Author Topic: THE DEATH OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY (Read 1467 times)

The Fake Shemp · « **on:** October 08, 2009, 05:29:57 PM »

I went to my local public library to research some stuff for two projects I'm working on. I was looking forward to it, since I had not stepped foot in this particular library since I was 9-years-old (I had move away, moved on my own, etc.).

I have fond memories of joyously borrowing books and anticipating my next trip to the library. I remembered the children's section full of kids at all times, either on field trips or after school. Tweens browsing the juvenile section. Some teenagers trying to snag the print material.

... but when I went in today, it was pretty depressing. The children's section was a ghost town, and this was well after local schools had let out. There were no tweens in the juvenile section. There were a handful of teenagers... all using the computers.

It's just kind of sad.

twerd · « **Reply #1 on:** October 08, 2009, 05:30:55 PM »

you sound so fucking old.

Bocsius · « **Reply #2 on:** October 08, 2009, 05:31:33 PM »

Who needs a library when you have the internets and Barnes & Noble?

Don Flamenco · « **Reply #3 on:** October 08, 2009, 05:36:34 PM »

some libraries have fallen off, but when they're up to date, they're fucking awesome. The library in my parents' town has a bunch of computers, special orders books if they don't have them, has a larger movie selection than blockbuster, and even a game section with stuff from PS1 through now.

way better to hang at than a coffee shop.

The Fake Shemp · « **Reply #4 on:** October 08, 2009, 05:36:42 PM »

The library has a ton of material that is not available on the Internet, and when you need actual reference material (Wikipedia does not count), that you don't want to spend a fortune for (who buys research material?), it is usually your best option.

It's just kind of depressing that the place is only populated by teenagers without personal computers, and the elderly and foreigners trying to learn English.

Do kids not read anymore?

Flannel Boy · « **Reply #5 on:** October 08, 2009, 05:37:53 PM »

public library field trips are an irregular occurrence. Some days you'll find six or eight different classes and others, none.

The Fake Shemp · « **Reply #6 on:** October 08, 2009, 05:41:56 PM »

When I was younger, the library was full of kids as soon as schools got out - regardless of field trips.

You went there to grab books, read magazines, maybe get a movie.

... Where have all the libraries gone? :'(

MyNameIsMethodis · « **Reply #7 on:** October 08, 2009, 05:42:51 PM »

Don't confuse the imaginary friends you had with real kids back in the day.

FlameOfCallandor · « **Reply #8 on:** October 08, 2009, 05:43:00 PM »

I always wondered how libraries were going to survive. They always have old books and they havge such little room that most of them just don't have any space to keep up with all the new stuff.

The Fake Shemp · « **Reply #9 on:** October 08, 2009, 05:47:08 PM »

Well, the hope is that as the community grows, they can build more libraries and spread the material around - thus creating more space for new stuff.

Flannel Boy · « **Reply #10 on:** October 08, 2009, 05:47:41 PM »

My public library system sells old books. I'm sure other books are lost, stolen, destroyed and, thus, replaced. Some subjects, like philosophy or classic literature, don't need a lot of new books. Other subjects need to be constantly updated, like psychology or erotica! So many of the old books are probably thrown out.

MyNameIsMethodis · « **Reply #11 on:** October 08, 2009, 05:48:22 PM »

My Library has that one VHS with all the cartoon characters talking about not doing drugs. I used to rent that all the time to make my brother stop doing drugs :'(

The Fake Shemp · « **Reply #12 on:** October 08, 2009, 05:50:26 PM »

Damn illiterate children and their waggle minigames.

Nintendo is destroying our youth. Can't they at least play good games?

Brehvolution · « **Reply #13 on:** October 08, 2009, 05:52:48 PM »

Mind cemetary

The Fake Shemp · « **Reply #14 on:** October 08, 2009, 05:56:04 PM »

Quote from: Kosma on October 08, 2009, 05:51:08 PM

They dont read and they dont play good games, also notice how new music is shit and old movies are better?

... but this isn't a generational gap or a difference in taste - these kids really are illiterate and listen to/watch manufactured garbage!

