Are libraries still relevant?

Mes 2chats · Post by **Mes 2chats** » 24 Feb 2014, 17:24

Yes, libraries are still relevant!! They offer not only books, but make many other types of information available to everyone. Although I have read the odd e-book, I still prefer to sit with a physical book in my hands. The library has always afforded me a sense of peace and quiet. A library is an asset to any community.

-- 24 Feb 2014, 17:26 --

Yes, libraries are still relevant!! They offer not only books, but make many other types of information available to everyone. Although I have read the odd e-book, I still prefer to sit with a physical book in my hands. The library has always afforded me a sense of peace and quiet. A library is an asset to any community.

M-Allmon · Post by **M-Allmon** » 24 Feb 2014, 23:26

While I haven't been to a library in a long time, I do have several friends that only get their books from libraries. So...yes

Bibliophile97 · Post by **Bibliophile97** » 25 Feb 2014, 18:21

Of course! Where else can you borrow so many books for free?

Bookwise · Post by **Bookwise** » 26 Feb 2014, 16:16

I must admit I do not go the our local library much for myself as I prefer to own books but I know many people do. The library also has many resources such as printing, computer access which is important for many people. For me though what I really get out of the library is taking my young kids, exposing them to a beautiful environment of reading and them being able to pick out new ones and return them is wonderful for them.

kismoody · Post by **kismoody** » 26 Feb 2014, 18:17

Very much so. I work at a library and we've never been so busy. Granted, libraries have taken over a lot of the older dvd circs since things like Netflix kind of took over, but we offer a lot of other services as well. Such as homework help, online ebooks and eaudiobooks, print materials, audiobooks, computers, and more. Our job descriptions are not so traditional as they used to be, but we keep plenty busy. For that reason, yes, I would say we are still seen as relevant.

MirandaLovesBooks19 · Post by **MirandaLovesBooks19** » 26 Feb 2014, 21:54

Yes libraries are still relevant. I go there all the time for books. There are also computers to use. There is a children's section with toys and coloring. My library has Lego Club for kids there which is awesome because Lego is so cool!

Loveabull · Post by **Loveabull** » 26 Feb 2014, 21:59

I don't want to live to the time when they are not relevant...everything that a physical library means to a community. You can't get that on the internet and you never will.

Debra · Post by **Debra** » 26 Feb 2014, 23:15

I think there will always be printed books. Some people are not going to be able to afford kindles, and kids' books aren't the same without pages. Sometimes you want to go to a pool or something and not worry about an electronic device getting stolen. I'm not sure I'd ever completely convert to electronic reading... there's something I love about holding a real book.

switchblades · Post by **switchblades** » 28 Feb 2014, 01:10

I think we should redesign them to reflect the changes in technology. You can put more into a library if you lose the paper.
Also, libraries are a wonderful place to learn and connect with your community.

hillaryjones92 · Post by **hillaryjones92** » 28 Feb 2014, 01:51

I love my library. I live in a small town with no actual book store. I can go to any library in a 50 mile radius. My library decided to get innovative. They partnered with amazon and some other companies and now have kindle edition books to be rented with your library card. The library is the only legal way I have found to keep up with my appetite

JeffinerRosie · Post by **JeffinerRosie** » 28 Feb 2014, 03:26

Definitely, I still use my local library, it's great to test books and authors for free!

quitemage · Post by **quitemage** » 28 Feb 2014, 03:34

I go to the library more because I need information more then going to read for pleasure, though when I was younger that was reversed. So I think libraries are still vary relevant because they give access to books that you, or at least I, would usually not have.

Soaro · Post by **Soaro** » 28 Feb 2014, 11:13

You can't beat just browsing the shelves in the library and seeing what takes your fancy. So many new authors I've discovered this way. You can afford to take more of a risk with books, give them a whirl and see what you like. Often I go on to buy new books by authors I've come across by doing this.

Sherlock_1 · Post by **Sherlock_1** » 28 Feb 2014, 16:58

Yes! I have an ereader, and my library allows ebook checkouts, but if they don't have the ebook it's nice to have the option of getting a hard copy.

V_bansal2912 · Post by **V_bansal2912** » 01 Mar 2014, 00:39

These days everything is easy because of internet. You can always order a book online. I don't know whether libraries will survive the next few generations. Libraries have to adapt to the changes. I know of a few websites which let you have books on loan for a certain period of time, just like a library does on membership basis. They deliver the books you want to your place and collect them as well. That is a good way to adapt to the fast changing world and still keep the good old libraries alive.

Though the peace and experience of sitting in a library and reading is wordless.