Destroy this myth. Please share if you have visited and researched in a library this past year! RT And give a shout out to your favorite library you have ever visited.
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My favorite library will forever be my second home - @americanancestors.bsky.social Library in #Boston - Assisting Family Historians in #Genealogy since 1845 https://www.AmericanAncestors.org
Columbus public library. I can't pick one specific because they all have the capability of meeting my needs electronically any regardless of which one they're in you can always get that book
This is the way millions read. Those who can't afford to go buy every title that they desire. Take that away and millions stop reading. That would be sad. I think of all the adventures I've had reading and want that for everyone.
Libraries are cool an awesome, they provide a space for people that needs some peace and maybe even socialize with like-minded people. I personally hate public spaces, I prefer to be alone, but libraries are still useful 💕
I absolutely love the Charlevoix Public Library in Charlevoix, MI. A beautiful historic building was extensively restored and completely updated, and besides the books and computer access, it has a wide array of services available. Something for everyone! https://www.charlevoixlibrary.org/
I have always been an avid supporter of our local library. Now, as someone working on their dissertation, I rely on my university's library constantly—and the librarian is practically on speed dial!
My veteran’s group uses ours for our Board meetings. I usually check out the latest arrives after the meeting. Borrow audio books often. They even have craft events they post on socials. Fun place 😁📚
I love my library.
What a cool system they have set up - reserve a book on hold, get notified and it's available. A wealth of other resources, besides books too.
As a kid I would sit in the library and fantasize about reading every book so I could know everything!!! I love libraries and visit them when traveling.
Libraries are very important places in communities , books for free and (though I loathe having to say this as so should homes be) warm and safe spaces. Please support your local library.
I borrow books from the library each month. I enjoy wandering between shelves, selecting a variety of books and finally snuggling under warm blankets to read until I fall asleep.
I visited my local town library for the first time in decades. While perhaps not suggestive of most libraries across the country, it was not a great experience. I am desperately hoping this is not the trend. I wrote about my visit in detail:
Here’s to the Timberland Regional Library in the woods of SW Washington state. My first job in 1956 was in the catalog department of the Akron Public Library. Libraries have have added so much to my life. The people and ideas and stories and history.
Can’t visit, but Peg the librarian with the Allen Co., Indiana Library’s Library at Home program brings me books every month. A shout out to her and the program. Three other libraries have enriched my life:
Lima/Allen Co., OH
Toledo/Lucas Co., OH
Portland/Jay Co., IN
My grandson loves space. I recently took him to the library to take out a few books on the subject. I live directly across the street from the library, so visit often.
Leading Library in Milwaukie Oregon! Probably about once a month or so. I’m old fashioned and enjoy turning the pages of an actual book in my hands. And I use bookmarks!
One of my libraries does a very short wrap up at the end of the year. Basically how many books you checked out and how much $$ checking out books saved you vs buying everything at a bookstore. I love it!
I use the Ann Arbor library. I get new and old books to check out. I use MEL, Michigan’s library to check out books from all over the state if the book isn’t in Ann Arbor. I get paintings to hang, I get puzzles, musical instruments, scientific instruments, games, learn new tech skills or art skills.
I went to my library earlier this year and got my library card. They also set me up with the Libby app where I can read ebooks. Wish I'd known about this sooner. You may have to wait in line for a while to read the popular books but that's no problem for me.
I've lost track of how often our little library has saved my sanity. Sit in a soft chair, shut the world out, and read! Those times were often my last refuge from the chaos of my life.
I love going to the library, pick a few books and comics to try and sit in a comfy chair reading. I rarely lend anything home though, I'm bad at remembering to return, I rather buy books, cheaper than the late fees I tend to acrue. (I'm really bad at it, takes awhile for those fees to get that big.)
My library card is a prized possession! My whole family visits our local library multiple times a week for different activities and even to check out books! Always busy and always great.
