Do you go to your library?

[SnowedIn]

With credit to @WindAtMyBack for the inspiration for this question.

And, if you do, do you check out books and/or other materials?

I do. LOVE the library.

Rose Main Reading Room, New York Public Library, New York, United States

[WindAtMyBack]

I typically go about once every 3-4 weeks.

I usually get music CDs - they have thousands of them, so I have an almost unlimited supply. Since it doesn't cost me anything, I can experiment all I want and grab music that I've never heard of just to check it out.

I sometimes get movies or TV series. I've never been a big watcher of TV, but I go in sprees every now and then.

Yes, I get books too. Mostly novels. Tonight I got Plato. I'm not really into philosophy, but I wanted to glance through it. I probably won't read much of it though.

The library has so many services. Books of course. Real books, audio books (both DVD and streaming), digital books, music, movies and TV series They have meeting rooms, many programs for children and adults alike, clubs, arts and crafts classes, free tutoring for common school subjects. The main library has a large genealogy room for researchers.

They also have a lot of online resources. These are the type that are subscription but the public has access to them through the library. For example they have Ancestry. com, free digital lawyers ( I've made my will and other legal documents free through the library ), auto manuals, and many education series - in some cases full accredited classes.

Libraries around the world have inter-library loans. I can literally check out a book from a library on the other side of the world and pick it up locally. They are pretty strict on international loans - it certainly isn't something to be abused. But it's cool that they have that service. It's very easy to get material from nearby cities also.

They have free WiFI with no password. They have lots of computers to use. They have printers (not free but cheap).

If anyone is hungry, they have small bags of free food for anyone who wants to take it. It's financed through a federal grant and the library staff bags up the food.

I have been using the local library for more than 60 years. I have seriously thought about naming the library in my will.

[SnowedIn]

So many services and benefits in one place. Thanks again for the inspiration for the question.

[Lliam]

I LOVED the library when I was growing up. I used it in college, too. I still donate some of my used books, but I haven't checked anything out in close to five years.

For years, I worked in the field and did a lot of driving. In about 2002, I started checking books on CD out of the library to listen to when I drove. I listened to hundreds of books of many genres. My wife and I would listen to them when we took long trips.

I haven't done that for several years, though, because I don't live in town and getting to the library is inconvenient. And, aside from buying certain books, I can get what I need on-line.

[SnowedIn]

Interesting to see how your library needs have changed over the years.

[faeriiedust]

Oh wow this photo reminds me of Hogwarts! Impressive!

Yes of course. Libraries are AWESOME. I still go for the following reasons:

-If my wifi is totally broken and I need the internet

-Shelter from the rain or a if I need a spot to wait for someone

-If there's a book that I really want to read but it's too expensive to buy or need to print something

- to study for college exams

Libraries are super important parts of our community and too often underfunded and underutilized. I love them.

[SnowedIn]

YES YES YES to every one of the things you said. (I add if my kids are on school break and I need quiet to work but don't want to drive all the way to the office.) So cool! Thanks for sharing!

[faeriiedust]

You're very welcome 😊

[Nikki1989]

You can't beat a big library, it is a world of discovery.

[SnowedIn]

YES! No words to add; so well said.

[musicbrain5]

It’s been a long time since I checked out any materials from the library, because I already have such a substantial collection of novels, textbooks, reference material, etc at my house. However, I will go there for a quiet place to work, and when I was in school I used the library, both on campus and public, to study. The main public library here has literal “cones of silence” as I like to call them - they are circular glass study pods that have a desk, chair, and outlets.

[SnowedIn]

I've never seen the glass pods! That's cool. My libraries always seemed to have wooden ones and there havens more times than I can count.

Thanks for sharing!

[WindAtMyBack]

My library has glass pods also. They are rectangular, not round. They have a built in table against the wall that seats two people. They also have a white board. I did my tutoring in the "small" meeting room that seats eight people. Along with the white board it has a large monitor with ports to connect to a laptop. You can do presentations or whatever. It's a good environment for tutoring with no distractions.

[SnowedIn]

@WindAtMyBack ... fascinating.

[msmissydc]

For fun books to read: indirectly to no. I dont 'go' to it I am subscribed to their online service to read their ebooks.
For acedemic/work research: Yes With the help of my editor and the dean of a university faculty, I contacted the librarian of that university library and got access to it. Because only their Wlan network (vpn or wlan) can give me access and not all books I need are accessible online, therefore I often go there for research and Sources.

[SnowedIn]

That makes complete sense. :)

[curlyfirecracker]

Yes, I love the library! However!! I am discouraged by my library often since moving. I homeschool and we use a very literature based approach. I also love to read. I feel our library lacks a lot of classics and good reads and find myself now creating my own library 😅.

[SnowedIn]

So nice to hear that you go. When we homeschooled, we used the library a lot. Have a wonderful holiday!

