topic Re: Libraries - Are they here to stay? in Community Chat

Libraries - Are they here to stay?

JoyFilled Warrior — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 06:43:22 GMT

Hopefully so. Don't know what I'd continue to do without them!

I'm anticipating having to print off new docs. Libraries are my "go to," esp since most all home printers I've had had inevitable problems!

Libraries seem to continue to offer free/minimally charged places for Classes; even Game nights for families, in some cases. And more!

And those Librarians. My gosh! godsends! Every Librarian Ive met thru all my yrs at, or calling libraries, they seem to cant sleep until they locate your answer.

Thank you Libraries, Librarians & Library Workers.

Re: Libraries - Are they here to stay?

JYWilliams — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 08:13:11 GMT

I live two blocks from my Library and go there often. I have papers faxed and I also use the printer a lot. I see a lot of people there on the computers. I sure hope they are here to stay.

Re: Libraries - Are they here to stay?

lynnie61 — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 09:44:07 GMT

@JoyFilled Warrior I use my library a lot. I rarely buy a book. My library is 6/8 miles away but it's always packed. It's the best library - the staff is amazing and it's one of the bigger libraries in the area. They are open 7 days, except, Memorial Day to Labor Day they do close Sundays. The hours are just slightly less since the pandemic.

September is love your library month! I support it with donations every quarter. I, too, hope they make it.

Re: Libraries - Are they here to stay?

JoyFilled Warrior — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 10:13:49 GMT

WOW @JYWilliams and @lynnie61 whew!

I feel good about this. Thank you for sharing. I don't know what I'd do without my/our Libraries!

Re: Libraries - Are they here to stay?

amyb — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 12:05:56 GMT

I think so. Our town one and other local ones have done recent (within the last 3 years) expansion, new construction. Mine is packed everyday...not that I'm there everyday, but anytime I show up. I went to return a book yesterday and lot was the usual full, and tough to get a space.

I take out books, take out things online/audio books/kindle books all through my library, regularly. They have quarterly book sales, I donate books too. They have interesting speakers there, music on the lawn in the summer. My town library is, fortunately, thriving, and I think it will for a long time to come. Unlike with local bookstores, Amazon cannot fill the needs my library does. But on that note, thankfully, our little independent bookseller is still around, as are others in neighboring towns.

For reference...I'm in small town CT.

Re: Libraries - Are they here to stay?

cjm61 — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 13:14:13 GMT

Although I believe libraries are very beneficial to those that need them, I haven't stepped foot in one in at least 30+ years. I drive right past one almost every single day, it's usually got quite a few cars parked. For me, with the internet so easily accessible and having my own printer, I haven't had any need for the library.

Re: Libraries - Are they here to stay?

SamBrown — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 13:54:53 GMT

I think and hope that libraries are here to stay. Whenever I go to the library it is always full of people and lots of activities for children.

Re: Libraries - Are they here to stay?

walkingal — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 14:47:25 GMT

@JoyFilled Warrior I hope so too! I don't know what I would do without a library. I've been using the library since I was in grammer school. And since I retired, I've been using it more than ever. I've been stream lining and downsizing so much in my house, I donated books I had to various donation sites. My county library system is big, and it carries most of the books I want to read. If not, I "Suggest a Purchase" and if the publisher is on their list of suppliers, they will get the book.

Re: Libraries - Are they here to stay?

nascarfan — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 17:39:14 GMT

I am in my local library on a weekly basis. While I have a Kindle, I prefer to have a book in my hand. 😊

Re: Libraries - Are they here to stay?

AuntG — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 20:07:30 GMT

I'm a library science major, and we learned way back when that libraries need to adapt with the times. I think they'll always be around.

Re: Libraries - Are they here to stay?

icezeus — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 20:18:05 GMT

I am sure they are here to stay. I rarely purchase a book, and always order mine online from the library system of the county where I live. Whenever I go to pick up my books, it's always crowded. Just within the last two years, they've built another one in the city where I live.

I only use the library for books, not for the other services that they offer.

Re: Libraries - Are they here to stay?

beckyb1012 — Wed, 17 Sep 2025 13:27:46 GMT

Mine is two blocks from my office here downtown and currently I have 10 books checked out. I will be stopping by on Friday afternoon to pickup one new release that I have had on hold for awhile and return three I have finished.

If I go more than a week without going to the library my librarian ladies get concerned. Libraries are going nowhere. I prefer to read book over watching television.

Re: Libraries - Are they here to stay?

deeva — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 01:32:04 GMT

I'm at my library frequently. Always looking for new books to read.

But I have noticed that many people there are using the library for internet access. I never realized that so many people can't afford internet at home.

Re: Libraries - Are they here to stay?

Trailrun23 — Fri, 19 Sep 2025 02:24:05 GMT

Just learned today our city is closing one of the city's libraries soon and possibly four of them next year, all to save money for a few things I don't think are crucial. We live about two miles from our local library; we work there during elections since it is our precinct poling site.

I hope libraries are kept open everywhere; I remember meeting my best friend there to study before tests and to do research for papers....theat brand new fast food place opened right across the street; it was clled Taco Bell....yes, that's how old I am; my bestie would sneak food inside but the aroma of Tex Mex never got past the librarian Mrs. Hood. I would hate to see more libraries close.

Re: Libraries - Are they here to stay?

chrystaltree — Sat, 20 Sep 2025 18:33:56 GMT

I think libraries are definitely here to stay. I live equal distance between two. The larger one is new, it was built 3 years ago and offers classes, lectures, art shows, poetry readings. There are game nights. Pj parties for tweens to watch movies. There are services and events for seniors. The smaller library is older and offers daytime activities for moms and babies. Both libraries have copy machines, computers, fax machines.

Re: Libraries - Are they here to stay?

CalminHeart — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 11:39:41 GMT

I sure hope libraries are here to stay. They are government funded and given how things are going, it wouldn't surprise me if funding is cut.

Re: Libraries - Are they here to stay?

kathie66 — Tue, 23 Sep 2025 09:10:13 GMT

I think libraries are here to stay. Mine are always busy and a hub of the community. I am at my local branch once a week, taking out books.

Re: Libraries - Are they here to stay?

Fribwl — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 21:41:28 GMT

@JoyFilled Warrior I hope so also. Retired and go to library for Senior get together once a week. They have another day for games. Another for Cooking. They have plenty of things for mom and baby or toddler. And yes the librarians are so nice and are eager to help. It is a nice place to go. Will be signing up on Monday for short stories on tap. You read it and then go to Restaurant to discuss the book. I am looming forward to it.

Re: Libraries - Are they here to stay?

Shelbelle — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 21:50:47 GMT

I hope they are here to stay, I work for a company that does library renovations, and supplies them with all their furniture.

Re: Libraries - Are they here to stay?

shoekitty — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 23:12:24 GMT

I think they will always be around. Some of us with computers, and a little money to purchase books, etc might not use them or do seldom But please be aware of the number of students and people who don't have access to these things at home. Some students come from a large family where computer time is shared and precious. Some just flat out can't afford it. We live in a small town, 55,000. There is small community college here...very small. The library is full. Especially the study and quiet rooms. Both my daughter and granddaughter used library to study for nursing school as they need quiet to study. Many students do socialize, but nice they do it in a library, lol! They also do papers and print outs So do many others. Many still read hard copy still, like my husband. He also downloads online, but he visits library at least once a month.