I use the library frequently and am a ‘friend of the library’ donor. I took my kids to the library a lot as they grew up and now they take their kids. Lots of stuff you can access online too.
Has to be my childhood library at Hylton Castle in Sunderland. I spent every Saturday morning there while my Mum did the shopping, and it transformed me. I went on to work in public libraries for a total of 29 years!
My son received his Bar Mitzvah lessons at the Poway branch of the San Diego County library, which also had a great used book sale. Admittedly, this was well over a year ago, but I still love that place!
When my folks moved to Sedona, my dad started ingratiating himself to his new community by helping with fundraising to get their official library built.
I haven't been in our public library in over a year, but I use it daily. I check out e-books and magazines. I've "read" more in the last 10 yrs than in the 40 years before that!
Every library I’ve ever visited is my favorite. They all enjoy an almost mythic reverence for me. Libraries are the book scented blossoms on the crown of civilization.
My library is my haven. A place of peace when work is too hectic. My second home.
My second job was working in a local library. Not this branch, though.
Seattle public library system! Ebooks, paper books, and used one of their speedy scanners to archive some family papers (for free!) that I could then recycle. They do a lot, like running homework helpful programs and the like. I always see a lot of young people working on stuff whenever I visit. ❤️
My favorite library was the small one in my small town where I grew up. I spent countless hours there, was friends with the librarian and grew to love books thanks to that tiny place. My favorite library gave a gawkish, lonely kid the world.
Freshwater Library on the Isle of Wight ... we saved it from closure 12 years ago and it's a cosy place in the centre of the village full of books and warm welcome ...
I am a trustee of a small public library that has been around for 80 years. With library alliances and technology we are bigger than our little building. We are able to provided cards to every student in our school district…even to rural students who aren’t in library district. We R Relevant!
I grew up loving my school libraries and the public library as well. I spent magical hours in my spectacular libraries at UC Berkeley. My own children made regular, happy visits as they grew.
Now I’m proud to say that one of my daughters is a school librarian herself.
I travel the world by myself, and libraries are an oasis in any city or town. For reading, rest, emails, or to get information on the local area. They're also an essential right for people who can't afford mobile plans and ebooks. I've never seen an empty library in any country I've visited.
My favorite library is https://Libbyapp.com .
Get your library card and go to Libby from home to borrow ebooks and magazines, listen to audiobooks, and support your library!
Check it out.
please learn!!!!
ASK A LIBRARIAN!
free books from Amazon. You’ll have to wait until the one you choose becomes available, just like reserving a hard or soft cover book, IF there are people waiting.
Then, when it is due, it just disappears from your kindle or phone.
My library contains a tool lending library. Tools can be checked out with a library card and, sometimes, advice. The tool lending library and main library are very well used.
My shout out is for the East Asian Library at Washington University in St. Louis, where I did all my homework.
Computers, our library has dozens of computers for those who don’t have their own! I use its printer until i can replace mine! On SS-so can’t afford to buy books. But can get lifetimes full of books-free to borrow! Libraries always adapt with the times. Continuing!
Chicago Sun-Times 1/15/25!
Durning Library, North Lambeth, London. While the Millennium Library, Norwich is wonderful, and Gateshead Central Library and Aylesbury Library have all given me much pleasure, my favourite is Cambridge University LIbrary, the mighty UL.
When I was in England I loved our local library in Burton-upon-Trent.
In our village in Bulgaria we have a new library, it's small and been funded by the local mayor and municipality.
Education is being taken seriously over here from what I've seen.
Literally, only pennies of of our property taxes go to support our library. Had to stop buying books 20 years ago when I went on SS! Can’t afford them. But my neighborhood library has lifetimes of books for me to read-on any subject I fancy-free for the borrowing! What a deal!
Sure, you can download books on an e-reader. But your local library offers that and more. It's a great business and personal resource: scanning and printing one-off documents (any color), loan audio books, movies, music, study and conference rooms, free internet use, etc.
