Does anyone still go to trhe library these days? Or do you just go to a book store and buy the book you are after?

Is the library becoming extinct?

i go to the library at least 4 times a month...I've given up spending $25-$35 for a mystery novel, when I can take it out for free. Unless its a book i'd like to keep, like the harry potter books for my kids, or something like the Ronald Reagan autobiography..

3 times a week on average I go ...

brand new library and super fast computers

cd & dvd rentals cheapest you can find

I go to the library I can't afford to buy books!

And that goes for academic books and novels. If I had more money, I'd buy loads of books, but thats for "one day"

i go somewhat frequently. i usually don't like buying hardback books, so if a new book comes out that i just MUST read but have no real reason to own, i'll reserve it from the library. if i like it, then i'll get it when it comes out in paperback. plus, the music section is good for funky world music type stuff and low-risk curiosity seeking.

Up until September, I'd worked in a public library system for a couple years. Public libraries -- as opposed to specialized research libraries, which will always be supported by their niche crowds -- have taken a hit with tightening local budgets, the internet becoming pervasive in homes as a reference tool and huge chain bookstores offering lower prices and value-added experiences like book signings, cafes, special events, audio-video, special orders, etc.

But public libraries are becoming more saavy: They're amalgamating in many metro areas to enjoy larger, better-run infrastructures. They're starting to diversify, offering A/V, toys and childhood and adult education classes. They offer free access to amazingly extensive info databases you'd otherwise pay thousands of dollars for. They've learned to exploit links with other libraries around the world to avail materials to patrons from darned-near anywhere. And some now even, themselves, have cafes!

As a result, libraries are starting to regain their support base.

Libraries are a strangely underrated resource. Where else can you find just about anything you want for free!?!? And with technology being what it is, you can copy many of these materials now and have them forever.




...I sound like a public service announcement.
[Edited 10/25/06 13:11pm]

And, Red, you'll be happy to know that most local libraries do still have a community of regular faces -- complete with celebrated births, milestones, deaths, scandalous rumors, etc. It was fun. Started to feel like a church or local pub after awhile.

I LOVE THE LIBRARY!!!

I go to the library almost every 2 weeks. I HAVE to have something to read. I get cd's sometimes too! Whatever I want I have it reserved or get it through ILL.

My first job was working in the library. It was the best job I ever had and I loved my bosses. I worked there for awhile and I moved on up.

I just made a list last night of books to get at the library today.

I still go to the school's and the public ones. I was just at the public one Monday.

purplerein said:

That's my main reason for checking out the library's books. I rarely read novels twice.

I go to the library. I have already purchased too many that I hardly read. The ones I get from the library I read more of.

I've been going quite frequently and pick up about three or four CDs each time. They've mainly been Doctor Who audio stories. In fact, I'm going there right now while I still have time left during my lunch hour!

Why do books have to be so damn expensive anyway? I hate having to wait for things to come out in paperback to read them.

I go, about three times a month. I'm still on my mothernity leave, I'll get back there to work on Feb 2009

The library and the Internet are amazing... Free information! Amazing when think about it...

I find libraries boring and you never see any hot looking women there. Just plain janes or nerd girls.

When i go i usually just hop on one of the computers.

Spats said:

You would find intellectual pursuits boring.

evenstar3 said:

The whole atmosphere of a library is boring. I might enjoy it more if there were pretty girls there at least.

Spats said:

What part of town do u live in? U're always talking about when u go somewhere u see "plain janes" I'm sure U fit right along with them.

I have yet to hear about someone trying to tear your clothes off.

Spats said:

Libraries are wonderful retreats; you don't go there to find someone to fuck, you go to find things to READ.

Now get the hell off the thread.

Spats said:

you know all kinds of hot girls put their phone numbers in the men's rooms at the library, right? you should go jot some down. and if some nice man invites you into a stall while you're there, go ahead and take his invitation - he probably just wants to show you the best phone numbers.

evenstar3 said:

As for books being expensive, if I'm buying instead of just getting them from the library, I either buy them at a used bookstore or join one of the book clubs that are out there. Once I get caught up on the books I have, I'm going to rejoin the SFBC.

Anx said:

Have you been listening to George Michael again?

if i MUST have a new hardback book, i usually order from overstock.com - a book is about the price of a CD there.

.
[Edited 10/25/06 13:14pm]

Anx said:

At the used bookstore nearby, I can get hardcovers for roughly the price of the same book new in paperback.

Spats said:

For some reason, I can't say there were many hot single women who visited my library. Attractive? Sure. But most were soccer moms. There DEFINITELY were some single library studs who fell through occassionally, though. They may have skewed bookish, but they were hot... and apparently literate.
[Edited 10/25/06 13:15pm]

Lammastide said:

See? I told ya. Bookish = Nerdish or they wear glasses.
[Edited 10/25/06 13:27pm]

Lammastide said:

Oh I DOOO go.. about maybe 3 times a month, but I have taken all the books out in the one section I am interested in.. so now they have to buy books in for me, when I request them.,. hang on.. actually 2 sections I have covered.. its not a big library and my reeeaaalllly local one is even smaller. The one in the city is closed till 2008 or 2009.. so I cant really get to a great one near here..

Oh stupid rural country bumpkin libraries!
And they wont allow me to sign onto Prince.Org on their computers..