var json_comments = new Array("

$\"user-pic\"$

January 11, 2009 8:15 PM

Moderate | Flag for review

The library I work no one wants to read books but play on the internet. By play on the internet I mean look at porn.

4 replies

$\"user-pic\"$

Anonymous

January 12, 2009 4:04 PM

Moderate |Flag for review

@Possinator: I wholeheartedly agree. I don't think I could work in libraries again (and I'm a librarian) because whenever I take my kids to the public library now it's all about the people on the computers - even to the extent of kids actually borrowing books being shushed because people are \"working\" on the computers. I think we should have a city computer center and move those people out of the library who just want a computer station.

$\"user-pic\"$

The Cynical Librarian

January 12, 2009 2:49 PM

Moderate |Flag for review

@Possinator: and by look up porn you mean...

$\"user-pic\"$

January 12, 2009 4:38 PM

Moderate |Flag for review

check out books?

$\"user-pic\"$

Ajh

January 11, 2009 10:35 PM

Moderate |Flag for review

@Possinator: I'm always checking out books. I'm a rarity...I have never used the library computers.

","

$\"user-pic\"$

January 11, 2009 8:15 PM

Moderate |Flag for review

I would like to know what a \"torn up\" computer looks like.

3 replies

$\"user-pic\"$

Ghede

January 12, 2009 4:26 PM

Moderate |Flag for review

@Fujikopez: Well, my dad got so frustrated that the CD trays weren't opening properly that he ripped the little doors off. Now they don't open properly and are missing parts. The top one now retracts whenever it finally manages to open. This is a guy who has worked with computers for over a decade. He knows enough to be able to replace the CD trays, but not enough to fix them when they don't open.

Now imagine that, but apply the same level of destruction to every component, monitor, keyboard, speakers, mouse, and the guts of the machine. Not a sledgehammer, but actively opening the machine, and just pulling off chips and wires.

That is torn up.

@MightyDwarf56: That is just salvaging.

$\"user-pic\"$

MightyDwarf56

January 12, 2009 11:28 AM

Moderate |Flag for review

@Fujikopez: I have one sitting in my living room. It's an old Pentium 2 with Windoze 98 on it. I salvaged the cd rom, and ram out of it for a buddy of mine.

$\"user-pic\"$

Ein2015

January 11, 2009 10:58 PM

Moderate |Flag for review

@Fujikopez: Sounds like PEBCAK to me.

","

$\"user-pic\"$

January 11, 2009 8:20 PM

Moderate |Flag for review

The library is great here, they even have an online tracking system so you can see what you borrowed. You just put in your card number and you can request materials from your own computer provided you have one that works. Do not forget about interlibrary loans as well. If you find a book that you REALLY like and want to keep forever for reference or whatnot then you can go to one of the low priced used book outlets online to get it there.

Our library also has free DVD rentals and they get pretty much everything you would ever want to see plus even those lesser known movies. If they have DVD's that I want to watch then that is really something!

They also have a huge selection of Manga, Comics and some libraries in our district even rent out Video games (for PS2 at least) and you can request for them to be sent to your own library.

3 replies

$\"user-pic\"$

January 12, 2009 6:15 AM

Moderate |Flag for review

@Outrun1986: Sounds like Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh; we have a cafe downstairs and stuff too. It's pretty awesome. And you can request anything from any library in the system (about 100 libraries), and if NOBODY has it, you can suggest they buy it for you.

$\"user-pic\"$

Ajh

January 11, 2009 10:35 PM

Moderate |Flag for review

@Outrun1986: Do you live in Delaware too?

$\"user-pic\"$

coren

January 12, 2009 1:16 AM

Moderate |Flag for review

@Ajh: Outside the last paragraph, sounds like Western Washington

","

$\"user-pic\"$

JulesNoctambule

January 11, 2009 8:26 PM

Moderate |Flag for review

Our library doesn't have CDs, DVDs or much of anything that isn't a book. They do, however, allow people to eat in the library. Anything from a pint of ice cream (which I saw one afternoon) to a bag of peel-and-eat shrimp (at which point the librarian was allowed to ask the guy to leave). It's ridiculous, makes the library smell and has resulted in damaged library property. We go there a lot less since they introduced their snack-at-will policy.

