packyderms_wife
Neither here nor there.
I don't make the rules. First wife's electric chair was huge and didn't turn sharply, so that may be the need for the spacing.
OT/MISC It’s Time to Take a Hard Look at Public Libraries
- Thread starter Cardinal
- Start date
I don't make the rules. First wife's electric chair was huge and didn't turn sharply, so that may be the need for the spacing.
packyderms_wife
Neither here nor there.
Local news Ch 13 in Des Moines are showing the damage from the tornado now, yikes. 
night driver
ESFP adrift in INTJ sea
Packy, it ain't but just started. See Ryan's link in the Weather Thread.
packyderms_wife
Neither here nor there.
I posted in the wrong thread by accident, this is what happens when one has multiple tabs open for chasing storms.
night driver
ESFP adrift in INTJ sea
'S what I figgered. Just spreading the awareness.
Our VERY small library has a good number of programs for adults and children and serves as a good meeting place for various groups. There is a tiny 'Friends of the Library' store for book purchase and the library also has a section for selling books, DVDs, etc. (mostly fiction). I think a priceless value of any library is the serendipitous discovery of a book or magazine with a topic that you had no interest in-that suddenly becomes fascinating, or at the very least makes you a more broadly informed person.
WanderLore
Veteran Member
Our little village library is right in town. We do things for all ages and I do the storytime on Thursdays (when able lately). I am reading them White Fang. We then do a fun craft or science project. After that, a snack and celebrate any birthdays. Then the kids play board games and/or play video games as a group. This is limited time for that. These are homeschool kids but we welcome public school kids if they are out for the day. We have a lot of fun.
Our new librarian is very much into welcoming everyone and having fun. We are all conservative and Trump supporters. Though not necessary. No shenanigans going on.
The computers already have safety controls on them somewhat.
In the event someone caused a ruckus and demanded some lgbt stuff, most of the village would voice objections and cease coming and voting for increases.
Our new librarian is very much into welcoming everyone and having fun. We are all conservative and Trump supporters. Though not necessary. No shenanigans going on.
The computers already have safety controls on them somewhat.
In the event someone caused a ruckus and demanded some lgbt stuff, most of the village would voice objections and cease coming and voting for increases.
This has been an interesting read. Lots of good points.
I spent 15 years of my working life as a librarian in a public library--primarily as a reference librarian. I am aware of some failings and some very positive accomplishments. I am also aware that some in leadership positions in the government saw it was a necessary evil, and some saw it as vital.
I was never aware it it being a particular homeless problem. There were "regulars" who "lived" there from opening till closing time, but for the most part they were elderly who were there because that was their routine. And, in the summer, because it had air conditioning. Most read at least something--newspapers. magazines. We were young and these people were something of a joke to us, but they were not a problem.
For many, we were their introduction to computers. In the 90s we switched from the card catalog to a computer, and we had to show people how to find their book. Recently my wife and I upgraded our computer from Windows 7 and attended a class at the library to bring us up to speed. But, I will say, that over the 30 years that I have worked or visited that library, the emphasis has moved from the printed word to the digital age. I know there are many now who only go there for the computers. Several years after I moved on from that job I returned as a part-time librarian. Many nights no on ever asked for help finding a book. They'd go right to the computer. Many were not even after a book.
Seems to me the library is a vital part of the school curriculum. I was never much involved with the youth outreach so cannot address that.
This community's biggest problem is that there is a state library and a public library. They both seem to have a place, but there does seem to be some redundancy. Certainly the role of the library is not what it was a generation or two ago. It has tried to remain relevant. and so has changed. Funding has always been an issue. Our staff was supported from public funds, but our building and some programs were paid for by significant donations from individuals from all walks of life. Most have been forgotten. The library raises money by selling donated used books. I have no idea the portion of its budget that represents, but it (and other volunteer programs) provides an activity.
I spent 15 years of my working life as a librarian in a public library--primarily as a reference librarian. I am aware of some failings and some very positive accomplishments. I am also aware that some in leadership positions in the government saw it was a necessary evil, and some saw it as vital.
