I think a lot of people forget that a library is a giant room filled with free awesome shit that you can take home and play with, no questions asked. just as long as you tell them you’re gonna, and remind them if you want to spend more time with the stuff.
I think the US library system should have a once a year advertising spree where they just have the phrase
“Libraries. Don’t forget: Things are free in here.”
Posted literally everywhere.
No. If ordinary people start going into libraries, libraries are going to get robbed. They’ll spend tons of money trying to replace missing books and they’ll be loud as hell. This is a terrible idea.
First: there’s no such thing as “ordinary”. People from all walks of life have always used libraries. The system I work for has ALWAYS had missing lists, and always will. It’s human nature: a certain percentage of items are always going to go missing. Most libraries take that into consideration when ordering materials.
We use strategies to curb things from walking off, of course: put video games and DVDs in locked cases, for example. But you’d be surprised how many people dont even know how that we have video games! Also, we have a SUPER EXTENSIVE digital collection, accessed for free with a library card. You dont even need the physical items! We also have a toy collection. That’s right, TOYS. For free with a library card. And they ALWAYS come back. We have access to makerspaces, audiovisual recording studios, and much more, all for free with a library card.
Still, we get patrons who walk off with things, improperly check things out (which adds to the missing list), and guess what we do? We constantly try to help patrons regain access to being able to check things out. We do a lot of fine forgiveness so that patrons can continue to take things home. We know a lot of people might not be able to pay their fines at the moment. So we try to work with them because life happens. We don’t judge or try to limit patrons. We try to help them to clear their cards.
Fuck outta here with that “going to get robbed” mindset. Libraries are free, and always will be. They stock way more things than youd ever imagine. Try walking in one some time. I bet it’s changed a lot since youve last been there.
^^^
Also, fuck the idea that libraries have to be quiet. In half an hour, I’ll be teaching kids how to make their own intruments from vardboard and a MakeyMakey set and they will play piano, bongos and a synthesizer that does fart sounds (they’re 8-10 years old…) and we’ll be doing it right in the library. The children’s library is never quiet.
There ARE quiet corner and there always will be, for people who want to work here. But on the whole, I prefer a library where people are not talking in hushed tones and walk around on tiptoes. I want them to feel at home and that bring a certain amount of noise with it.
Also, what is ordinary in your mind? What are these ordinary people you are talking about because I don’t think I have seen such a person in my life.
Seems to me that SOMEONE is well off enough to not need to use the services of a library, and not coincidentally, they believe poor people don’t deserve access to those same resources that, in owning them, SOMEONE feels superior.
I have an infinite love for libraries and it took some time to realize they offer so much more than “just” a huge treasure of books even though I visited libraries daily for years.
I didn’t expect them to offer other stuff like guided tours, public talks and discussions, workshops, help with research and computer software, etc, so I didn’t really see it at first. But libraries have a very important social role for people of ANY background! I can’t even be mad at library fees because I see them as a donation to a wonderful service that is otherwise free or almost completely free!
“Has the library outlived its usefulness in the age of Internet?”
“How do libraries stay relevant in the age of Google?”
“Do we still need libraries?”
“What can libraries offer that Google can’t?”
Brooklyn Library is going through it rn
I’m on my library’s Teen Advisory Board (TAB for short). Lets talk about what libraries do and why they are important af:
– Encourage literacy in children. My library and most other libraries have huge sections entirely for children as well as a ton of programs to encourage children to use the library. I would probably not have the same love for reading that I do today, if not for the amazing library near my house.
-Builds communities. My library and most other libraries will frequently sponsor community events to bring people together and make their city a more friendly place. Some of the things my library does it: organise a marathon; participate in parades; two used book sales each year; host local documentary showings; etc.
-free books and resources for anyone to use. I can read any book I want for free!!!! It’s awesome. And anyone can do it.
-seriously, I see homeless people at my library all the time reading books, and enjoying the free resources. Without the library, they would not have access to those books.
-awesome study spot. Seriously, great. As someone who lives with a very large, loud, busy family, the library is awesome for providing a productive peaceful place to study and get away from my hectic house.
-Librarians. are. the. greatest. Really, these people are so nice, and cute, and so hard-working, and I just love and want to be friends with them all, because they are awesome.
-What are you gonna do when you need help with your English paper, and the internet isn’t working? Google it?
@bklynlibrary, you were the one who started the post, do you have anything to add to this?
Spot on points! We’d like to add that the library is more than just books and literacy! We offer programs and resources for:
Immigrants studying for the citizenship exam, trying to find jobs, and looking for English conversation groups.
Those who are incarcerated – we bring books to them but also allow incarcerated parents to read to their kids via a live video feed.
Amazing cultural events that feature everyone from Pulitzer-prize winning authors to flamenco groups to art critics to teenage metal bands.
Job-seekers who need one-on-one resume help and interview prep.
Senior citizens who want to stay active – we have dance classes, a bowling league, and all kinds of activities.
For artists, we offer free Photoshop, Illustrator, photography, and art classes taught by professionals.
Every summer we provide free lunches to kids in low-income families.
All kinds of language classes for those looking to learn, and of course, all classes are free!
So yeah, the library is pretty bad ass.
Here are a few other things libraries around the world can offer:
* 3D printing services.
* Internet access – it’s not just for research these days, it’s for applying to jobs. Yes, even fast food jobs.
* Cake molds and cookie cutters.
* Energy meters so you can work out how much juice various appliances use.
* Scientific equipment – for that science fair. Another library has telescopes, and works with the local astronomy club to teach people how to use them.
* Gardening tools and even heirloom seeds (you return what you didn’t use).
* Toys and dolls.
* Artwork that you can borrow to keep in your home for a bit.
* Audio production studios.
* Fully equipped maker spaces with all kinds of DIY tools.
* Musical instruments – maybe yours is damaged or you want to try a new one real quick without outlay (instruments are expensive).
* One on one research sessions with trained librarians. In at least one rural area they do house calls.
* Digital media labs with all the software you need to do your design project. Some even have green screen walls.
* Technology instruction, especially for older adults.
* Santa suits.
* Nurses. Seriously, there is actually a library in Arizona with a public health nurse – remember those homeless people who hang out at the library?
* Naturalization assistance
* A karaoke machine.
* Portable exercise equipment.
* Reading magnifiers
* Kids’ fishing tackle
* Workshops, craft workshops, seminars, etc.
* Yoga and exercise classes.
* Museum passes
* Sports equipment, particularly if the library is in a park.
* Coupon exchange/donation.
And I found those in five minutes.
Libraries are very important for books, but they go far, far beyond that.
Also, as a writer, I want my books in libraries, where people will take a risk on an unfamiliar name.
I would also like to point out: in adverse and extreme weather, libraries are warming and cooling stations for local populations.
When Chicago had the polar vortex in 2014 that dropped the temperature down to -16 Fahrenheit, Chicago Public Schools were initially reluctant to close in part because of the hundreds of kids who get free breakfast and lunch each day. They were finally able to give the go ahead, because resources like the Chicago Public Libraries stayed open, providing services for kids and their families.
And librarians fight and fight and fight for your privacy and your intellectual freedom.
