Are physical libraries still relevant?
By Alisa
@AlisaTR (936)
Trinidad And Tobago
June 1, 2018 5:07am CST
When my mom first took me to a public library, I was on top of the world. I couldn't believe that there could be so many books in one place. As an avid reader, I felt like I was in paradise.
Today, though, I am not sure that young people value books or physical library spaces as much. The internet is here and almost everything you can find in a physical library (if it's not archived), it's likely that you can find it on the internet.
In May, I visited the Miami-Dade Public Library. It was, as always, religiously quiet and there was the same sacred air that hints at the breadth of knowledge and wisdom stored within its walls. After exploring a bit, I checked out a couple books and sat down to read. It was good, but I couldn't help the small part of me that wondered if the sacred air of knowledge and wisdom wasn't a bit stale and if I wasn't in fact just sitting in the library for old times' sake and because it was raining outside, so for something better to do...
Do you think physical libraries are still relevant today? When last have you been to one? Or do you think that this is just another sort of manual thing that has been eroded by the world of binary code?
Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons
13 people like this
18 responses
@MALUSE (69413)
• Germany
1 Jun 18
Oh, yes, they are! The public library in our town organises a lot of readings, for example for children who are brought into contact with books. Adults read for them.
Authors are invited for grown-up readers and read from their books. I hope public libraries will never die.
The library in our town was a granary centuries ago. The outside looks like this.
6 people like this
@AlisaTR (936)
• Trinidad And Tobago
1 Jun 18
This is lovely! I think many of us of the New World, @JudyEv, admire the antiquity you can find in Europe. I think library initiatives to have readings and other interactive events built around reading and learning are great to attract young readers. Do you think, though, that less people rely on physical libraries as a source of information? So you really have to be a book lover to even care to go whereas before, it might have been necessary to go there to learn?
2 people like this
@JudyEv (325793)
• Rockingham, Australia
1 Jun 18
@JohnRoberts Fair enough - as long as the books don't disappear altogether.
2 people like this
@JohnRoberts (109857)
• Los Angeles, California
1 Jun 18
Well, I view a large DVD section as a plus. Free entertainment.
3 people like this
@RubyHawk (99425)
• Atlanta, Georgia
2 Jun 18
@AlisaTR We had a new library to open this year. It's really different. They have several computers rooms, meeting rooms, children's play room among other rooms that I don't know what the heck they are for. They also have lots more books. I liked the old one better. But we still have several old libraries in the county.
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I think the children's playroom is actually a great idea, for particular for the younger children who aren't quite active readers yet.
@mlgen1037 (29886)
• Manila, Philippines
1 Jun 18
Yes, they should, but keep up with the times. 
3 people like this
@JohnRoberts (109857)
• Los Angeles, California
1 Jun 18
They are keeping up with the times with computers, WiFi, DVDs, audio books.
3 people like this
@mlgen1037 (29886)
• Manila, Philippines
1 Jun 18
@AlisaTR not lately. The last time was in 2014 in my school’s library.
2 people like this
@morgoodie (2645)
• United States
1 Jun 18
I think they are still relevant. Many people go there to use their computers. I was at the library a couple of weeks ago to check out some more books. I hope they don't go away even though we have the internet. I like to read physical books versus ebooks.
2 people like this
@morgoodie (2645)
• United States
1 Jun 18
@AlisaTR Yes that is a good point too. The thing I didn't like about searching online is that you have to be careful where you get your information.
1 person likes this
@AlisaTR (936)
• Trinidad And Tobago
1 Jun 18
I guess too that with the library there is a bit more order that can come with research. Reading for entertainment is one thing but when it comes to reading and research for information, let's say a paper, I mean, all the information is probably there online if you search right, but then you might have to sift through so much... whereas if you meet a really good librarian, he or she can help you cut through all the noise (theoretically speaking) or sift through the fluff to get to exactly the type of information you need.
I guess, in this way it could be helpful.
1 person likes this
@simplfred (20608)
• Philippines
1 Jun 18
I think physical books are still the best.
3 people like this
@JohnRoberts (109857)
• Los Angeles, California
1 Jun 18
You have got that right.
2 people like this
@simplfred (20608)
• Philippines
1 Jun 18
@AlisaTR I haven't try buying books online. I am buying them in bookstore. Sadly, I haven't go the library for a long while.
2 people like this
@CaptAlbertWhisker (32507)
• Calgary, Alberta
1 Jun 18
Hipsters keep them relevant! So thanks to Hispters for rebelling from mainstream.
1 person likes this
@AlisaTR (936)
• Trinidad And Tobago
1 Jun 18
You think it's only the hipsters though? @JohnRoberts makes the fair point also of those who may not have an internet connection, those without, who may need to still use these libraries.
@CaptAlbertWhisker (32507)
• Calgary, Alberta
1 Jun 18
@AlisaTR They are the majority but for sure people who loves to research the old school way still goes there.
1 person likes this
@Meramar (2695)
•
1 Jun 18
Yes, they are. The importance of a library may change being more or less relevant. But, in my opinion, they will survive. Actually, they offer a combination of books and Computer connected to Internet. Students may go there to use the PC's and print out some information or homework for school. They also have to read books during the course. That means, instead of buying the books, they can borrow them from the public library when they don't find them online as pdf. My children go to the public library to study with there friends from Highschool. When I was in Germany (2012/2013) to work there, I took the chance to present myself for an exam in Spanish for level C2. Instead of buying any book, I could borrow it from the public library. They are also usefull for authors to sign their books. In Spain, they also use the public libraries to get together children. Adults read for them some books. They offer many activities to keep the interest of a big audience.
1 person likes this
@AlisaTR (936)
• Trinidad And Tobago
1 Jun 18
Yes, there is the attraction of borrow vs buy books. You can really access a whole lot more this way. And you are right, libraries can be a great place to study. They certainly get that mood right.
On the topic of authors signing books, I think sometimes libraries also have displays and exhibitions and talks on topics of interest that can attract a learning community. And they are all very helpful activities. I guess it's just that way way back in the day when books were the primary source of entertainment and information, or at least a major one, libraries might have attracted far larger crowds than they might do today- even with all the activities that they plan now.
1 person likes this
@sw8sincere (5204)
• Philippines
1 Jun 18
Here in my place physical libraries are still relevant.
1 person likes this
@AlisaTR (936)
• Trinidad And Tobago
2 Jun 18
@sw8sincere See? That's the thing... they are kinda losing their appeal.
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@caopaopao (12395)
• China
1 Jun 18
We still have a lot of libraries here. Every weekend or holiday, many children read in it. They can also take the book home to read. As long as they can return the book on time.
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@silvermist (19702)
• India
1 Jun 18
I liked visiting the library to borrow books to read. .I still visit the library often.Yes,they are still relevant.
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@JohnRoberts (109857)
• Los Angeles, California
1 Jun 18
Yes. Most libraries have free computers which are invaluable to those without or those experiencing pc iissues at home. Some libraries have WiFi. Libraries have DVD sections. Some of us still like the feel of a real book in out hands and want to read the local paper for free as opposed to online subscription.
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