I was never aware it it being a particular homeless problem. There were "regulars" who "lived" there from opening till closing time, but for the most part they were elderly who were there because that was their routine. And, in the summer, because it had air conditioning. Most read at least something--newspapers. magazines. We were young and these people were something of a joke to us, but they were not a problem.
For many, we were their introduction to computers. In the 90s we switched from the card catalog to a computer, and we had to show people how to find their book. Recently my wife and I upgraded our computer from Windows 7 and attended a class at the library to bring us up to speed. But, I will say, that over the 30 years that I have worked or visited that library, the emphasis has moved from the printed word to the digital age. I know there are many now who only go there for the computers. Several years after I moved on from that job I returned as a part-time librarian. Many nights no on ever asked for help finding a book. They'd go right to the computer. Many were not even after a book.
Seems to me the library is a vital part of the school curriculum. I was never much involved with the youth outreach so cannot address that.
This community's biggest problem is that there is a state library and a public library. They both seem to have a place, but there does seem to be some redundancy. Certainly the role of the library is not what it was a generation or two ago. It has tried to remain relevant. and so has changed. Funding has always been an issue. Our staff was supported from public funds, but our building and some programs were paid for by significant donations from individuals from all walks of life. Most have been forgotten. The library raises money by selling donated used books. I have no idea the portion of its budget that represents, but it (and other volunteer programs) provides an activity.
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lisa
Veteran Member
I'd love a library on every corner and another church...they are both important for the community and the lack of both is telling in society.
Tex88
Veteran Member
Yeah but libraries have all the books and churches just the one.
lisa
Veteran Member
I'm ok with that...
Betty_Rose
Veteran Member
Sadly, their time has passed.
Speaking as a researcher and author of several books on historical nonfiction, libraries are a quaint concept from a time gone past, right up there with velocipedes and whale-oil lamps.
Google and online resources have displaced the libraries.
During covid, our libraries in Illinois were shut down. When they opened back up, they’d removed all the chairs and closed the bathrooms.
They’re another bloated fund-sucking outdated institution.
The times they are a’changing.
Speaking as a researcher and author of several books on historical nonfiction, libraries are a quaint concept from a time gone past, right up there with velocipedes and whale-oil lamps.
Google and online resources have displaced the libraries.
During covid, our libraries in Illinois were shut down. When they opened back up, they’d removed all the chairs and closed the bathrooms.
They’re another bloated fund-sucking outdated institution.
The times they are a’changing.
I agree with you. As much time as I spent in the library I would never go now even if I could. All the knowledge I used to get from there when I wanted to know something is now at my fingertips in a split second.
ainitfunny
Saved, to glorify God.
Libraries USED to be where the world's widom
from all times past was preserved and protected
REGARDLESS of "how popular" it was with the general population. What"services" libraries now offer should be offered by community centers.
Thowing out historic and classic fiction and nonfiction and reference works to replace them with paperback romance novels and popular written crap is utterly
A violation of what a library is supposed to do and be.
When i saw this happening some thirty years ago
I quit supporting what they still call "libraries"!
from all times past was preserved and protected
REGARDLESS of "how popular" it was with the general population. What"services" libraries now offer should be offered by community centers.
Thowing out historic and classic fiction and nonfiction and reference works to replace them with paperback romance novels and popular written crap is utterly
A violation of what a library is supposed to do and be.
When i saw this happening some thirty years ago
I quit supporting what they still call "libraries"!
Worst of all, at least to me, are the growing sections of anime books.
Knoxville's Joker
Has No Life - Lives on TB
THis is a hybrid issue and it requires a hybrid solution. Some areas may not need libraries. In other cases they may need to be relocated over others built...
Knoxville's Joker
Has No Life - Lives on TB
as long as they do not engage in censorship of collective works...
Most Libraries can be accessed online now. Maybe they just need to consolidate and move all the books to a few central locations in each state.
IMHO they are dying the slow death of technology. Pretty soon all-young people will have access to the internet 24/7 with Neuro Link and AI technology. You can have your personal AI read to you any book.