4 replies

$\"user-pic\"$

January 12, 2009 6:13 AM

Moderate |Flag for review

C@JulesNoctambule: Ours has a Crazy Mocha cafe on the library ground floor, and I think it's pretty awesome.

$\"user-pic\"$

JulesNoctambule

January 12, 2009 9:29 PM

Moderate |Flag for review

@Paperclippe: Ours had a cafe for a while, right by the children's section. I stopped going there after it opened on the grounds that it should be a library and not a damn Charbucks, but a librarian friend told me that a few spilling disasters later it was closed (to the joy of the librarians).

$\"user-pic\"$

DePaulBlueDemon

January 12, 2009 1:28 AM

Moderate |Flag for review

@JulesNoctambule:

It's your library, you have a right to complain and voice your opinion. Write the director or attend a board meeting.

$\"user-pic\"$

JulesNoctambule

January 12, 2009 9:27 PM

Moderate |Flag for review

@DePaulBlueDemon: I have, the librarians have; they seem content to cater to the lowest common denominator.

","

$\"user-pic\"$

January 11, 2009 8:26 PM

Moderate |Flag for review

My B+N has almost their whole inventory 30% off now - they're moving the store almost 1 block up the hill to a new location (seriously) and are liquidating the existing store. The best part is the new store will get all-new inventory, not just the same old stuff. It's the best economic stimulus program I've seen so far.

My problem with libraries is they don't have the books I need -- I need the kind of specialized philosophical and technical books a normal library doesn't have. Maybe a big college somewhere.

3 replies

$\"user-pic\"$

Ein2015

January 11, 2009 11:00 PM

Moderate |Flag for review

@Trencher93: I <3 my university for that reason. :)

$\"user-pic\"$

atashida

January 11, 2009 10:59 PM

Moderate |Flag for review

@Trencher93: Ask about interlibrary loan service for the books you want at your library.

Also, if you have a big university nearby, often they will let community members check out books for a low per-year fee.

$\"user-pic\"$

coren

January 12, 2009 1:17 AM

Moderate |Flag for review

@atashida: Hell, the right one does it for free.

And I can make 50 interlibrary loan requests, a month. Hot, damn.

","

$\"user-pic\"$

Eyebrows McGee (now with more baby!)

January 11, 2009 8:27 PM

Moderate |Flag for review

My local library's not so great, but you can do interlibrary loan requests online, which helps a lot.

Remember that many colleges and universities allow townies to get a library card (often for a nominal fee, $25ish a year, if you're not affiliated with the university, but $25 for access to a huge library is a bargain if you're otherwise a big book buyer). And in many states, the state university library system is automatically open to taxpayers for free, though again you must get a card and typically your borrowing privileges are shorter so the books are available for students and professors.

Many public libraries these days are linked into interlibrary loan systems that include university systems, so that's useful too.

","

$\"user-pic\"$

January 11, 2009 8:27 PM

Moderate |Flag for review

I dont know where a Library is even located where I live. I guess I would consider that truly sad if I didnt ever read. I might have to look into it. I have noticed between my Girlfriend and I reading can be quite expensive.

Also..

When I was in Middle School (6th-8th grade) the library was a great place for a weekday \"date\". So many uses.

6 replies

$\"user-pic\"$

thrid001

January 12, 2009 2:13 AM

Moderate |Flag for review

@parad0x360: I had some dates in college at the university library. A discreet hummer between the stacks was considered a requirement for graduation.

$\"user-pic\"$

January 12, 2009 4:40 PM

Moderate |Flag for review

engineering stacks were the best place to score at my university...

