The question:
I saw that National Library week is coming up in April, and that led to some questions. How often do you use your public library and how do you use it? Has the coffeehouse/bookstore replaced the library? Did you go to the library as a child? Do you have any particular memories of the library? Do you like sleek, modern, active libraries or the older, darker, quiet, cozy libraries?
I love the public library. I prefer to read in the comfort of my own home, so I’m looking at the library for the borrowing capabilities. That means the coffeehouse holds no interest (I also don’t like the smell of coffee ;0) and the bookstore is fun but dangerous to my wallet so I try to be selective about what I buy.
I have gone to the library all my life. I remember when I was young (before the 3rd grade) living close enough to actually walk to the library alone. One winter I dropped the book just before I got to the library and I was terrified. I had gotten the precious book wet and I was upset. The librarian was so kind, wiped it down (of course they put a cover on it so it didn’t get soaked) and said all was well. I was very relieved that the book was ok and I wasn’t in trouble.
In elementary and high school I was a huge patron of the local library, checking out huge stacks of books at a time for research papers. The only overdue book I had was one I loaned to a friend. She didn’t return it and they wouldn’t let me check out any more books. I was so incensed that I marched across the street to her father’s office and explained my dilemma to him. He walked to the library and paid them for the book so I could check out more books. I don’t know if Mary ever returned the book of not. I no longer loan library books to others, though.
I went on to work in the library in college and then got a graduate degree in library science and worked at a library for a few years. The budget fights and lack of a raise drove me to a different career path, but I still love libraries.
Modern and sleek or dark and cozy? I want orderly and easy to understand. Our local library keeps moving sections around and I couldn’t even find the first half of the alphabet for the mystery section at one point. That sort of stuff irritates me, no matter what the ambience of the surroundings.
I always joke that I keep the library running with all my late fees (for movies). My books go overdue all the time though, thankfully I’ve always found them (or finished them) before I have to pay a fine though *whew*
I agree with the organization. I hate having to search for something I want.
Alexia’s last blog post..Booking Through Thursday: Library Week
My dad grew up with no money and the library was his salvation. Dr Doolittle was his fav as a child. He was in school (Phd/post doc) for the first 8 years of my life and so funds were tight for us as well. I loved the libraries and, if I were near one, would still get most of my books from there.