IMHO they are dying the slow death of technology. Pretty soon all-young people will have access to the internet 24/7 with Neuro Link and AI technology. You can have your personal AI read to you any book.
Knoxville's Joker
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Filtered for the latest keywords of course....
I agree. But they are going way. Some are fortunate enough to have a nice Library at home. But within the next two generations all the books will be tossed, because they are archived online.
I do use my iPad for reading books sometimes. Only because I can't find an actual book locally. But then I die, all my few books will be tossed I am sure.
Kayak
Adrenaline Junkie
We took our kids to the library every week when they were little, and then some idiot decided to charge a fee for membership to the library -- $50 a year to join. This is supposedly illegal, since they get tax money to operate, but they managed to pull it off.
Once the kids started school, we'd get a paper at the beginning of every year saying our kids could get a free membership to the library if we filled this page out, but it was full of questions that weren't anyone's business, so we never filled one out. Our kids are grown now, so it's no longer an issue.
However, there's this library north of Knoxville that has a huge book-signing once a year that I'm honored to be invited to, and this library is everything a place of books should be, with areas for every age, tons of community outreach, and wonderful employees who love books. It's a magical library and the people who live there are super-fortunate.
So, while I'd just as soon all the libraries in my county be shut down so those tax dollars can be used elsewhere, I can't say that about all libraries.
Once the kids started school, we'd get a paper at the beginning of every year saying our kids could get a free membership to the library if we filled this page out, but it was full of questions that weren't anyone's business, so we never filled one out. Our kids are grown now, so it's no longer an issue.
However, there's this library north of Knoxville that has a huge book-signing once a year that I'm honored to be invited to, and this library is everything a place of books should be, with areas for every age, tons of community outreach, and wonderful employees who love books. It's a magical library and the people who live there are super-fortunate.
So, while I'd just as soon all the libraries in my county be shut down so those tax dollars can be used elsewhere, I can't say that about all libraries.
Blacknarwhal
Let's Go Brandon!
There's a LOT of value in digital books. The idea of keeping thousands of titles on a device the size of a grown man's thumb is remarkably appealing. But the real thing is still the REAL THING.
WanderLore
Veteran Member
Years back when we lived in small town south of Dayton, they built a million $ library. Oh it was nice!!!
One thing we really liked was they had an enclosed room with tables and chairs and vending machines, and a coffee vending machine.
Kids and I were there all the time. I wanted them to see the library as a place of learning and fellowship.
In our village, the library is the community center.
You never see kids at park. Occasionally maybe a few riding bikes. Everyone is at home on their device.
One thing we really liked was they had an enclosed room with tables and chairs and vending machines, and a coffee vending machine.
Kids and I were there all the time. I wanted them to see the library as a place of learning and fellowship.
In our village, the library is the community center.
You never see kids at park. Occasionally maybe a few riding bikes. Everyone is at home on their device.
PghPanther
Has No Life - Lives on TB
There are two things that in my 70 years I've become endeared to over the decades....
...........one is health through diet and exercise.........
and the other enlightenment and the joy of understanding through the prudent pursuit of knowledge.
and for me public libraries are essential for that knowledge pursuit.........much more so for me than the Internet...........
............besides laying down in a bed with a real paper book beats staring at a blue screen (not good for you anyway) any day of the week as I hate sitting at a computer or staring into a phone/ipad anyway.
I consider a public libraries as a source that is vital to my contentment in life.
...........one is health through diet and exercise.........
and the other enlightenment and the joy of understanding through the prudent pursuit of knowledge.
and for me public libraries are essential for that knowledge pursuit.........much more so for me than the Internet...........
............besides laying down in a bed with a real paper book beats staring at a blue screen (not good for you anyway) any day of the week as I hate sitting at a computer or staring into a phone/ipad anyway.
I consider a public libraries as a source that is vital to my contentment in life.
bracketquant
Veteran Member
A public library is what each and every member of the public makes it. If one has no involvement in it, do not expect it to be run the way one wants it to be run.
