Library – Love or Loathe?

[tonya10057]

I plan on getting a Kindle this Christmas so until then i will continue to purchase books. I am a member of my local library but i just prefer to get a book new or not have to wait for it to become available. In either case, new books are not as expensive these days as they used to be so im not breaking the bank. If i decide i like the Kindle format i will buy e-books and if not i will no doubt go back to my usual method.

you can download free books from the library on a kindle.

[ammyrodrics]

I am both.

[Maud Fitch]

One of my favourite aspects of borrowing a library book is the overnight book chute. No parking hassle, just stop and drop. One less thing to worry about and it doesn't cost a cent.

[Bighuey]

The town we lived in had a bookmobile that came around once a week. It would park at the school across the street from our house and was really handy. If they didnt have what you wanted they would bring it the next week. They also had a drop box which was only a block away. I wish they had one here, the closest library with English language books is in Ensenada a hundred miles from here.

[RuqeeD]

One of my favourite aspects of borrowing a library book is the overnight book chute. No parking hassle, just stop and drop. One less thing to worry about and it doesn't cost a cent.

Aw wish we had that, would make it so convenient for me!

[Gurkavitch]

This is a toughy. What do you call someone that ehh... Doesn't buy or borrow? Now, I don't steal, I just read it at the bookstore/library and then go on my merry way.

[Maud Fitch]

This is a toughy. What do you call someone that ehh... Doesn't buy or borrow? Now, I don't steal, I just read it at the bookstore/library and then go on my merry way.

I'd say that sounds pretty clever to me! Are you a speed reader?

[Gurkavitch]

Not at all. I'm actually a pretty slow reader. Takes me a good week to cover a book but I guess that's just because I get distracted easily. Usually I just go and read as much as I can and if I don't finish it i'll just write down the page number and come back the next day. And they're all none the wiser

[Maud Fitch]

Recently I found out that advocacy for public libraries across the UK is really kicking into gear, with celebrities such as Philip Pullman and Sinead O'Connor adding their voice to halt the closure of local libraries. Nick Cave, the Pet Shop Boys and other musicians are campaigning to save the Kensal Rise library which Mark Twain opened in 1900.

Also, in a landmark case in the High Court of England and Wales, Judge Martin McKenna has ruled that the decision to axe library services in Gloucestershire and Somerset was unlawful and should be quashed. Councils in the UK have been sent back to the planning room to find alternatives to closing libraries in their bid to save money. Councils were found to have disregarded their public sector equity duties and permission for an appeal was refused.

Justice Beatson has announced a full judicial review into the proposed closure of 10 libraries in Gloucestershire, the outcome of which will be studied around the world. Thankfully libraries in Australia have a strong community presence and are not under threat. Have you lost your public library?

[RuqeeD]

^ Due to cuts in local government funding a lot of our libraries around Manchester are undergoing a lot of changes. Thankfully, they are not shutting down but they have shorter opening hours and are only open for 4 or 5 days a week which I think it's better than nothing so I'm ok with the new initiatives so far. Although the libraries in the different boroughs are considering whether they should continue the Mobile Library service and they are moving towards axing it altogether which I think is a damn shame for those who are elderly and/or unable to make their way to libraries. The councils are working on initiatives to provide an accessible service to them which leads me to think they are doing all they can to ensure libraries remain open and accessible whatever it takes.

[Maud Fitch]

.....Although the libraries in the different boroughs are considering whether they should continue the Mobile Library service and they are moving towards axing it altogether which I think is a damn shame for those who are elderly and/or unable to make their way to libraries. The councils are working on initiatives to provide an accessible service to them which leads me to think they are doing all they can to ensure libraries remain open and accessible whatever it takes.

That's very intesting news, Ruqee. As you said, they are struggling but appear determined to stay afloat.
Not everyone is computer-literate and it worries me that a have-and-have-not situation will arise with the disadvantaged, aged and infirm missing out. Heck, I even liked our Mobile Library. It was so handy but after a brand-new purpose-built library opened up three kilometres away, it was disbanded. On the plus side, the new library has every facility and the book club meets in a room with comfortable chairs, a kitchenette plus beverages and the subtropical summer essential, air-conditioning.

Happy New Year to you!

[terrisbooks]

I also love the library. All those books just waiting to be read. My love of reading started when I was a teenager, so for me the smell of books in the library is a comforting memory.
But alas now I am suppose to be grown up, but I have issues getting books back on time. As has been said in the other post there are so many places now to get used books cheap, so why go.
I am interested in trying the library loan system on my e-reader. Could be a place to get the books I want and not have to shop for them.

[pavithrathiva]

i like to purchase the books


i love to spend time in library because it was the most silent place to study alone

[A24]

I love the library! My daughter has swim practice 4 days a week and it is in same building as the library! I dream of all the books I could read! I do love my Kindle too but have yet to get any from the library to download. I rarely buy new books anymore. If it is something I really want to read and they don't have it at the library or there is a wait, then I will buy it for my Kindle. I'm not one of those people that like to collect books to keep on shelves. I read it, pass it on, or donate it. I only save a few books for a shelf or two.

[Maud Fitch]

I love the library..........I'm not one of those people that like to collect books to keep on shelves. I read it, pass it on, or donate it. I only save a few books for a shelf or two.

Donating is the way to go but since the public library system in my city does not accept donations, I find other outlets like charity shops or the University. At the University, I deposit my near-new books in a specially marked box and after the librarian has processed them, these books are shelved in the Leisure section of the library or in the lounge room of the students Halls Of Residence. It gives the boarding students something to read other than text books.