Are libraries still relevant?

[thankyou]

Yes they are still relevant. Most of the books that I've read have been borrowed from a library. But that is because I personally prefer paperback/hardcover books to e-books. It is also a preferable place to study or do any work which needs to be done in a quiet place.

[Aubinelizabeth]

Libraries are absolutely still relevant. It is a generational thing though and sadly may be nonexistent in the future. There are some things in a library that online media just does not have. And the smell of a library book is like nothing else.

[vfreeman]

The short answer is yes, libraries are definitely relevant.

The longer answer is that libraries have to change to remain relevant. And I say this as someone in the field. Public libraries have events that appeal to a broad spectrum of society. Libraries of all sorts have tech training, tax guidance, still resources that are not available through Google or your other search engine of choice. They also have people who are trained in how to best use those same search engines to a greater and more effective degree than most of the general public. They are concerned with the digital divide, with education, with information access, and much more, for everyone. No longer do we just set the info in front of you, but now we teach how to find it.

Information professionals, whether librarians or known by some other term, are an important part of any educated society. But to think that it will look the same 10 years down the road, 25, whatever, is also not realistic. They are changing. But everything is.

[HDR_Mama]

Although libraries have shifted a bit in recent days, they are most definitely relevant. I visit the library often for both my own needs and those of my children. Quite honestly, there is nothing like a paper book and a whole building of shelved books!

[LittleWilma]

I think they are still relevant. I was just informed by my twelve-year old, who doesn't like to read a lot, that she wants to start going to the library.

[kim_be]

Yes, I believe they are very relevant. the local brand of the library system is in fact expanding and moving to a larger space. People use them for computer access, meeting spaces, classes, checking out movies, music, and of course books. It is and integrated system, using technology by offering ebooks, the acre mentioned computers and internet access, online catalogs and interconnecting branches, as well as self check out machines. A smart library system will adapt to the ever-growing technology, while steel meeting the needs of the public.

[Ropis]

Libraries are very relevant!!!
I love libraries and I go to public libraries all the time!!! It is the first place I look for books.

[Ravenmount]

My local library is doing all it can to make itself less relevant, for sure. There are hardly any books, and the entire non-fiction adult section takes up only ~2 rows now. The book selections cater to people who like the appearance of reading, without the challenge. The self-help and health sections are the best-stocked, while the entire science segment of the Dewey Decimal system is represented by just a couple shelf sections of very basic books that don't assume, require or provide any post-middle-school science knowledge. The only places to sit are in the newspaper corner, the computer kiosks, or at the 3-4 round tables in the middle of the room, most of which are oriented towards the kids' third of the room. There are no secluded nooks to read books in, and no benches outside either, even though there is a park right behind the building. The closest picnic bench is over a block away at the other end of the park. I hope most libraries are more welcoming and book-rich than ours has become.

[Esrever]

Why wouldn't they be relevant? Even though I own an eReader, I love going to the library for the quiet, the free wifi/printing services, and depending on the library--rare books that you couldn't find elsewhere. Also, the very fact that some libraries are downright awesome to read in. I just wish our country cared more about books, the hours suck!!!

[speedesch2]

Libraries are absolutely still relevant. Apart from lending out books, our community library also run various programs. They have a book club, short story and poetry writing groups, run programs for children during school holidays and have group activities for Senior Citizens. They also have a mobile library which visits old age homes on a regular basis for Senior Citizens who are not able to visit the library, which I personally think is really wonderful. Visiting the library is awesome, there is a lovely reading room and entering you are welcomed by the fantastic smell of books. The staff are always friendly and helpful, if there is a book which you are interested in and they don't have a copy, they will source it for you from another library and notify you when it has arrived. At our main library there is even a small coffee shop. What more can you ask for, total bliss! So yes they are still very relevant and will be for a long time to come irrespective if people have e-readers. Libraries provides a valuable service to the community.

[Lovely_Ink]

I think libraries have had to reimagine themselves in order to stay relevant in this digital age. I've been in some libraries where the shelves were so bare that it was a wonder the doors were still open. Others have found way to incorporate public programs into their operations to still attract people.

[Ebony B]

I love going to my library. I take my boys to get them into reading programs and they enjoy storytime and the children's activities that are provided there.

[Anna Meyer]

Yes definitely! Please don't ever try to close one down. Its the one place kids and people can go to when they are poor and cant afford computers or internet or to go out and buy books...the LIB is a safe place where people can go and read and learn and e plore and get inspired and get to have a book available to them. I once read of a guy that made it his mission to start reading book clubs where kids and people could come and read while people from the globe just donated books to these centres. I think its a worthy cause. I wouldnt mind having a LIB where readers could come and hang out, be safe and enjoy reading, enriching themselves. A lot of money being saved as well. Books available and free to read. We need them...every age needs them.

[SidnayC]

I personally no longer frequent libraries anymore... the internet saw to that. But education wise, I still think it majorly a crucial part of any school, college or university.

[emmadbaker1]

How could libraries ever become irrelevant?!? When I was a child I basically lived in the public library. It was a magical place to me with books full of wonderful worlds to become a part of. Even now, a high school graduate, I can feel the magic of visiting the library. My senior year I spent half of my days in the school's library with some excuse to help the librarian. I don't even have to be reading. I just love the company of books. I remember one day we got a new shipment of books in and I picked one up and was so excited that I literally just opened it up and sniffed it's pages. My friends thought I'd gone off the deep end but there's a magical quality that a real, paper filled book holds. So if you're asking if Libraries should be forgotten due to the technological advancements...well let's just say, if it ever comes to that, I will have lost all hope for this world.