Does anyone use the Library anymore?
By Feona1962
@Feona1962 (7526)
United States
June 15, 2007 5:33pm CST
I have come to enjoy going to the library. It doesn't cost anything and it can be a very rewarding experience. There are some books that I have to purchase to include in my library of books at home..But there are some I want to read before I purchase them so I get them at the library first..... I take my grandsons to the library and they get so excited. We walked there one day from the park and they remembered the way the next time we went...They are so cute..they get a book and they start reading (their own way) they are 5 and 3 years old...Funny. When they are done they are so proud of there accomplishments..I think the library is a great place to take children...It opens their imagination.......When my niece was young, around 5, I believe...she could read and we went to the library to get her a library card. Now we all know how teeny tiny a library card is, let alone the place where you are to sign your name..My niece could sign her name and she was so very proud...only problem was that her long name would not fit on the card..the librarian said she could have the card as long as she could write her own name..She couldn't fit her whole name and they denied her the card...For crying out loud people..That is crazy..She started crying and I said to the lady, "You mean to tell me that she can't have a library card because her name doesn't fit in the teeny tiny space?" "You have got to be joking." She said, "the only way I will give her the card is if she can fit her name in that space." She couldn't..We did not get the card..How sad...I have never signed my card and they never check...This did happen 15 years ago so hopefully things have changed....I am sure with computers they just swipe the card now....I just thought that was stupid...Anyway, do you use the library to read, use the computer, or just read the newspaper? Let me know....We have a book cellar and you can purchase used books from there. It is in the basement of the library...
9 people like this
27 responses
@oscarbartoni (2581)
• United States
16 Jun 07
When my computer crashed I used to go to the library to use the computer but mow that I have my computer running I do not need to go to the library to use the computer, as far as book, I have a small library of my own and I am also the librarian for my local aquarium club, I do not think that i will be able to read all of the books that I have at my disposal. Plus right now my car is down and probably will to be able to get it fixed for a while. I could always get on the bus and go but I am still reading the books that I have.
5 people like this
@Feona1962 (7526)
• United States
16 Jun 07
I am glad the library was available in your time of need..I don't think I will be able to read all that I have either, but I'll do my best....I enjoy learning...I hope you can get back when your car gets fixed...Thank you..
2 people like this
@dragonokiefly (862)
• United States
16 Jun 07
I never did get why you had to be able to at least print your name in this little itty bitty space in order to get a card. Make no sense to me, talk about turning a child off from books.
I use our local library several times a month. I love going in there and finding new books to read. I am actually on a first name basis with many of the employees there. If ther eis a book I want but they don't have it and can't get it from another source they will fill out a request form for it to be purchased for me.
I take my little ones to story hour, at least once a week, they love being able to hear new books but they really like the misuc/dance reading. This is a 30 minute group where they read a dance type story and they act it out to music. All of my children love Ms. Susan who does these "classes", she also calls each child by name, I don't understand how she can remember them all but somehow she does. Ms. Susan actually won a national award last year and travel to New York to receive it.
Our library has a huge play area filled with books and toys for the kids so while they are playing I take a book from the shelf and read it, keeping one eye on the kids. There are times we will spend 2 or 3 hours there.
4 people like this
@dragonokiefly (862)
• United States
16 Jun 07
We have dragons for the kids to sit on lol. And recently they added a huge puppet theater for the kids to put on shows. When I first went in there I couldn't believe they actually have 3 cribs there for mothers to lay the babies down while the older ones are playing.
Last Wednesy they put on Mugglefest, all the kids and adults too dressed as Harry Potter and others and the library was decorated like Hogworts, even the police station behind the library got in on it had had a cell that was Azkaban prison. A treasure map to follow that took you to different places in the city and the different businesses haded out goodies. I personally couldn't ask for a better library system.
4 people like this
@Feona1962 (7526)
• United States
16 Jun 07
That was a brilliant idea...We love the whole Harry Potter thing...I bet that was a great time had by all..which makes it all the better..
