I have at least 14 items on loan from my county library system, only one of which is a non-book (Nacho Libre DVD).
Every time I go to my local branch, it is jam-packed with people. Granted, a good number are there to access the Internet either via the free wi-fi or to use the library's own portals. However, there are still many patrons reading newspapers and magazines and checking out books. The last time I visited, the self checkout machines (all three) were busy and there was a line for the live person checkout as well. And this was on a weeknight.
Although I live in a county that is considered to have a well-read population, my particular town is considered to be the equivalent of the boonies. We don't even have a bookstore. The fact that the town library is very busy seems to run counter to the CNN story.
How's your library doing? Check its pulse lately?
How crazy! My library, I am guessing, is doing just fine. I'm there often, especially since this economic downturn. I can't BUY all the books I want, so I'll rent them from the library.
ReplyDeleteI'm heading over to the CNN article now to find out what the death of the library is all about....
Precisely - with the economic downturn, people are looking to more affordable means of entertainment. Buying books is one of those means, and those who can't afford to buy as many books go to the library.
ReplyDeleteI'm terrified that in the next few years library's much live video rental stores will cease to exists...I know it's only a matter of time before books are majorly sold as e-books...its my worst nightmare. :(
ReplyDeleteSadly I never go to the library unless I want to do some research on a particular topic. It's just more convenient to get the book I want to read at the moment without having to wait in the hold lineup. Also with my own copy of the book, I can read it at my own pace without feeling guilty that I am making others wait for me to finish.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you wrote a post about libraries. Yay! People have turned more to my library with the economic downturn, unfortunately the cut funding prevents us from offering the services that they would like. It is funding that will close the libraries, not their lack of use.
ReplyDeleteAnd as for eBooks? My professional opinion is we have nothing to fear on the score. Cassettes and CDs did not outsource the print books. Neither will any other electronic format. It will just provide more options for people to use. Email, texting, Facebook, and Twitter haven't stopped us from using snail mail. (Not me, any how!)
The library is TOO busy in my town. They have just begun fundraising in order to be a second location on our south end. Hurray!
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