[READ] Are Public Libraries Obsolete? - Comments Page 1

I go to my local library more now then ever. They are a wealth of resources, not just books. They have so many community activities for adults and children alike. They have regular books, e-books, e-book readers, laptops, etc. available for checkout to library patrons. I can't even begin to list everything available. They have definitely evolved with the times!

Good report. My wife and I go to our local library about once a week. She's into mystery novels; I'm interested in the old phone directories. The entire history of the local telephone exchange is right then in the format of the phone numbers:
- Manual ("number please")
- Strowger step-by-step switching.
- Electronic switching.

Our Cincinnati and Hamilton County Library has evolved and can support all the items mentioned from the Pew Report. Its staff is competent, knowledgeable, warm, friendly, and helpful. If legislators EVER take any action to do away with our library I will take an active part in defending our library system.

I am 85. I can still remember the librarian who, 80 years ago, told me I was a good reader and was careful with books, and I could go into the adult section of the library. I felt like a million dollars that day! Today, when I go to the library I see current librarians helping all ages in the same caring manner, and the services are so greatly expanded: computer stations, wifi access to the internet, and at our main library the technology center you described.

Did I mention I think our library is outstanding?

Better read than dead!

The Denver library system even lends museum passes! Yes, you can check out a day pass to half a dozen of the city's museums for up to two weeks. There aren't a lot of such passes to lend so the waiting list is long, but that's another example of innovative service to the community.

Hi Bob. Public libraries know they are under attack from government officials. They are working hard to stay relevant. They know they serve a purpose in our society. It's not all about storing books. Many homeless people use the libraries all the time. It's good to read what Denver is doing. Instead of buying books for my book club, I take them out from the library. My tax dollars buy those books! I'm getting a return on my tax dollars! How novel (no pun intended)!

I simply love my local libraries, always have. These days the Orange County, CA library system has a wealth of audio and ebooks books available online, thousands of books. I listen to 2 or 3 books every week.

Anyone who loves libraries should read a book I just read, THIS BOOK IS OVERDUE, How Librarians and Cybrarians Can Save Us All by Marilyn Johnson. She researched the current state of libraries in other countries as well as the US. It is fascinating the indispensable purpose they serve to us all.

I can say the same for Columbus Public Library. We could not survive without them. I am there at least 2 times a week. They have everything I need. I never need their internet much because I have a network of computers and tablets on a 17Mega pixel at home(according to WOW). I also used a digital sight hook to the library to watch movies over the internet.

I will sure bat for out library, especially the South High Branch which is not far from home. The library is a special part of my community. It is never empty, even when closing time is near.

When an internet search for an attorney was frustrated by the typical "We will call you with the information in one to two days." reply.

It took a human at first library to locate the paper copy of the yellow pages as that library had only the internet version of the phone book.

A trip to the second library to use the paper yellow pages got the phone number of an attorney with an appointment in one hour. This proved the use of paper resources was far superior to the internet.

This proved one thing about libraries, before you go there find out if they have the paper version of what you need, else you may be
chasing your tail.

Our local library (small city of 10,000) is an important resource for many. Not everyone can afford their own access to the internet and libraries help to bridge the digital divide.

Bravo for sticking up for the library. Our central library is very friendly, and I read up to three books concurrently (one in the bathroom, one on the dining table, and one in the car). I only wish our local would do more about web-design, but I have two colleges at hand, so I am not desperate!

Excellent article and great comments. Our local library also has videos and CDs for loan and a book store where you can donate books, videos, and CDs and patrons can purchase at a nominal cost. Great snack bar with beverages and rooms with guest speakers coming in to make presentations on various topics. Can reserve books on line and just come in to pick them up.

The library system has a website called Hoopla Digital which just requires your library card number to access. It has all sorts of digital streaming media. www.hoopladigital.com

I can read or listen to eBooks, magazines and see movies downloaded from the Yuma library. Classes of all kinds go on every week. Visitors or people who don't have computers can access the Internet in comfortable chairs. Librarians are very helpful and knowledgable about lots of things. Could not do without that resource.

the brentwood tn. library is not only excellent, but well used. my favorite there is a quiet reading area, well furnished, with a large fireplace where on a winter's day one can read to excess and just enjoy the experience. money well spent. ggp

The public libraries in the Tampa Bay Region of Florida offer many of the things that the Denver library does. Due to funding, Denver offers more. But, I Am A continuing member of my local library. I hope local governments have enough sense to continuously support public libraries across the country.

Our local library makes it possible to access information and services online. At home I just go to lib.de.us, then enter my library card number, and I have some fifty magazines available to read.

Our community (Larimer County in Colorado) created a 3 mil property tax to specifically support our library system - the library system was that important to our area. With this funding they have been able to keep up with technology and changes and provide a wide assortment of services. We are very happy with our library system.

Our Omaha Libraries are always busy. I go there often and it seems like something is always going on. Especially in the summer and when kids are out of school. Reading programs are an important activity. Every time the city tries to cut spending for the library the citizens of the city protest.

David - that is awesome! I am from the Denver area, and I had no idea that the library did that! Thank you for the tip.

Sadly, my smallish community (~41,000) of Montrose County just narrowly rejected a property tax hike to fund the re-opening of our library on Saturdays - now, it is closed on Fridays as well. Libraries are doing a great job of staying relevant with technology – I am sorry that my community did not want to increase funding, but I am grateful to have access to such a wonderful resource. I take my kids often – my older one is starting to do research papers now, and we check out many books for fun and research. On-line check-outs are very handy, too.