2 people like this
@Feona1962 (7526)
• United States
16 Jun 07
Wow!! Story hour sounds wonderful..Our children's section is laid out like yours...They even have huge bears for the children to use as chairs..Thank you...
2 people like this
@highflyingxangel (9225)
• United States
16 Jun 07
I don't use the library mostly because I just can never find any books that I'm interested in. Our library is pretty small compared to other's so I just skip going to the library and spend money to buy a book if I really want to read it. If there's a book I want to read and I know that I can borrow it from someone though, I will. I just can never find the books that I want at our library. I don't even have a card.
4 people like this
@Feona1962 (7526)
• United States
16 Jun 07
That's okay, sometimes I can't find any of interest either..Then sometimes I find ones that I would not even have known about unless I had gone to the library...I would loan my paperbacks but never my hardcover..I take the dust jacket off of the hardcover when I read them..They look brand new when I am finished...Thank you
2 people like this
@tdbrower1969 (1242)
• United States
16 Jun 07
How sad about your neice, I am sorry that she had to go through that. How cute about your grandsons! I take my son to the library all the time. He has his own card and he checks out books and videos. I love to look for Chicken Soup for the Soul books that I have not read before. I really think that going to the library is a very good thing for kids and adults both. Our library offers story times for both children and adults, learning hours. I know a lot of people that have not stepped foot in a library for years, but I frequent my public library all the time.
4 people like this
@Feona1962 (7526)
• United States
16 Jun 07
Thank you and I know that sometimes we forget about the little things in life that can bring us great joy..I can walk to ours so that makes for good excercise also...
3 people like this
@FSCAries (881)
• United States
15 Jun 07
I haven't been to the public library in years! I went to a private college in my hometown though and they have a HUGE library which I still occasionally go and peruse sometimes, but probably not as often as I should. A library is a great place to gather good information, it's kinda something that I think people forget about.
4 people like this
@Feona1962 (7526)
• United States
16 Jun 07
I always want to have books at my house, but sometimes I can't afford them, so the library is the next best thing....My husband has military records that he wants to read but he needs the microfish (I think that is what it is called) in order to read them, so we are going to make a day and do that...Thank you
2 people like this
@myfanwy65 (1030)
• United States
15 Jun 07
I haven't gone to the library in a long time. They rarely have the books I am interested in. I would rather just save up and buy the books I want to read so that I can read them again any time I want to. I also have a computer at home so I don't need to use one at the library. I do purchase used books if they are in good condition. But, I have a very large book collection. There is always something to read in my house.
@Feona1962 (7526)
• United States
16 Jun 07
There are just some books I have to have..I do not have to use the computer but it is useful for those that do not have one yet...I do like to read my books over and over..I have 3 huge bookshelves full...My own little library...LOL..Thank you
2 people like this
@patgalca (18370)
• Orangeville, Ontario
16 Jun 07
If our library does not have a book, they will order it for you. The last time I did that they borrowed the book from another library in another city. Then when we returned it they sent it back to that library. They will never say no to a book you want.
3 people like this
@Betani (34)
• United States
27 Jun 07
Libraries LOVE patron requests of what to buy for their collections! Even if you might not check it out, let them know what you are interested in, and they will know what the community wants to see!
Even if you don't go for books or to use the computer, most libraries hold all kinds of classes, offer tax help, and have just about every kind of form known to mankind that you might need.
1 person likes this
@creativemuse (193)
• United States
16 Jun 07
Speaking (or writing) as someone who works in a library and issues cards, you have to remember that this is a legal document.I don't see how a child could be denied for not being able to write their name becaues no one under the age of 18 is resonsible unless they are emancipated minors! Each library has different requirements-some say 16. We require a parant or guardian to sign if the cardholder is under 18. This has to be someone that is legally responsible for the child's bills. Most libraries are non-profit and poorly funded. They have to have a way to get books back and fines paid. The governemnt is no help anymore. Also believe it or not there is a problem with people using library cards that are not theirs and not returning books. When you send a bill to the card holder-they deny ever having used the card! Our library is small and we don't have this problem often, but I have a woman right now that has taken out 22 children's books and has not returned them. Her fines are close to $200 and no other children can enjoy those books. There is a reason why library workers have to be diligent.
