Some thoughts about the computer, the internet, and going to the library.

[Stuart G]

.....Page 1, Page 2 is coming tomorrow..Why? I need to get up and go to the library?

..The computer and the internet makes going to the library to get information obsolete. I sit here and think about the incredible progress we have made, and then think about the danger of sitting in front of a screen hour after hour after hour. This screen makes it possible to search and find any kind of information I want. Anything from the price of new and use cars, to what nude women and men look like from different parts of the world. Also, finding that information about A,B,C, and D, and processing that in my mind (that is looking at the information and deciding if I want more information or move on to new info) is almost instantaneous.
...If I want, I can use the exact same sitting place and screen to send a letter to a friend. Now the letter does not have to go through the mail or get a stamp. That letter or message is instantaneous. And I can get a letter or message back that is also instantaneous from a friend if that friend is ready for the message and willing to reply immediately.
...What does this mean for library use? What does it mean for doing research? Learning about how to do research, and what that means? Especially knowing the complexities of what that entails?
...Guess What?...It means nothing to most people. Nothing at all, because the computer and the internet take care of all that. Forget the meaning and difficulty of doing research and finding information in the past. That is over. The computer and the internet make that not necessary. It does it instantly. Yes, now, copy and paste and send it out. Copy and Paste......Copy and Paste...Copy and Paste....?????? and then SEND....
.......................Page 2....coming tomorrow in the lounge...........................................
......................one potential subject, sitting and playing computer games...???...for hours......
....................and hours and hours and hours...You got to be kidding?? I kid you not.....
...

[klook]

1. The library offers serendipities not available on the Internet.

One of my favorite library activities is just wandering around to see what interests me. I've also made many worthwhile discoveries grazing through the unshelved books carts.

The other crucial thing about the library is that the collections are curated. Some expert, or group of experts, has assembled a smorgasbord of fascinating materials that fit into a coherent pattern, and I'm sure to find many things of interest every time I go. And each book or periodical is professionally edited, so it's had to go through some vetting and review process. Joe Blow's blog or YouTube channel, not so much.

It's also much easier to focus in the library, when I'm not pulled in 20 directions at once by all the joys and temptations of the computer and the Internet.

Another important aspect of the building itself is that the library is a crossroads of people from various socioeconomic groups and generations, one that's not replicated many other places.

I hope this wonderful place, and many more like it, will always be available. The prospect of the library's obsolescence is deeply distressing to me.

[tazkcmo]

2. Libraries

They have computers and the internet. It's how I gained employment while homeless. I still go there to access the internet and a book.

[Skittles]

11. I often wonder how people who become homeless can make it back again

whenever I venture to an area I know I will see homeless people I take some convenience store gift cards with me

[tazkcmo]

12. Very kind of you

Those cards really make a difference.

In my case, I received assistance through Catholic charities and the VA. There are actually a percentage of homeless in every city that are what you would call professionals and that they are employed but choose to be homeless. The usual method is through temp agency and a fake address from an abandoned property.

The library is a main fixture in most homeless people's lives. It's warm when it's cold outside, there's a public restroom, the internet as mentioned before and of course books. You can even sit down and watch a movie.

Libraries maybe a quaint novelty to your modern, connected and employed mainstream person but they are a lifesaver for some of us.

[Skittles]

13. I'm a veteran

I've never had to use the VA but am pleased it does help veterans. And although I am leery of religion I have heard about the good deeds of Catholic charities.

[stopdiggin]

3. I go to the library all the time

I also advocate .. both personally, quite verbally, and by voting .. for the library.

If you don't .... Your loss.
(I won't say you are alone in your perspective. I will say that you are very ... short sighted.)

[maxrandb]

4. Here's my thoughts

https://m.

[msongs]

5. plus u can watch porn because its a rights violation to prevent such a thing nt

[alarimer]

6. One of our libraries loans out fishing gear.

Our brand new library will have a cafe and a “maker space” (I’m not entirely sure what that entails). There are meeting rooms available for free and programs for all ages. It’s not just about dusty old books anymore. I can use my library without actually setting foot in there at all. Movies at Kanopy, language lessons at Rosetta Stone.

But even if I never set foot in there myself, other people do. To use the computers, get tutoring or just hang out.

[Stuart G]

7. Libraries have tutoring classes on many topics. The library where I go

tutors English as a Second Language to people who want to improve their English and Reading. I was a tutor there, and did that for about 10 years. I tutored people who came to the U.S.A. and some born in the U.S.A. that were very poor readers or could hardly read at all. In comparing those students to those I taught in the public school system, I found a difference in motivation. The adults who showed up, truly wanted to improve their reading and English skills. That was not true of high school students. Yes, most wanted to learn the subject, (I taught history) but many were there for other reasons.
...While it was a volunteer job, I was proud to help those who desired to improve their English and other skills. It was very rewarding, and I met some very nice people..

[alarimer]

8. Libraries function as a "third space"

Neither home nor work, but places people can go to, for a variety of reasons. You don’t have to buy anything to be there. I don’t know if the OP is entirely serious, but I always defend libraries, if only for the sheer variety of functions they perform.

[Skittles]

9. I'm going to the library tomorrow to vote

and I will pick up a few paperbacks at a buck a piece. I also donate books to the library. If you do not understand why people go to the library, maybe you need to talk to the people who go to the library.

[MicaelS]

10. Well let's see...

Many people do not have internet at home. Libraries offer free internet. They loan books, movies, music, audiobooks.

Not ever book is available electronically.

The Ft Worth Public Library also loans Internet hotspots for 3 weeks at a time, for those who do not have access at home.

You sound like a grumpy old fart.

[yellowdogintexas]

14. Fort Worth Public Library system is terrific!!!

My husband calls the Main Library the world's largest umbrella

We live near the Southwest branch and the Wedgwood branch

Jazz nights, movies, film festivals... great meeting spaces

[MicaelS]

15. It is.

They really serve the public

[yortsed snacilbuper]

16. I voted for the library tax to save to save the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, It was broke!

On November 8, 2011 voters in the City of Pittsburgh overwhelmingly approved a 0.25 mill special tax (equivalent to $25 per year on $100,000 of assessed property) on all taxable real estate in the City of Pittsburgh to be allocated and used only for the operation and maintenance of Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh.

I didn't want to live in a city that didn't have a library?

Al