[README] Is the Public Library Obsolete? - Comments Page 1

this is like the Night of the Living Dead - it just won't go away. our public library is of vital necessity, and provides access and information to people who would not otherwise so benefit. as a heavy-duty library user, I have two or three audio books out, two or three print books out, and two or three videos out. what's good about the video loan is - I can see if its worthwhile to buy the video first. please do not allow desecration of our public libraries!

WOW, I haven't been in a library in years and I am SSSOOOOO happy to read about the health of public libraries.

They are a necessary resource for the community.

It is rare when I do not have something checked out, book, ebook, video. I also have more than 1000 saved items of interest in my library account. I get a couple newsletters with free or low cost books and they often identify something I find in the Phoenix library system. I keep thinking I should unsubscribe from newsletters since my library "saved list" is so long, but ...

I reside in NYC and have NEtflix, etc., but still enjoy Kanopy and the multitude of other services offered by our libraries. Whether getting away from the heat,people,or just seeing whats new, I always try to stop in. Long live the Library!!!!

I may be prejudiced because I HATE reading books, articles etc. on a screen. There is nothing like the feel of a good, solid book in your hand.
Outside of this, the Public Library is a place to interact with real live people. A refuge from the world. That familiar "library scent" is comforting to say the least. Aren't we isolating ourselves from each other enough?
It has been proven that reading from a screen as opposed to an actual book results in less comprehension. Our brains aren't on one track, and the entire physical experience of touching, interacting with the physical attributes of a real object and the scent of paper and ink creates better comprehension and an entirely different experience from staring at all these stupid screens all day. In other words, ain't nothin' like the real thing. If libraries were to disappear it would be a sad loss for we humans and would provide future isolation from each other.

First, as a librarian, I wonder what surveys you are reading that suggest there is less library use. I’ll the professional reading I peruse says just the opposite as your article describes. Surprisingly, the popularity of print books is soaring over ebooks so the report of the book was definitely premature. Many studies show better retention when reading hard copy of materials as well. In Ohio, we are fortunate to have well-funded libraries that are ranked the best in the nation by Library Journal. Our public libraries are the Peoples’ University, which is the slogan of Cleveland Public. Our democracy depends on freedom of information and freedom to read. Our libraries level the playing field for all citizens and lower the digital divide. Long live public, school, and college libraries staffed by professional librarians!

I'm happy to report that our public library is doing an outstanding job of remaining relevant and providing the services everyone needs in the digital age. In fact, our library is one of the most exciting cultural resources around, with lots of events and activities of interest for all, from kids to adults.

Libraries, librarians, and the Friends of Libraries are fighting back against closures in the UK. Our writers' group meets in a local library. We held a Murder Mystery night there recently (another coming up in another local library). One or two have a cafe attached. Some months ago we held a book-launch in the library. My partner and I usually have around 10 books between us out on loan. There is a heartening constant footfall in the libraries we know of. From both a social and educational as well as entertainment viewpoint they are essential! We'll fight to keep them.

Although I use e-books and do a lot of research online, e-books will never completely replace paper ones, and there is no substitute for a good librarian when you need one.

My library also offers entertainment by local artists, great children's programs and just about any movie that's available on DVD.

I can't imagine doing without it, and every time I visit, the parking lot is nearly full. I don't think libraries are going away, nor should they. Supplemented by the internet, which many access at the library, they meet vital needs very well.

Great article, Bob. We have the same situation in the UK. Here’s a short talk about the value of libraries by one of Britain’s best crime writers: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0005fb0

If I don't make at least one or two treks to our local library each week, I go into literary withdrawal symptoms.
It is not only a vital resource, but serves as a community meeting place for one and all.
Whether it is a book, DVD, or an out-of-town newspaper, the local library is a very special place for me.

I too wonder what surveys you refer to when you say people are using libraries less and less.

The to major library systems I use are both innovatingly active to bring viable services to their users. Not only in the area of books, magazines, and news, but with leading technology access also. I see a continued growth mode rather than a shrinking consumer base.

It makes better sense for the local government to fund learning opportunities for its citizens especially to offset the increasing failures of school systems to adequately educate.

I read ebooks, but prefer real books. I have been an avid reader and library user for decades, so I have been able to see them evolve.

I volunteer at our public library once a week, and it is used a lot! I help process books that are checked in, and so I see what people of all ages are reading. I'm happy to see that lots of children's books are checked out, so I know there are future readers out there.

Our library has been updated to things this blog stated. They archived reference section to make room for seating area .Has movie day for seniors day etc.

I live in Toronto. Our library has 100 branches and is thriving with all the bells and whistles that you describe. I don't use it as much as I once did because I find it hard to get out but I use it online a lot. One important thing it does is to provide computers for people who don't have one.

As an avid internet user, I make use of lots of the 'free' information available on web, and I often get annoyed by media behind paywalls. However, I do recognize that somebody has to pay for all that 'free' stuff, so I am not upset by those that insist on getting compensated for their work.
Unfortunately, I do not have the means to subscribe to all the media I would like to enjoy, so my solution is to visit our library to enjoy all those subscriptions that the library pays for. The publishers and authors get compensated, the library gets used, and I get to read and feel the real publications guilt free. Win-win for all!

As a former librarian, I am so glad to see that you are promoting the library as a vital place. Libraries are places we need and most importantly, libraries are places that people love.

Bookstores haven't disappeared yet either. :-|

I prop up a book behind my breakfast. Ditto snacks, lunch, and supper. Makes for easy reading. I'm a snob, so I don't bother with fiction, except for my 60-year-old science fiction magazines, which I am re-reading before selling. The nonfiction from the library has given me an education almost as good as all my schooling -- maybe better, being up-to-date and honest.

We need Congressional appropriations for libraries, big ones. 70% federal block-grant funding, 30% local.