@Feona1962 (7526)
• United States
16 Jun 07
Back when this happened about 15 years ago, I don't think they were worried about parents using their childrens cards and then keeping the books...but I could be wrong..It is always the few that ruin it for the many...I could never take advantage of my children..How sad for your library not to have those books anymore...and because of people like that, the rules become more strict..Thank you..
2 people like this
@rogue13xmen13 (14403)
• United States
16 Jun 07
Some people do and some people do not. I would if I had the time, but sometimes I do not have the time. Also, there is the internet and computers now. If I want a book on a subject, I turn to the internet.
@Feona1962 (7526)
• United States
16 Jun 07
I agree. And the internet has become more convenient for some...Thank you
2 people like this
@craftwave (1338)
• United States
16 Jun 07
I love going to the library. It is a mini vacation when I read books. I love to read and so it is much cheaper to get the books from the Library. Unfortunately I haven't had much time to read lately so have not had a need to go to the Library.
3 people like this
@Feona1962 (7526)
• United States
16 Jun 07
We all need those mini vacations..It is good to know the library is there when we need it..Thank you
2 people like this
@Idlewild (6090)
• United States
15 Jun 07
I use it all the time, not so much for books but for borrowing audio CDs and videos. I can search for and reserve titles online, and they email me when it's ready to pick up. I've never bothered to rent a video or join Netflix because I can find nearly everything I need at the library.
4 people like this
@Feona1962 (7526)
• United States
15 Jun 07
I forgot about renting video's and such...they do have a good assortment..This is good to hear..thank you
2 people like this
@elisa812 (3026)
• United States
16 Jun 07
Yes, I love going to the library! I have always liked it since I was a little kid, but for awhile, I just never seemed to have the time to get over there. Now lately, I've been going over there quite a bit again, and I'm really enjoying it. It has a great selection and it's really a money saver if you don't care about owning a particular book, or if you check out a DVD instead of going to the video store.
3 people like this
@Feona1962 (7526)
• United States
16 Jun 07
I think we forget how useful and money saving our library can be..It is amazing what you can find there...Thank you
2 people like this
@lordwarwizard (35747)
• Singapore
16 Jun 07
Oh yes, I do. I visit the library very regularly because I am an avid reader.
I always have at least a book with me. Cheers.
@Feona1962 (7526)
• United States
16 Jun 07
Good for you..the more I read the better...Thank you
2 people like this
@fly_shay (333)
• Philippines
16 Jun 07
oh,oh...how sad is the story.just because of the name that didn't fit on the card when written, the child was deprived of the books in the library.It shouldn't be like that because children should have the time to go there...It is a fact that nowadays, computer and internet are already way ahead the library.But i think, library is still very important because printed words can easily be remebered and books will always be there while for the internet, you still have to use the computer which will take time.Though internet can help us a lot because of its easy access in finding topics.
3 people like this
@Feona1962 (7526)
• United States
16 Jun 07
Thank you...I didn't let that librarian get away with anything, I just checked out all the books my niece wanted on my card...If there's a will there's a way.....Thank you
2 people like this
@xenpen (90)
• United States
16 Jun 07
A free resource of literature and references that can be used for any purpose? The general public would have to be dumb to NOT use the library. I had a job preparation and portfolio class. I needed to have a cover letter, resume, and tear sheet done for my class. My instructor told us that the way we were taught to make them in high school won't cut it in the real world so make a better set. I went to the library to read books with excellent tips and working examples of resumes and coverletters. They had textbooks that I needed for classes, letting me avoid paying nearly $50 for a book I'll only use for one semester. You can't just beat a money-saver like the library.
