Do you think public libraries are obsolete?
Is there any reason for you to visit your local branch? Is there anything they could offer that would make you want to visit it? Please elaborate if you wish.
No! For one thing, public libraries provide their services free of charge. This means Internet access for those who can’t afford a computer. It means books for those who can’t afford them. (Been to Borders lately? Those books ain’t cheap! 
It means access to the daily paper for those who can’t afford a subscription … and those who don’t have an address at which to receive it.
Change that, and we plunge back into the feudal system, where only those with wealth have access to information. Not good.
Public libraries also provide space for community events: everything from Girl Scout meetings to IRS help at tax time. They also offer space for, and sometimes sponsor, educational opportunities: ESL classes, literacy classes, reading programs for kids.
They also provide the physical space to preserve information, and therefore, history. Not only books; but public records, periodicals, and media reports.
Reasons I visit my local public library:
The variety of books, music, and DVDs to sample for free.
Local artists’ displays in lobby.
Free outdoor summer concert series!
Preschool story time with characters like Clifford with my son.
Visit with Santa at Christmas.
Occasional free lecture, seminar, or book-signing.
Once a week for my daughter’s summer reading program.
Also, my kids just like the gigantic tropical aquarium, the indoor playground, and the fact that the coffee bar makes soft-serve sundaes!
January 20th, 2010 at 10:09 am
No, but they could become obsolete after a few years.
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January 20th, 2010 at 10:57 am
I would rather borrow a book than buy one. I don’t like to sit on the computer and read, it isn’t very comfortable.
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January 20th, 2010 at 11:35 am
As long as they continue to offer free internet access they will remain relevant.
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January 20th, 2010 at 11:41 am
I have a really good library next to my house and i take out books and dvds all the time just for fun so I guess some are. I recently took out a fitness book…also they have computers and stuff…..
the funny thing is the book was bran new and its like 5 years old
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January 20th, 2010 at 11:57 am
No! For one thing, public libraries provide their services free of charge. This means Internet access for those who can’t afford a computer. It means books for those who can’t afford them. (Been to Borders lately? Those books ain’t cheap!
It means access to the daily paper for those who can’t afford a subscription … and those who don’t have an address at which to receive it.
Change that, and we plunge back into the feudal system, where only those with wealth have access to information. Not good.
Public libraries also provide space for community events: everything from Girl Scout meetings to IRS help at tax time. They also offer space for, and sometimes sponsor, educational opportunities: ESL classes, literacy classes, reading programs for kids.
They also provide the physical space to preserve information, and therefore, history. Not only books; but public records, periodicals, and media reports.
Reasons I visit my local public library:
The variety of books, music, and DVDs to sample for free.
Local artists’ displays in lobby.
Free outdoor summer concert series!
Preschool story time with characters like Clifford with my son.
Visit with Santa at Christmas.
Occasional free lecture, seminar, or book-signing.
Once a week for my daughter’s summer reading program.
Also, my kids just like the gigantic tropical aquarium, the indoor playground, and the fact that the coffee bar makes soft-serve sundaes!
References :