This week's question:
I saw that National Library week is coming up in April, and that led to some questions. How often do you use your public library and how do you use it? Has the coffeehouse/bookstore replaced the library? Did you go to the library as a child? Do you have any particular memories of the library? Do you like sleek, modern, active libraries or the older, darker, quiet, cozy libraries?
My Answer:
I'm at the library alot. I mainly use it for DVDs and audio books. Sometimes if I don't want to wait for a paperback release, I'll get a hardcover from the library (I don't want to spend money on the hardcover).
Recently I saw a piece on the news which said libraries were getting busier and busier lately. Due to the economy crisis, people are unable to buy as many books as they used to. Unfortunately, I still go to the bookstore...it's my favorite place to kill my hour lunch at work. From what I've noticed, the bookstores are still busy and the library is busy too.
I did go to the library as a child, but I don't really have any special memories about it. At least nothing comes to mind right now. Oddly enough, I wasn't much of a reader as a child, I was (and still am) a TV-aholic.
I like the sleek modern libraries because they have more of a selection. I don't stay in the library to read so the ambience of the library doesn't really matter to me. I just want a place that has a good selection.
MySpace Comments and Thursday Comments
I am sure I would like our book store more if it only was bigger, and had more English books.
ReplyDeleteI'll just stick with the library
Our library doesn't carry DVD's or audio books but yes, that would be the best use. Audio books are expensive.
ReplyDeleteI use the library as much as possible these days, but I agree that from all appearances the bookstores aren't suffering much. I guess it depends on whether all those people hanging out actually buy anything.
ReplyDeleteI always was a library user, and, now, as a librarian, I'm at the library 5-6 days a week. I even use the branch near my house on weekends when I don't work at my own branch.
ReplyDeleteBut, my parents always took us to the library, and libraries feel like home. I can get almost anything I want there - even when library budgets are hurting. It's just so ironic that we're busier than ever, but we're losing staff and budgets to cutbacks.
And, I've always liked the cozy, homier libraries.
Lesa
http://lesasbookcritiques.blogspot.com
I don't stay in a library to read either, and I also use books on tape for car travel.
ReplyDeleteI used to borrow DVDs as well, but the late fees are crazy. Something like a dollar a day here. Too much pressure to be on time.
ReplyDeleteI've given you the Zombie Chicken Award! Grab it here, at Should Be Reading. :D
ReplyDelete~MizB
I get almost all my audio books from the library.
ReplyDeleteWell, yes, the selection is really what counts, but I like the feel of an old traditional library.
ReplyDeleteOur library has got much better with its selection of books. They now have a bestseller selection which you can have out for a week.
ReplyDeleteI was such a magnet to libraries when I was young. I still remembered that sensation of getting my library card---that felt so privileged and special!
ReplyDeleteI love reading my own books at the library these days! :)
I'm the same as you. I like using the library for audios especially as they are so expensive and new releases that I don't want to spend the big bucks on. I do like to just go and browse and sit a while too though.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE, love the library--always have. My mother took me to the library every Saturday(older ones with character) when we were kids and I was so greedy, coming out of there with my arms full.
ReplyDeleteMy town library is very well stocked, and is always a busy place(they need a bigger parking lot) and in such a small state--the inter-library loan sytem works well and quickly, so I can get any book I want, usually.
I go to the library once a week, usually on Friday on my way home from work, to choose a DVD and some books for thr weekend.
Interesting topic and I like reading other blogger's views about the library.
My favorite possession when I was young was my library card; in fact it still is. I remember when I got my adult library card, the library was basically divided in half with the children's section on the right, everything else on the left with the circulation desk in the middle. I'll never forget the feeling I had the day I walked over to the 'other side' and could take out adult books-it was kinda of like the movie The Wizard of Oz when the film went from B&W to color and she walked out of her house into an unknown world - that's what it felt like : D
ReplyDeleteI don't stay at the library to read, either, but that's mostly because my two little monkeys would wreak havoc on the place in seconds. :)
ReplyDeleteIt'd be great if books were making a come back, but I'm not convinced books are what's keeping the libraries and bookstores busy (probably the DVDs and CDs both carry now).
ReplyDeleteI like going to the library too, but always end up grabbing too many books! lol
ReplyDeletehttp://thebookworm07.blogspot.com/