Re: Going to the Library....Books!

yellowBeetle · ‎03-10-2010

I love to read, but when I first got a tablet in 2014 I noticed that it quickly became a "time thief!" Spent way too much time on the internet. And found I was reading far fewer books.

So imposed some limits on myself! Still spend some time each day on my tablet but leave plenty of time for reading books! And I prefer real, old-fashioned books with paper pages, lol!

SeaMaiden · ‎03-10-2010

To all who replied to my thread THANK YOU! I enjoyed reading your posts!👍🤗

ROMARY · ‎04-28-2010

I haven't read all of the replies. As I've mentioned before (somewhere): (When I had less time to spare), I used to spend time in our local library's reading room where the magazines and newspapers are displayed. Loved reading and viewing decor and style magazines. Now that I have plenty of time, I haven't been to the reading room. Go figure. Another reminder to prompt me to visit my local library! Thank you!

'More or less', 'Right or wrong', 'In general', and 'Just thinking out loud ' (as usual).

software · ‎06-08-2016

@SeaMaiden wrote:
@TaylorBrown wrote:
@SeaMaiden I still read paper books and lots of them. I try to read one per week. My local library is a favorite hang out for myself and my children. I just signed up my son for a STEAM calss a few minutes ago. My city sees the benefit of libraries serving their community. We have 7 of them and they are open every day of the week.. I do not own a tablet or e-reader and am going to be sad when the day comes that paper books are no more.
@TaylorBrown I was talking to the librarian for a while when we were signing up for our new library cards as our old ones expired from nonusage. Her name was Maria.. a sweet older lady. She was saying that someday there will be no librarian... that now young people just mostly use the computers to find answers to their questions... and the librarian duties are less and less. I think THAT IS SO SAD... I enjoy having the human touch. She had been working in this library for 20 years.

There is a major shift in what people need and want... in this information world .. and they want it NOW. I am afraid to say that books as hard backs and paper backs are going to disappear someday. Nothing better than holding and smelling the pages of a book. NOTHING. But, the newer generations are getting further and further from using books.

I hope Maria is wrong. I think there will always be a need for a librarian, even without libraries like we have today. There is so much that can be researched and not everything is on a computer. I think their role will morph into becoming archivists or other document-keepers. I'd like to believe librarians are smart enough to provide their own job security going forward.

KathyPet · ‎03-09-2010

I have always been a lover of reading. I find that I read so many more books since I got my IPAD and have my Kindle app. IT is so much easier to get books via download then to get in the car and drive to a store or library. Cannot remember the last time I read a paper book.

Colinka · ‎10-15-2011

@software wrote:
@SeaMaiden wrote:
@TaylorBrown wrote:
@SeaMaiden I still read paper books and lots of them. I try to read one per week. My local library is a favorite hang out for myself and my children. I just signed up my son for a STEAM calss a few minutes ago. My city sees the benefit of libraries serving their community. We have 7 of them and they are open every day of the week.. I do not own a tablet or e-reader and am going to be sad when the day comes that paper books are no more.
@TaylorBrown I was talking to the librarian for a while when we were signing up for our new library cards as our old ones expired from nonusage. Her name was Maria.. a sweet older lady. She was saying that someday there will be no librarian... that now young people just mostly use the computers to find answers to their questions... and the librarian duties are less and less. I think THAT IS SO SAD... I enjoy having the human touch. She had been working in this library for 20 years.

There is a major shift in what people need and want... in this information world .. and they want it NOW. I am afraid to say that books as hard backs and paper backs are going to disappear someday. Nothing better than holding and smelling the pages of a book. NOTHING. But, the newer generations are getting further and further from using books.

I hope Maria is wrong. I think there will always be a need for a librarian, even without libraries like we have today. There is so much that can be researched and not everything is on a computer. I think their role will morph into becoming archivists or other document-keepers. I'd like to believe librarians are smart enough to provide their own job security going forward.

As a professioinal librarian (MLS) retired, but still working part time at my local library, I feel I must add something to the idea that libraries and librarians are on the road to extinction. On the contrary, we may not be doing as much of the traditional tasks (although I would argue against that, too!--I spend lots of time on reader's advisory and answering reference questions.) What I DO see are libraries that are redefining our roles to fit current needs and technologies. Our library is always jammed with people waiting to use our computers, sign up for summer reading programs, pick out videos,learn a new skill, get the latest thriller on cd to take on a car trip, or just visit with a friendly face. Not everyone can afford a Kindle or even a home computer. However, most people need to have access to a computer just to appy for a job or keep up with modern social media. We aren't just the repositories of dusty knowledge--we share freely and are open to all. We are the great equalizer.

Just an example of one day's programming: exercise class for seniors, Friends of Library book sale, local author autographing books in foyer, knitting club, cheesemaking demonstration, "preparing your will" workshop, ancestry research how-to's, teen geek club, children's song performer, and more. We check out more than books: you can get sewing machines, bike repair kits, (you can even check out bikes for two weeks!), mobile hotspots, robotics kits, musical instruments, etc. We have 3D printers and other great new technologies that we will teach you how to use for free.