The only time you can't use the library is when 1) They just don't have what you're looking for, 2) You owe them too much in overdue book fees, and 3) You lose or steal books from the library. But those are only 3 good reasons. Everything else is pretty much an excuse. Unless you're a germaphobe who can't stand touching used things. =/
3 people like this
@Feona1962 (7526)
• United States
16 Jun 07
That is exactly how I think of it...Free resources that are actually free...where else can you find that? I wouldn't purchase a book for $50 either, besides you probably wouldn't get all your money back if you sold it...It is good to know the libraries are updated to handle all of our needs for references etc....Thank you
2 people like this
@desertdarlene (8910)
• United States
16 Jun 07
I work for a library and, yes, people are definitely still using them. But, I live in a large city. Now, in our city, we only ask that the child can write their first name. We're not that picky about it fitting in the little space. We mostly want them to be able to write it on the application.
The reason why we ask that the child be able to write their name is that we want to make sure that the child will possibly be reading or wanting to read and knowing their letters and writing is a good indicator. We've had parents in the past get cards for all their babies and then check out a lot of books and never return them. In our city, you can have up to $600 in items. If they get all of their kids cards and they all take out $600 worth and never bring them back, it's a big loss for the city, especially if a few hundred people do that. And, quite a few people will do that.
Also, some people have high bills on their own card and try to use their kids cards to avoid paying the bills on their card.
@Feona1962 (7526)
• United States
16 Jun 07
I understand that totally...How sad for the parents to take advantage of the children...Your reasoning is justified because you really want to know if this child is the one that is going to read and cherish the books he/she gets from the library..I am sure the librarian didn't want to hurt my niece's feelings, but rules are rules...That certainly can be a great loss to the library...I didn't think of it that way, only because I would never think of doing it that way... Thank you for this information...
2 people like this
@cuteyasoi17 (155)
• Philippines
16 Jun 07
I have been working this year as a Student Assistant in our school and i have observed so far that plenty of students still go to Library to research about something..the Library isnt still part of the 'old-school'
3 people like this
@Feona1962 (7526)
• United States
16 Jun 07
I did that also when I was in school. My Aunt was the librarian..Some things never go out date..
2 people like this
@ackars (1942)
• India
16 Jun 07
I go daily to lib.I know that there are many ways by which you can gain informations very fast and easy than going to a lib and looking for it there.But still I like going to lib as informations given in net and all are not reliable always but those from standard textbooks will always be acceptable everywhere..Your professor must have read the textbook but not the article you are mentioning from the net.
@wachit14 (3595)
• United States
16 Jun 07
I also remember taking both my children to the library for story hour. They both got library cards and I would help them select books for them to take out. At some point, they lost interest, not necessarily in books, but in the library altogether. I love to read, but the books I want are often not available and I have to be put on wait list to get them. I just end up buying the books so I can get them when I want them. I think libraries are still wonderful places for everyone, but libraries have had to change with the times themselves. I know our public library had to move their media and computer center to another building because more people were interested in using the computers than taking out books. Our library also has a used book selection for sale, but there are never any books that I ever want to purchase.
@Feona1962 (7526)
• United States
16 Jun 07
I think computers have become the norm anymore..I think because we get faster access to everything...Thank you
2 people like this
@Windrunner (477)
• Pakistan
16 Jun 07
i use the library. infact, library is one of my favorite places. i love to pass my time, reading books. and especiallly a library has treasure of information stored in it. i have not yet come across the problem of not being able to get a library card, so maybe i cant understand your problem so well, but still i fill sympathy for your neice. to be denied a library card just because she couldnt fit her name on it, that's really unfair .
all the same, thanks for asking feona, cause i share your passion of libraries. :)
@Feona1962 (7526)
• United States
16 Jun 07
I agree...It was just that she was so excited she could read....I guess with all the computer technology, you don't have to sign one anymore..Not sure, haven't taken my grandsons to get theirs yet..Thank you and happy reading..
2 people like this
@teleios (737)
• Philippines
16 Jun 07
lot of people use the library in my school. there are times when student's would be scrambling to borrow books and the tables would be full of students studying or making projects. i think this is a common sight in schools, i don't know about community libaries. but i agree with you, libraries are pretty neat places to hang out in.
@Feona1962 (7526)
• United States
16 Jun 07
When I was in college, the library was were I did the majority of my studying..not only were the books or references I needed handy, it was just a peaceful place to study...It is so good to hear that the library is still important.. Thank you
2 people like this
