[Misc] Libraries-How long will they last?

[Cheeky Monkey]

When does the Premier League season start again?

Hang on in chaps. You’re nearly there.


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A flippant post on your part I appreciate, but on odd thread to target when so much utter non-football nonsense gets posted on here. Libraries are under constant threat of further reduced hours, closing altogether, always being subjected to local budget reviews. They’re not just about books, they’re community hubs, support people getting back to work, venues for talks, baby and toddler singalong groups, lectures on all range of topics, support adult literacy, juvenile literacy. My local library even has a weekly ‘free cycling’ and free repairs workshop where you can get electrical devices repaired free, clothes mended for free, bring in household items you don’t want, take away any that are donated, book swaps etc.

Never mind though, it won’t be long before they’ll all be gone and your descendants can walk into former library premises for a mocha latte or a vape refill or a new mobile phone.


Use them or lose them (and find a Poundland in their place)

 

[Dick Knights Mumm]

Like others I was a huge library user when I was younger, but again like others I haven't set foot in a library for ages - about thirty years in my case. (Certainly the last time I went to Brighton library it was by the Corn Exchange). And I'm not some 'digital only' nerd, I still read printed matter and I still buy books, newspapers and magazines as I much prefer physical media, I just don't need libraries.

I'm guessing if they are going to survive they have to evolve. I'm sure Brighton library must have done as certainly I can't see a future for places where you simply go to borrow books or to look up something you can't find out on-line.

You should go down and have a look.

 

[The Clamp]

I used to use them daily up until about 5 years ago. They are so noisy.

A friend asked a librarian why they aren't asking people to be a bit quieter, the reply?

"It's not appropriate to ask people to be quiet in a public space". Oh do **** off.

So now I rarely spend much time in them, though I have started using Lancing one a bit more to do my writing in. There aren't many people with the ability to read in Lancing so it's rather quiet.

I do still take books out though. I like looking around Hove library. Beautiful old building. A really good one.

Shoreham library was a godsend when my relationship was breaking down. I'd find sanctuary in there for hours rather than be in the flat with The Negatron. People were nice and friendly and helpful. It was calm and there was nobody interrogating me or disapproving of me like at home. Christ, that woman really was the tunnel at the end of the light.

Sorry? Yes, libraries, wonderful places but a bit noisy.

 

[Washie]

I used to use them daily up until about 5 years ago. They are so noisy.

A friend asked a librarian why they aren't asking people to be a bit quieter, the reply?

"It's not appropriate to ask people to be quiet in a public space". Oh do **** off.

So now I rarely spend much time in them, though I have started using Lancing one a bit more to do my writing in. There aren't many people with the ability to read in Lancing so it's rather quiet.

I do still take books out though.

Shoreham library was a godsend when my relationship was breaking down. I'd find sanctuary in there for hours rather than be in the flat with The Negatron. People were nice and friendly and helpful. It was calm and there was nobody interrogating me or disapproving of me. Christ, that woman really was the tunnel at the end of the light.

Sorry? Yes, libraries, wonderful places but a bit noisy.

Stop being such a snowflake

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[The Clamp]

Stop being such a snowflake

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I don't dig loud noises. Capiche?

 

[Lever]

Good thread! I don't use the local library half as much as I should and could. But I would fight to keep it because it is a wonderful space and there are many in the community who enjoy it regularly and inspire their children to do the same.

I was genuinely shocked when a person I met at a mutual friend's house declared that Libraries have no place in our modern world. He was quite aggressively assertive about it, so I challenged him and his reasoning boiled down to the classic response "I don't use it, so why should I pay for it!"

I am afraid that the 'I, me, mine' culture has been developing for oh, at least 12 years...........

 

[Cheeky Monkey]

I don't dig loud noises. Capiche?

Same here, silence is a wonderful thing. Nothing worse than people talking loudly in a library or having a mobile phone conversation in one, and don’t get me started on “The wheels on the bus” from the toddler singalongs.

 

[The Clamp]

Same here, silence is a wonderful thing. Nothing worse than people talking loudly in a library or having a mobile phone conversation in one, and don’t get me started on “The wheels on the bus” from the toddler singalongs.

I’ll take storytime sing along over Knit & Natter group any day of the week. Shut it granny!

 

[mikeyjh]

I hope they carry on for years and years - They are the completely antipodean to our buy and throw away world, they are part of our sharing reusing future, I hope. An example - As a welsh learner, it is useful for me to read book as a 3 year old and rising as I become more competent - You never know, one day I might be reading as a 7 year old! It would be utterly pointless and wasteful for me to be buying these books, the library is the perfect place. Also a great place to research. There is, obviously a LOT online but there's plenty that isn't......

 

[Lever]

I just signed the petition "Save our School Librarians @nlcpeople and #SaveSchoolLibrarians" and wanted to see if you could help by adding your name.

Our goal is to reach 50,000 signatures and we need more support. You can read more and sign the petition here:

https://nam12.safelinks.protection....dVTPREB+yMqsJQh5EwKqgD3ivQuqBCyh0=&reserved=0

Thanks!