Diunx · « **Reply #15 on:** October 08, 2009, 05:56:23 PM »

Quote from: MyNameIsMud on October 08, 2009, 05:48:22 PM

My Library has that one VHS with all the cartoon characters talking about not doing drugs. I used to rent that all the time to make my brother stop doing drugs :'(

lol

BobFromPikeCreek · « **Reply #16 on:** October 08, 2009, 06:00:22 PM »

Libraries are now for homeless people to sleep in and for poor people to use the internet.

CajoleJuice · « **Reply #17 on:** October 08, 2009, 06:00:22 PM »

Our town just built a huge new library that looks like a goddamn prison from the outside. Or at least from the angle near my house.

The Fake Shemp · « **Reply #18 on:** October 08, 2009, 06:03:47 PM »

Jesus, that place looks like Oz.

Someone would only go in there to get butt raped.

Great Rumbler · « **Reply #19 on:** October 08, 2009, 06:05:08 PM »

I used to go to the library all the time when I was younger, but I don't ever remember there being that many people there when I did.

CajoleJuice · « **Reply #20 on:** October 08, 2009, 06:06:40 PM »

Quote from: Willco on October 08, 2009, 06:03:47 PM

Jesus, that place looks like Oz.

Someone would only go in there to get butt raped.

I told myself I'd go there all the time when it opened since it's right down the street.

I went there once to check it out, and never again. It's nice enough inside, though. So many VHS tapes!

Flannel Boy · « **Reply #21 on:** October 08, 2009, 06:07:18 PM »

The only way Americans can fill a library with people is by turning it into a prison. How sad.

Robo · « **Reply #22 on:** October 08, 2009, 06:09:53 PM »

The Dewey Decimal System... what a scam that was!

Phoenix Dark · « **Reply #23 on:** October 08, 2009, 06:17:48 PM »

I was at my old school's library a few weeks ago, waiting for my brother. It's a community college but a highschool functions there as well. Anyway while I was in the library a group of these kids were being given the typical "learn how the library works" research assignment. I was amazed that the vast majority of them didn't know...anything about a library and took forever to finish the assignment. Hell, half of them just went straight for the computers/facebook.

:'(

The Fake Shemp · « **Reply #24 on:** October 08, 2009, 06:19:55 PM »

I asked information if they had a book, and after I found out they did, she was going to show me where it was, but I told her I could find it myself. She looked amazed.

MyNameIsMethodis · « **Reply #25 on:** October 08, 2009, 06:20:49 PM »

Well that's because their indexing system is archaic and ridiculous. Who the fuck still uses cue cards.

Kara · « **Reply #26 on:** October 08, 2009, 07:53:14 PM »

My local one is pretty jumping. Maybe you need to live in suburbia?

Diunx · « **Reply #27 on:** October 08, 2009, 08:44:25 PM »

Quote from: Green Man on October 08, 2009, 08:24:09 PM

What the fuck is a library?

A place to read old comic books for free.

drew · « **Reply #28 on:** October 08, 2009, 10:15:09 PM »

lol, who in the hell goes to a library after school? i only went there begrudgingly for reports

right after school me and my friends were probably skateboarding or playing n64

Smooth Groove · « **Reply #29 on:** October 08, 2009, 10:17:11 PM »

No Country for Young Men $:-\$

Positive Touch · « **Reply #30 on:** October 08, 2009, 10:22:10 PM »

still get all my cds & movies (DVDS!) from the library

also this one local branch has a fuckton of great comics

ToxicAdam · « **Reply #31 on:** October 09, 2009, 05:46:46 AM »

My local library is really good. My boys go once or twice a week. They have activities, childrens shows and movies all week long.

EmCeeGrammar · « **Reply #32 on:** October 09, 2009, 06:03:41 AM »

I just don't have the attention span to read anymore. Probably depression. Oh wells. Occassionaly I'll check something out if I'm trying to find a good how-to book.

brawndolicious · « **Reply #33 on:** October 09, 2009, 06:29:09 AM »

I normally just go to the school library because it's more convenient but every now and then I go to the public ones around here and they look healthy and full enough. It probably has more people studying than browsing though.

Powerslave · « **Reply #34 on:** October 09, 2009, 02:37:13 PM »

Quote from: drew on October 08, 2009, 10:15:09 PM

right after school me and my friends were probably skateboarding or playing n64

lol skateboarding

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Author Topic: THE DEATH OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY (Read 1467 times)