Locally, my only slight objection is that it is a private organization, but run as a quasi-governmental one. The taxpayers pay for it, as all salaries are part of the city budget. While the elected officials have a say in the amount of the budget, they have no say over where the money is spent. That appears to be decided by a private board of directors/trustees that essentially re-elects itself, until people age-out. Major funding for building upgrades and such are done by community fundraising events. Generally, for now, the library is so well run, that there aren't going to be many public complaints about how the taxpayer's money is spent.
Only a bit of low level wokeness, here, where there are plenty of environmental (think climate change) themed programs for the wee ones.
And, most of the problem makers spend their time at the libraries in the two bigger cities nearby, as our police station is within a few hundred feet of our library.
Locally, my only slight objection is that it is a private organization, but run as a quasi-governmental one. The taxpayers pay for it, as all salaries are part of the city budget. While the elected officials have a say in the amount of the budget, they have no say over where the money is spent. That appears to be decided by a private board of directors/trustees that essentially re-elects itself, until people age-out. Major funding for building upgrades and such are done by community fundraising events. Generally, for now, the library is so well run, that there aren't going to be many public complaints about how the taxpayer's money is spent.
Only a bit of low level wokeness, here, where there are plenty of environmental (think climate change) themed programs for the wee ones.
And, most of the problem makers spend their time at the libraries in the two bigger cities nearby, as our police station is within a few hundred feet of our library.
Blacknarwhal
Let's Go Brandon!
This is a huge thing in China, I've heard. China Insights talks about people hiding out in libraries a lot rather than reveal to their families that they got fired.
packyderms_wife
Neither here nor there.
And like dvds cds etc all the more reason to own physical copies.
I had a similar thought years ago. Most (if not all) the public libraries in our state are members of a consortium. One can order a book from any library, and it will be mailed to the individuals "home" library--at no cost to the patron. It occurred to me that rather than relocating or otherwise expanding our library, simply have a giant book warehouse out in the desert, and mail books directly to the patrons as they were ordered. This wold save the cost of reading room, but would require that the patron repack and mail their returns. And it would require the employees to live in some remote (and likely desolate place--possibly without Wall-mart or decent doctors.)
Years ago, when "they" first started scanning books, I used to think this would never benefit me. Turns out I was wrong, because of copyright, only to old books were copied, and they are the very ones I use in my research. Still, I imagine I am an exception (at least my mother told me I was exceptional--she may only have meant that I was odd).
ShadowMan
Designated Grumpy Old Fart
Everything will go electronic, books, REAL BOOKS will become things of the past......and then.....the power will go out and we'll have to totally reinvent the world because nobody will know how to do anything and there will be no available reference materials. Yep, sounds like a great and wonderful future "they" are planning.
Don't get me wrong. I LOVE THE INTERNET. It's like having access to the largest library on the planet....sometimes too large, BUT I also have hundreds of books. They are my steadfast and true friends that I know will always be there, absolutely totally reliable and available 24/7/365. As long as my home is intact MY library is intact and backing me up. I'm not giving up my books and I'm always adding to my collection. The ONLY thing I hate about my books is when I have to move them....what - a - pain!
Don't get me wrong. I LOVE THE INTERNET. It's like having access to the largest library on the planet....sometimes too large, BUT I also have hundreds of books. They are my steadfast and true friends that I know will always be there, absolutely totally reliable and available 24/7/365. As long as my home is intact MY library is intact and backing me up. I'm not giving up my books and I'm always adding to my collection. The ONLY thing I hate about my books is when I have to move them....what - a - pain!
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Which is why I have a rather large library, to preserve the knowledge and the beauty.
Unless the arthritis is so painful and hands and fingers so gnarled that it’s practically impossible to hold and turn the pages of a book, magazine or newspaper.
Welcome to my world.
I type here with a single finger but at least it works and is not very painful.
Telescope Steve
Veteran Member
I live in a county that has just one stop light. The head librarian is pushing an agenda and likes to display it with selected books on display. There are some good books there for sure, but it's not like when I was young even in this small community.