They are nice places to work! It's a reliable and free flow promoting environment available in most cities. I enjoy the ones in Grenoble and Valence in France most often but I have a positive memory of that of Toulouse and some Parisian libraries as well. I love libraries.
Los Angeles Public Library - Central Library Branch. Not just a beautiful building but the librarians are all great! Shout out to Diane Olivo Posner - Exploration and Creativity Department!
i haven’t been to a library in years, but in early highschool i would go there after school almost every day and hang out. it was nice to hang out with my friends without all the crazy sensory overload of actual school. it was fun looking at all the books too
WOW, libraries are the best! I’m a regular at my local library- yes, we greet each other by name. Something I do when I travel in this country & in others is to seek out local libraries in both large and small towns. They are vibrant and amazing places with wonderful & knowledgeable people! Visit!!!
And if you wish to order books in, you have to pay, and there are no desks to read or write at. I won't name the library but it's run by @wiltscouncil.bsky.social
Libby is useful but I object to the fact that unlike Libraries, which protect your reading info, Libby sells it. Some group knows what you have been reading, where you stopped, where you might have bookmarked a page.. That is no one's business but your own
Except that libraries use Libby instead of buying as many print books. So sometimes a book is only available as an ebook. And there are many people, especially in the States now, who have to be very careful about what information about themselves is accessible.
My local library saw fit to destroy its sizable collection of music and film on discs. Inexcusible travesty. They are also hostile to bicycles. Dead to me.
Check the website for intralibrary loans or ILL. You can request these items from larger city libraries or counties, if need be. It’s a free service. I’ve gotten materials from as far away as Las Vegas & I’m in Houston. Disposing of materials is about space & circulation stats. It’s not personal.
The joy of wandering stacks and making random discoveries is what they've destroyed. There is no replacement for that. And it should be one of the core values of any library.
Plse don’t take it personally. Libraries are underfunded, b/c they’re not revenue driven. Their budgets get cut, before parks, trash collection, etc. Direct your anger towards city council, state reps, & senators. They say smaller govt, they target the staff hours, acquisition, & automation budget.
Oh absolutely! Libraries are so much more than just houses with books. They are a place of learning, community, culture. Even our small one here in a small Finnish town has a 3D-printer for everyone to use. Most awesome library I know: Oodi, the central library in Helsinki. https://oodihelsinki.fi/en/
Yes I have been to libraries this year saw prostitutes and ppl overdosed in the washroom gays lamenting there lack of sex and twice I was threatened with violence. Tina the librarian does the nazi power salute at work at Hope Public Library and talks about her friends stealing stuff.
I have an academic friend, well-respected in their field, who says physical libraries are outdated and that most of their colleagues research online now. Is that accurate?
I have lots of health problems and my local library has a volunteer service that delivers books every month and that's just fab. In this week's delivery I got some handcrafted Christmas decorations, including a bookmark and a couple of other little items. I got some last year as well. My dad really
enjoys going to the book group there as well. I always loved going to the library. When I was little and lived in a small village we had a library van that came round every week. I haven't been to many libraries really. Many years ago I was researching at the British Library, before it moved and I
That's awesome. Sounds like you have a great library. Don't forget about the Libby app if you're interested. I like reading a real book, but I love listening to audiobooks while I'm working.
Growing up my dad referred to my library card as my passport. And it surely was. It was my passport to knowledge and new worlds. We went every Saturday. Kept up the same with my kids. Now adults who read profusely. Books will be exchanged as Christmas presents as they are every year.Thanks Dad
Me too! I can awaken in the middle of the night and browse for a new book on my tablet. I like the "similar" search when I've finished a book that inspired me.
My niece loves the library (she’s only 6) and so do a bunch of kids. The kids zone is always full when we go to my library. And it’s right next to a high school, so those kids are also there
When I left my abusive ex-husband, the library was in walking distance of the shelter. It's what I used to help put my mind back together. Finding out what interests you is a good way to get the psychopath's voice out of your head.