[Chazmatazz269]

It’s been over three years since i’ve been in a library. I’m thoroughly surprised that they survived the pandemic. I used to go quite often to use the computers. Sometimes i’d borrow movies and occasionally i’d read. I even went to the local public library for a “date” once. Ell oh ell!

[SnowedIn]

A date at the library sounds fun! I was very glad that ours stayed open for book lending during the pandemic although for most of 2020 you couldn't go inside, but they'd bring your books out to you in the car.

[Chazmatazz269]

It seemed like a good date to me, but there was never another. 🤷🏼‍♂️
I’ve never been in a library in California and i’ve been here three years exactly in three days.
I sure hope they’re open, and accepting donations. I’ve got like fifteen years worth of “National Geographic” to give to some curious kiddos.

[SnowedIn]

15 years of NG sounds pretty awesome!

[Chazmatazz269]

I luv it! I just don’t always sit down to read often enough to stay ahead of them. I’ve read less than half of them. I have half a mind to just donate them forthwith and forget about it. The other half wants to hide away from the world and read them all thoroughly first!

[TrueConfection]

Not really anymore. The last few times I went, I was visually bombarded with every woke book imaginable on display. I used to be friendly with all the librarians and now I don't even recognize them. I feel unwelcome when I go inside too. I just buy books and give them away to other people to read or borrow from friends. I haven't ran out of reading material in 2 years.

[SnowedIn]

I'm really sorry to hear that; that's not fun to not feel welcome somewhere. Big sad as my youngest teenager says. But, good that you've got reading material! A stack of books is actually heartwarming.

[letuswaltzforthedead]

I usually do but haven't as of late. I still have 4 books I have to return lol.

I honestly prefer going to the physical library than anyplace else, it has more of a selection than on the phone plus it is peacefully relaxing.

[SnowedIn]

Blissful silence there!!! And, you reminded me that I have books on my bedside table that need to go back.

[letuswaltzforthedead]

how many books do you usually check out at once?

[SnowedIn]

Rarely more than four, if that. I want to check out 30, I just don't have that much time. :(

[letuswaltzforthedead]

that's understandable, the thicker the book, the less time you'll have. for whatever reason my brain thought that reading all my books was going to be quick and yet I took out the Quran lmao

[SnowedIn]

That is some heavy reading. I am impressed!

[letuswaltzforthedead]

It is confusing to read sometimes but it is also extremely interesting and helpful. I just wish it wasn't so thick lol

[SnowedIn]

Worth reading?

[letuswaltzforthedead]

I would say so, it has interesting perspectives. considering the amount of questions posted on here being dramatic about the most basic of life situations, the book would definitely be helpful for those people lol.

[SnowedIn]

Added to my list. Thank you!

[dustybiker]

One of my bike shops is right across the street. I spent a few hours there a couple months ago to save having to find two rides. Handy. It’s a big building with few books considering. Nice computers though.

[SnowedIn]

I don't know why but the juxtaposition of your bike and your library is such an awesome and warm and fuzzy thought! You probably can't bring the dog and cat in, huh?

[dustybiker]

It’s the oldest part of my town and kept preserved. It is a charming area.

I have trained various working dogs since the 90’s, so dog’s in training, yes. No cat’s, sadly

[SnowedIn]

That's really fantastic.

[DeeDeeDeVour]

I hardly go to libraries nowadays.

Plus, I wouldn't go to our community public library if I have to.

If I need to, the Stanford University campus libraries are not far away.

[SnowedIn]

University libraries are great! Thanks for sharing!

[Dnice1]

Yup my mom was a librarian for 32 years until August 2022. I grew up around books and being in the library a lot. Even volunteered there a few times and I loved it.

[SnowedIn]

That's awesome! Tell your mom she's awesome for that public service!

[NathanDavis]

I would go to that library just for the building itself lmfao...

[SnowedIn]

People do just that; that library is a tourist attraction. Worth taking a walk through if you're ever in New York City.

[bigpauly]

Every once in a while. When I travel I usually go to the libraries in the area I am staying because I like to see the architecture and everything they put into it.

[SnowedIn]

I've done that too and loved it.

[exitseven]

Yes, I have recently started checking books out at the library.

[SnowedIn]

Libraries are good for that! :)

[exitseven]

yes, the town library belongs to a regional network and can get books from all over.

[trina_x]

i used to go a lot

too busy now and i dont have much time to read

[SnowedIn]

Totally get it. :) Read just a little bit, though... reading is a nice escape from real life sometimes!

[DizzyDesii]

Only to see certain movies or tv shows that i may not have yet

[SnowedIn]

YES! That's awesome!

[WhitneySnow]

I use my library app more but I love the library

[SnowedIn]

Fascinating! Do you enjoy reading on your phone? I'll read on my Kindle but much prefer books.

[WhitneySnow]

Yes! I def do

[SnowedIn]

That's cool!

[FunkyMonkee]

That's a library? Looks like a church that was converted into a cafeteria!!

