How Often Do You Go To Your Library?
By Brian
@wolfie34 (26771)
United Kingdom
September 8, 2007 5:43am CST
Without the internet I am thankful for my little local library that provides free internet time for an hour each day. It's only open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays but believe me it is a godsend!
There are other librarys which are a drive away where I can access the internet other days even a Sunday! So at least I am not isolated.
What I have noticed though is that I used to think libraries were places where it was QUIET! Not so! I have never known such a noisy place! With mobiles going off, kids screaming, mothers bringing in their babies when they are screaming their heads off! And people holding conversations.
Does this happen at your library? Am I living in the past when you used to get really strict librarians who would shush you if you made a squeak or whispered too loud?
Times are changing and yes the library is a wonderful place for learning, for grabbing precious time on the computer and knowledge and research but it certainly isn't the quiet place it used to be more like a social club!
Mustn't complain it has been my lifeline!
7 people like this
31 responses
@KrisNY (7590)
• United States
30 Sep 07
I don’t go to the library often- I have internet access at my work and home. The only time we go to the library is to look for new books to read. It’s funny I often look in the computer rooms and think- doesn’t everyone have a computer and internet access? Sorry!
It’s usually pretty quiet in our local library- most likely because the librarian keeps it that way. I have had to tell my daughter to quiet down on several occasions. I see us heading back to the library soon- My daughter has to read 5 books (over 200 pages) every 8 weeks in school. She has tons of books at home- but only about 10 that are over 200 pages. So we will be checking them out soon!
@Zmugzy (773)
•
14 Sep 07
I kind of know what you mean. I also use the library from time to time in order to use the internet. Generally I find that the local libraries that I use are generally quiet. However, there are times when there are special sessions for kids or even adults who come into do courses, and that is when the rules tend to go out of the window. If a mobile phone goes off then they are usually very strict and people are either given a warning or quickly remove themselves outside in order to take the call. Overall I think my local libraries are well maintained considering the fact that they are always working with limited funds, relentless cut backs or staff reductions.
@yanjiaren (9031)
•
11 Sep 07
I used to go to the libraries for an hour of internet in London but in Corby you won't believe it..they charged 1 pound per 20 mins if internet and they never even let me download Mozilla or open a new window in Internet explorer so we couldn't do more stuff in that time..Diabolical if you ask me lol. Thank God it's nerdy over here!!
@spiderman05 (851)
• Canada
11 Sep 07
I go to the library on average once every 2 weeks to return old books and borrow new ones. The library I go to is a big one, I prefer it to my local library as I can find a wider selection of books.
The library is generally populated by students as it is close to a university and many students seem to prefer it to their university library. The students are more or less quiet. There is still some background noise, but it is not that distracting if one is there to read a book or a magazine. The building is on 5 floors, so I guess this also helps to spread the noise all over the place.
Kids books are in the basement, I have never been there, but that area might be noisier than the rest of the building.
@mummymo (23706)
•
14 Sep 07
Well honey I used to use my local library a lot til my mobility problems cropped up! They have about 12 computers there for internet access and I know my son uses this sometimes! s, treen book clubs
I think nowadays that Libraries are a lot more friendly and welcoming - they want to bring lots of people in and let them experience the joy of books and reading! They have many clubs in our library like toddler groups, junior book club, teenage book club etc! Niall is really involved with some of the groups!
Sorry you don't like it so noisy little brother but hey isn't it worth it when young people are getting involved more? xxx
@comeonmolly (828)
• China
14 Sep 07
I go to the library everyday,the liibrary is i my school so it is convenient for me,beside,in reading books can make myself feel relaxed,and see so many useful things which makes me go on to my studies.and it also gives me so many motives ion my studies,I enjoy it.
Thanks to my library!
@gabs8513 (48686)
• United Kingdom
10 Sep 07
I have only been to the Library 3 times in the last 20 years I have never really liked the Library even though I love reading but I always had my own books
I do know though that it is not anymore like it used to be lol they do not have to shush anymore
I am glad that you have this facility though or we would not be seeing you at all
Hugs
@Modestah (11179)
• United States
10 Sep 07
I do not get to the library as often as I should like to but with the rise in gas prices I just can not excuse the frequent trips into town. however, when I am there I am disappointed for the same thing you mention - it is noisy in the library! I can not concentrate when there is background noises and people seem to be so inconsiderate of those around them anymore. most of the time the loud obnoxious laughter and conversations comes from the librarians themselves, either with each other or socializing with whomever is at the desk.
@raydene (9871)
• United States
9 Sep 07
I seldom go. I go online ,,request my books..they call me when they come in..I run into the library to collect them and just drop them in the slot when I'm finished with them.I never go to sit or look around because I have it at my fingertips at home.
As for the noises..cell phones must be on vibrate only and children if noisy are asked to leave unless it's story day when they can talk and read with the stories...Our library is very quiet!You can hear a pin drop!
Hugs Buddy
@sid556 (30960)
• United States
9 Sep 07
your library sounds wild! Ours is huge and busy but still very quiet. I have been lucky to have internet but i do spend alot of time at the library in search of good books. It has always been a place of solitude for me and still is.
When i was married and things got difficult at home, the library was always where I went to get some peace. Internet use here is only a half hour unless it is slow and so with 4 kids, i really had to invest in internet and computer. There was a time that many evenings were spent in the library just doing homework projects.
@southernbelle77_ab (87)
• United States
9 Sep 07
I love the library. It is still pretty quiet in the one in this town. People still respect each other and the librarians will say something if things get too distracting. I don't visit as much as I'd like to, though. I have the internet at home so I don't have to worry about that.
@Ricko82 (584)
• Philippines
9 Sep 07
I do go to the library before when the internet was not yet born. But now that I have all the articles I need in my computer, going to the library has been nil for me. However, libraries shouldn't be phaseed out, nor should it be forgotten totally. They play too many part in our. culture, history, and geration. We ought to visit it sometime.
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
9 Sep 07
I've been in several libraries over the last few years and they have all been quiet. The only place where people speak in normnal tones is at the reception desk. Your library sounds terrible! That noise, esp mother's with screaming babies would really p*ss me off.
A library open on Sunday is a strange thing, but I guess i'm thinking of the burbs...a big city library might be open all weekend. Our libraries tend to work normal business hours.
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
9 Sep 07
What an eyeopener, wolfie! Who knew libraries had changed so drastically? I have to admit that it's been many, many years since I last set foot in a library. I usually order all of my reading material off the internet or through direct mail. The times are indeed changing.
@tdbrower1969 (1242)
• United States
9 Sep 07
I go to the library once or twice a month. My son and I go to exchange our books and get more to read. I also don't have a printer on my computer at the moment, so if I have to print something I have to go to the library. Yes, it does seem like libraries are more noisy these days. Ours features different reading groups for every age group and they have different activities during the summer. I still think that during certain times of the day it is very quiet and I see a lot of people just coming in to sit and read the newspaper.
@ssf12ster (488)
• India
9 Sep 07
every sunday i am in the library. poor thoughts need to be set right by getting better knowledge.also i read alot of mags on sunday in my club library.its very quiet there i like the place. very serene place to go and stay for hours together.
@TSx028 (77)
• United States
9 Sep 07
i dont go to the library very often. my sister goes alot. she does community work there organizing books, movies, and cds. when she does she rents me movies. i should probably go to the library more and read or something, since i dont enjoy reading a book unless its good and interesting.