 

[TugWilson]

I have about 200 books on computer (all on a subject i am very into-UFOs) and have hardly scratched the surface with regards getting through them,but had they been in the all important tactile form of a proper book i would have finished them within 18 months.I believe Libraries are a vital part of the community and the visual aspect draws youngsters to read and learn.I also agree Popeye that with help from the very helpful and knowledgeable Librarians such as yourself,that navigating the system to find the best books by the best authors is a must,as without it some future bookworms may simply walk away disheartened.

 

[TugWilson]

Coincidently there was a bulletin on the News earlier of a very large bomb that had been found behind a library in South Croydon,when the news crew asked locals for their opinions,and when one was found that understood the question he replied with a look of fear and amazement and said `WE HAVE A LIBRARY`?.

 

[cheshunt seagull]

A subject close to my heart I guess as I retired from the British Library after 39 years in January. Looking specifically at local public libraries and not the British Library (which has its own challenges) I think there is a future but, although people will still use them for reading printed material, this is likely to decline. Prior to retirement I was involved in the development of a network of centres to provide advice and information to entrepreneurs in public libraries (including the Jubilee Library). Other examples of potential developments are things like local history archives where people can add their images and stories; human libraries where you book a chat with a person with an interesting back story, training, education, access to specialist equipment (like 3D printers). I think public libraries will increasingly become places you go to spend time with other people as much as with books. The challenge is how to ensure that these activities do not take over completely and drive away people that want a quiet place to read and study. At present the most innovative uses of public libraries tend to be found in the Netherlands and Nordic countries.

 

[Hamilton]

I haven't been to a library since my kids were using them. I'm anticipating doing it more with grandkids.

However, my memory of them - a decade back - is that they need to keep diversifying and building relationships with the local communities. That means changing their hours to fit with the community; becoming more welcoming and accessible (and getting rid of the "shush!' image). It means being places where local MPs and councillors hold surgeries; being attached to art centres, youth clubs and music venues. They should be centres for learning, where local businesses send people to complete training courses. They should have areas where Citizens Advice can have a base and share access to knowledge.

What doesn't help is the word 'library'. That alone conjures up too many misconceptions of what they should be. The new library should be the community's educational hub. Of course, all that - even if it was the right thing to do - would need leadership from government and money. But, arguably, if we are to grow our economy and improve the lot of UK citizens, then we need to grow our skills, and that's where libraries should and can play their part.

Just my view. And they may already have changed to that, but if they have, then I'm not aware and others may not be aware either.

A flippant post on your part I appreciate, but on odd thread to target when so much utter non-football nonsense gets posted on here. Libraries are under constant threat of further reduced hours, closing altogether, always being subjected to local budget reviews. They’re not just about books, they’re community hubs, support people getting back to work, venues for talks, baby and toddler singalong groups, lectures on all range of topics, support adult literacy, juvenile literacy. My local library even has a weekly ‘free cycling’ and free repairs workshop where you can get electrical devices repaired free, clothes mended for free, bring in household items you don’t want, take away any that are donated, book swaps etc.

Never mind though, it won’t be long before they’ll all be gone and your descendants can walk into former library premises for a mocha latte or a vape refill or a new mobile phone.


Use them or lose them (and find a Poundland in their place)

I refer the gentleman to the answer I gave sometime ago.

And to use another parliamentary phrase, "Calm down dear!"

 

[Popeye]

I just signed the petition "Save our School Librarians @nlcpeople and #SaveSchoolLibrarians" and wanted to see if you could help by adding your name.

Our goal is to reach 50,000 signatures and we need more support. You can read more and sign the petition here:

https://nam12.safelinks.protection....dVTPREB+yMqsJQh5EwKqgD3ivQuqBCyh0=&reserved=0

Thanks!

Signed friend. For a great cause. When I was younger, tbh I did not have a ton of friends, so reading books was my way of dealing with that and my school librarian was awesome in understanding that, talking to me, etc. They are very much needed for that kind of thing, along with homework and similar.

 

[Cheshire Cat]

Trouble with libraries is that they are expensive. The cost of the buildings, updating tbe stock, the IT, the staff etc etc.

Use it or lose it.

 

[Cheshire Cat]

A subject close to my heart I guess as I retired from the British Library after 39 years in January. Looking specifically at local public libraries and not the British Library (which has its own challenges) I think there is a future but, although people will still use them for reading printed material, this is likely to decline. Prior to retirement I was involved in the development of a network of centres to provide advice and information to entrepreneurs in public libraries (including the Jubilee Library). Other examples of potential developments are things like local history archives where people can add their images and stories; human libraries where you book a chat with a person with an interesting back story, training, education, access to specialist equipment (like 3D printers). I think public libraries will increasingly become places you go to spend time with other people as much as with books. The challenge is how to ensure that these activities do not take over completely and drive away people that want a quiet place to read and study. At present the most innovative uses of public libraries tend to be found in the Netherlands and Nordic countries.

The reading room in the British Museum used to be FANTASTIC

 

[Papak]

Libraries went down in my estimation when they no longer had printed copies of the Dewey Decimal System hanging off the end of the non-fiction shelves...

I was told to use the computer terminal - I didn't go back...

 

[cheshunt seagull]

The reading room in the British Museum used to be FANTASTIC

Agreed. I never got to work in it when it was part of the British Library, as I was based in the science library just off Chancery Lane, but loved visiting it.

 

[BrianB]

The 'festival of brexit' having gone through various mutations has come up with this , currently touring libraries in a burger van.

https://story-trails.com/locations/