And finally, we have books--lots of them! They are still alive and necessary, despite the newer technologies. We check out over 10,000 items each day, and 90% are books.

We are relevant and more challenged than ever--and we are definitely not on the road to dusty extinction.

tends2dogs · ‎05-08-2010

Great thread, @SeaMaiden. I loved reading all the posts, too. I have recently gotten back into reading for pleasure and I think to myself, "how did I ever get away from this?" I read books. I do not own a kindle, nor do I want to. I inherited books from my mom's library - I should post a picture, it is quite awesome. I also pick up books at thrifts, bookstores, and online.

One observation I made while walking the beach this past winter, I would say that 85 to 90% of the people reading were holding a book not an e reader (or whatever or whatever they are called ). You can't beat an afternoon sitting in the sun (with SPF) and reading a good novel!

Fear not Brothers and Sisters! I have read THE BOOK..........we win!!!

joannecha · ‎04-06-2010

Wow--I just cannot imagine my life without reading as it is such an integral part of my life. I've been a life-long reader and don't plan on stopping anytime soon. I usually have about 8 books on hold at my local library at any given time. My normal amount to have checked out is about 4. I read primarily fiction, but have been expanding the genres that I read (added historical fiction & biographies). I even have my own "reading nook" in an office space. It's just a recliner, footstool, bookcase, radio, and table for my cup of coffee or water. Outside, I have my own reading chair, footstool, and mini table for good weather. I figure if you have to be addicted to something, it may as well be reading.

SeaMaiden · ‎03-10-2010

@Colinka WONDERFUL POST! Thank-you for showing us how much Librarians do.

I did not know you had so many other things that you were a part of. I have an new respect for you, the librarian now besides making the library more personable and friendly.

software · ‎06-08-2016

@Colinka wrote:
@software wrote:
@SeaMaiden wrote:
@TaylorBrown wrote:
@SeaMaiden I still read paper books and lots of them. I try to read one per week. My local library is a favorite hang out for myself and my children. I just signed up my son for a STEAM calss a few minutes ago. My city sees the benefit of libraries serving their community. We have 7 of them and they are open every day of the week.. I do not own a tablet or e-reader and am going to be sad when the day comes that paper books are no more.
@TaylorBrown I was talking to the librarian for a while when we were signing up for our new library cards as our old ones expired from nonusage. Her name was Maria.. a sweet older lady. She was saying that someday there will be no librarian... that now young people just mostly use the computers to find answers to their questions... and the librarian duties are less and less. I think THAT IS SO SAD... I enjoy having the human touch. She had been working in this library for 20 years.

There is a major shift in what people need and want... in this information world .. and they want it NOW. I am afraid to say that books as hard backs and paper backs are going to disappear someday. Nothing better than holding and smelling the pages of a book. NOTHING. But, the newer generations are getting further and further from using books.

I hope Maria is wrong. I think there will always be a need for a librarian, even without libraries like we have today. There is so much that can be researched and not everything is on a computer. I think their role will morph into becoming archivists or other document-keepers. I'd like to believe librarians are smart enough to provide their own job security going forward.
As a professioinal librarian (MLS) retired, but still working part time at my local library, I feel I must add something to the idea that libraries and librarians are on the road to extinction. On the contrary, we may not be doing as much of the traditional tasks (although I would argue against that, too!--I spend lots of time on reader's advisory and answering reference questions.) What I DO see are libraries that are redefining our roles to fit current needs and technologies. Our library is always jammed with people waiting to use our computers, sign up for summer reading programs, pick out videos,learn a new skill, get the latest thriller on cd to take on a car trip, or just visit with a friendly face. Not everyone can afford a Kindle or even a home computer. However, most people need to have access to a computer just to appy for a job or keep up with modern social media. We aren't just the repositories of dusty knowledge--we share freely and are open to all. We are the great equalizer.

Just an example of one day's programming: exercise class for seniors, Friends of Library book sale, local author autographing books in foyer, knitting club, cheesemaking demonstration, "preparing your will" workshop, ancestry research how-to's, teen geek club, children's song performer, and more. We check out more than books: you can get sewing machines, bike repair kits, (you can even check out bikes for two weeks!), mobile hotspots, robotics kits, musical instruments, etc. We have 3D printers and other great new technologies that we will teach you how to use for free.

And finally, we have books--lots of them! They are still alive and necessary, despite the newer technologies. We check out over 10,000 items each day, and 90% are books.
We are relevant and more challenged than ever--and we are definitely not on the road to dusty extinction.

Thank you for your post and you are exactly right.

There's a knit night weekly at one of my libraries and a monthly knit afternoon at another. When I retire, I could LIVE at my library and never get bored, so much going on.

We will always needs librarians and I believe we will always need libraries.

Librarians are a great asset in geneology. If there is not a source right there, they know where to go online to find a source.