I have fond memories of the book mobile that would visit my neighborhood when I was growing up. We could check out seven books every two weeks. That started my deep passion for books
One of my favourite scenes from Pat Frank's 1959 'Alas Babylon' was, in the wake of the apocalypse, the librarian found that new life had entered her increasingly forgotten library. People flocked to it for vital knowledge, entertainment, and community. Even then, a library's purpose was understood.
In my transplanted state of FL the library system is good. They deliver books to your home for persons unable to get to the library though that isn’t what this post is about lol Last time I went to a library location they had a lovely textile arts exhibition and related books on display, inspiring!
As if the books aren’t enough ibraries offer amazing services to the community too. Next week my small local library has a photographer offering free professional headshots for anyone who needs them.
I haven't been inside an actual library building in years, but even so I don't believe libraries are irrelevant. They used to be a lifesaver for me when I was young and poor, and I am certain that's unfortunately still a thing for way too many people.
#Libraries are the last #bastion of where you go to get #books to read to your kids at night. Where kids can go & learn how valuable reading is, you can get music, movies, anything. I can't live w/o mine. I learn so much from that place now bookstores are vanishing #TatteredCover greatest bookstore
Harold Washington Public Library & Northbranch Public Library, Chicago. Skokie Public Library (Skokie, IL), Northwestern University Libraries (Evanston, IL)
I love our library. They have a great app to request books, free rooms for groups, a game day, a book club, & lots of events. Every time I go to pick up a requested book, I find something else interesting.
If only one child can explore the world. One teen can find the solace of peace without judgment. A parrent can find a full answer to as child’s question. Where a senior can not only look backward but stare into the future. Libraries and their dauntless crew of exploring librarians will be revelent.📚
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https://www.charlevoixlibrary.org/
Destroy the myth that libraries are no longer relevant.
If you use your library please share.
Note: Libraries also have material and help for the visually impaired that can't read memes.
Here in Michigan, the Michigan Library Association @milibraries.bsky.social is working hard to preserve access to all books for all people. 💙💙💙
What a cool system they have set up - reserve a book on hold, get notified and it's available. A wealth of other resources, besides books too.
Hey, poor gamers! Did you know that your local library system may have the gaming book you've been wanting but can't afford? It's true!
It is a community hub providing a lifeline to people.
I have been a library member for 60 years.
Lima/Allen Co., OH
Toledo/Lucas Co., OH
Portland/Jay Co., IN
Davis Library, UNC-CH, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
Perkins Library, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
Yes I have and we are building a new mega library here.
Delaware County Library System
The Cosmic Computer by H. Beam Piper
https://gutenberg.org/ebooks/20727
Damned If You Don't
https://gutenberg.org/ebooks/24064
Badge of Infamy
https://gutenberg.org/ebooks/19471
Black Man's Burden
https://gutenberg.org/ebooks/32390
Space Prison
https://gutenberg.org/ebooks/22549
My second job was working in a local library. Not this branch, though.
Get literary suggestions from your librarians.
Now I’m proud to say that one of my daughters is a school librarian herself.
Get your library card and go to Libby from home to borrow ebooks and magazines, listen to audiobooks, and support your library!
Check it out.
ASK A LIBRARIAN!
free books from Amazon. You’ll have to wait until the one you choose becomes available, just like reserving a hard or soft cover book, IF there are people waiting.
Then, when it is due, it just disappears from your kindle or phone.
My shout out is for the East Asian Library at Washington University in St. Louis, where I did all my homework.
Chicago Sun-Times 1/15/25!
In our village in Bulgaria we have a new library, it's small and been funded by the local mayor and municipality.
Education is being taken seriously over here from what I've seen.
https://tile.loc.gov/storage-services/service/pnp/highsm/53200/53293_150px.jpg
Mukwonago, Wisconsin
I actively support the Internet Archive.
Brought to you by the Guy Montag society for literary warmth.