[SnowedIn]

That is indeed a library. :)

[FunkyMonkee]

The only time I go to a library is if I need a few albums I don't have or have immediate access to. some day soon, I hope to get to one to pick up the new edition of "Revolution". I, mostly, only need it for the sessions recordings to add to what I've already got. I think there's a few others I'm in need of, too so, grab it all in one shot, if I can! There's a branch of the Carnegie 2.5 miles from here but, I'd rather just go to the main in Oakland rather than make a trip to put in an order and then go back several more times to get and return what I wanted.

[SnowedIn]

Very cool and well thought out.

[FunkyMonkee]

Thanks! I usually am. Oops!! I meant. "Revolver"!!

[FunkyMonkee]

"Revolution!" was Paul Revere & The Raiders!

[SnowedIn]

Did you watch "Turn" and, if so, what did you think?

[FunkyMonkee]

I've never even heard of it.

[SnowedIn]

Fantastic miniseries. Full name is "Turn: Washington's Spies". It was on Netflix and is now on Prime Video. The spies working for Washington during the American Revolution.

[FunkyMonkee]

No, I haven't had t. v. for over 2 years and I don't do Netflicks or Prime. I mostly only watch my own DVD collection or stuff on YT. Starting just after Christmas,, I'm gonna start watching the new Outer Limits series. It's my Christmas present to myself this year. I just have to wait for it to get here. I might even preface it with the old series.

[PinkRose24]

I check out books and print or make copies.

[SnowedIn]

Nice! Good to do those all together!

[zagor]

Used to. Not so much anymore.

The last couple times I went to a library was to use the toilet. In Malibu.

[SnowedIn]

Bathrooms are necessary. At least in the library you have reading material close at hand if you'll be sitting there for a long time!

[OddBeMe]

Been totally digital for 10 years. Had a huuuge Dvd collection and spent a whole week digitizing them. Same for books.

[SnowedIn]

What platform do you read on?

[OddBeMe]

I’m pretty Amazon book wise. Kindle app on iPad. I do like to buy “indie” books on Kobo which is Rainy Day Books.

[SnowedIn]

Very cool. Thanks!

[Rose_M_Harto]

I LOVE THE LIBRARY!!! IT IS MY LIFE!!! But then I moved and the place I live doesn't have a library and I'm depressed (sorry, no offence to those actually going through depression).

[SnowedIn]

Oh wow! I'm so sorry to be hear that! I really cannot imagine a place with no library... that's a huge bummer. Online is awesome but different than a library building.

[Anonymous]

You mean the homeless shelter full of books?

[SnowedIn]

Ooooof. Wow. I confess I didn't know that was a thing. Our library doesn't have the homeless in it or around it.

[Opinion Owner]

How did they accomplish that? The Supreme Court said they had to allow them in, so they go in from opening to closing taking up all the space and making it dangerous to sit on the chairs and sofas (often wet or worse).

[SnowedIn]

I don't know that they did or didn't do something. What I do know is that there aren't people (homeless or otherwise) outside the building. Inside, everyone is a family, or reading, or writing. Maybe they're homeless but they sure don't appear that way. Again, just what I've seen/not seen at my library.

[LiamJHayden]

Yes. We have an awesome library near Fashion Island.

[SnowedIn]

Nice! A good library is so important!

[Wise4myage]

No, not so much anymore. But I do love reading.

[SnowedIn]

Reading is good!

[Wise4myage]

Yes, its very good for our minds as well.

[Anonymous]

I used to basically live in the library as a kid. Now I only go there to use their photocopier or scanner.

[SnowedIn]

That's wonderful that you did that. I had a canvas bag as a kid that I'd fill with books. Good memories.

[Msputiton]

No. I was really toung last time i went.

[SnowedIn]

You are still young in a good way! And you can still go... ;)

[Msputiton]

Naw. We kinda got all we need on the internet.
I was probably 5 or 6 last time

[SnowedIn]

Wow!

[sassyredhead]

I love libraries I go a lot

[SnowedIn]

YES! That's awesome!

[Akam93]

I have my own library in my room.

[SnowedIn]

Woman after my heart right there! Yeah, there are stacks in my room too. I rearrange them to make my wife think I'm making reading progress!

[Anonymous]

No libraries are obsolete.

[SnowedIn]

Appreciate your thoughts and thanks for sharing! That is such an interesting perspective. Do you mean that as structures with paper books they're obsolete (we should do everything digital) or that the idea of borrowing books and/or a public repository for them is obsolete?

[NathanDavis]

technically, I agree with her

No libraries are... obsolete

[SnowedIn]

@NathanDavis... I see what you did there.

[LemiaOfThunder]

Used by most things can be donenat home now

[SnowedIn]

True. Still fun to go to.

[Guardian45]

Sure! When I want to!

[SnowedIn]

That's great to know!

[Anonymous]

Once in a while

[SnowedIn]

Nice! Thanks for sharing!