What direction are libraries go towards?

I see this is kind of an old discussion but thought I'd chime in. Prior to getting my computer last year, I did rely on the libraries more to use their computers, however, not solely. I used to belong to every book club imaginable, buying books when the thought came to me..that's dumb..why buy a book when I can take it out of the library...like duh? I used to like the fact too, that if a particular branch didn't have a book they could do an interlibrary loan thing...so I wasn't only going to the library to use computers but to get books. But yes, oh, yes, the noise level is terrible now at libraries, in fact, guess where I find the WORSE place to read?..yup, a library...Haven't been to a library in awhile..but plan to go again soon. I still have a LOT of my own books to read..heck I could start a library here in my apt...LOL I wanted to quite literally punch one guy I know...he said due to the computer, there won't be a need for published books or libraries since sooner or later one will be able to read books on the computer...That would be a tragic day indeed...I like nothing better than curling up with a book in my hands

If they don't do something about the noise level, I predict they will all go extinct. There is a sanitation problem, too. I remember a time when people washed their hands before touching a book, especially if it was somebody else's book. The last time I went into a library may very well be the last time I go into a library because everything there was just too filthy. I hope your workplace is clean.

Oh you are so right Darlene, we just got a beautiful new library built. So many new computers now compared to the five that the old library had. We have so many more book selections now as well as a full archive of magazines and newspapers. Before so many selections had to be "borrowed" from other libraries, so you had to wait for the book you wanted. After the library opened there was a coffeeshop internet cafe that opened right across the street. It is really pretty cool, they have live entertainment, open mic format, so that it reminds me of the old beatnic type coffee houses in the 60's. one night you might have folk music the next night someone might be reading poetry. The foot traffic between the coffee shop and the library is phenomenal. Sign that even our small town is moving into the 21'st century.

I have not been to the big library in our area in a while. But the last time I went, I did notice that there was lots of talking going on. That was a big no-no back in the day. Librarians used to be very strict about that. I guess that libraries are trying to be more lenient to attract teens and college students.

I know EXACTLY what you mean! I manage a small library/learning center and the kids only come in there for the computers. During the summer though, I have a rule. The kids have to read for 15 mins to earn time on the computers. Normal libraries probably can't do something like that but since mine is a separate program I am allowed to make rules like that. I do like that there are a lot of activities going on in libraries now. It is a good place for kids to be. I think we should expose our kids to learning opportunities all the time and a library is a perfect place for that.

They will probably become social clubs, but you have a chance to help it go in a positive direction.

I used to work at a library and I know just what you mean. We only allowed people to use the computer once per day, and I remember a little girl used her time but her mother wasn't ready to leave. When I told her she couldn't get back on the computer, she actually asked me "What else am I supposed to do here?" Fortunately, I managed to find her some books and she even checked a couple out to read. But, her attitude was one I've seen a lot. Not just from kids, but from adults. I hope that books don't become obsolete and that libraries still will be places for readers. We did still have a fair number of patrons who came for the books as well as the computers.

I think it's sad that people are losing the joy of holding a good book in their hands, just sitting or laying someplace comfy and escaping into wonderful alternate worlds and adventures. I love computers and all they bring to my life but I still treasure reading part of a good book every day! I've notice the higher noise levels, too. Of course, I don't go to the library to read as many used to so it doesn't bother me much but things have certainly changed! I don't know what the future holds for libraries but I hope they don't disappear.