$\"user-pic\"$

Jetgirly

January 11, 2009 10:35 PM

Moderate |Flag for review

@parad0x360: That's assuming you live in an English-speaking country! When I've lived abroad I've heard rumours of libraries, but I never actually met anyone who had been to one! Really! Not one single person. Sometimes I would walk past buildings that had \"BIBLIOTECA\" signs or something, but they would be behind big locked fences. Or it could be that you live in a place where libraries are open from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, or something, while you're at work. I spent thousands of dollars on books when I lived in Italy because I couldn't figure out the library system. In Mexico the university I taught at had a library, but they only had about a hundred fiction titles in total, of which five or six were English. Here at my lovely Canadian library we have books in every language you could imagine. I signed out some Uzbek (Uzbeki?) books to use in class with one my immigrant students, and I regularly sign out fiction titles in Italian, Spanish and French. Never forget how good you have it to live in a place with a superb public library system! It's not just developing or third-world countries with crappy libraries!

$\"user-pic\"$

Eyebrows McGee (now with more baby!)

January 12, 2009 2:09 AM

Moderate |Flag for review

@Jetgirly: In Europe, libraries are frequently members only; you often still have to get a letter of recommendation from someone or from your school.

Free public libraries are a relatively American (& Canadian) thing, partly thanks go the early ideas of folks like Jefferson and largely thanks to Andrew Carnegie leaving enormous quantities of his fortune to build theme every darn where in the US.

$\"user-pic\"$

Oranges w/ Cheese hates what Christmas has become

January 11, 2009 9:16 PM

Moderate |Flag for review

@parad0x360: Easiest way to locate your local library is go to google and type \"your county name\" library \"your state\".

Good luck :D

$\"user-pic\"$

Trai_Dep

January 12, 2009 1:32 AM

Moderate |Flag for review

@Oranges w/ Cheese: Ooooh. Snarky! MeLikey!

","

$\"user-pic\"$

January 11, 2009 8:30 PM

Moderate |Flag for review

I remember back in the day hearing about how people thought they were so smart, they went to the brick-and-mortar bookstores to browse business as usual but then went home and bought what they wanted from Amazon. Me, I was sitting here browsing on Amazon and when I found something I wanted (thanks to Amazon's well-tuned efforts to recommend things for me) I would switch over to my library's web site and order it up. (I get an email when the book is in, and I get it. I then get an email when it's due.) Buy books? WTF? Do you know how much books weigh? If you don't, you will when it comes time to move. Anyway, awhile back I added DVDs to that methodology, and it works great.

5 replies

$\"user-pic\"$

January 11, 2009 8:52 PM

Moderate |Flag for review

@CyrusOpeth: Most of the time with a book or DVD you will use it once then put it down and NEVER pick it up again. Thats why I use the library for these things. Video games are a different story as you can pick them up and play them again, and I often do that. So I would prefer to own a video game but books and DVD's are often one-shot of entertainment each for me then I forget about that particular one and move right onto the next one. I can understand if you need a book for reference or really like it and if you REALLY like a movie but other than those 2 instances the library suffices just fine.

$\"user-pic\"$

WillG

January 12, 2009 8:30 AM

Moderate |Flag for review

I'm betting it's a just generational thing but I am just the opposite of you. I can re-read a good book many times but re-playing a video game is about as boring as it gets. Even the ones with achievements and hidden stuff cant keep my interest for more than 2 times through.
On the other hand, counterstrike, played against live opponents has had me for years., (Oh, 47)

$\"user-pic\"$

January 11, 2009 8:43 PM

Moderate |Flag for review

Tell me about it. I have so many books that moving is always a nightmare. I try to cull them once a year or so, but I'm ridiculously, pack-ratty attached to them so it's hard.

$\"user-pic\"$

Eyebrows McGee (now with more baby!)

January 11, 2009 8:32 PM

Moderate |Flag for review

@CyrusOpeth: This is why I told my husband we are never, ever, ever moving again without professional movers. EVER.

$\"user-pic\"$

January 12, 2009 4:11 AM

Moderate |Flag for review

@Eyebrows McGee: professional being the key word. we no longer have many books for our next move due to the thieving bastards sent out by starving students.

$\"user-pic\"$

Eyebrows McGee (now with more baby!)

January 12, 2009 11:35 AM

Moderate |Flag for review

@the_wiggle: Youch!

$\"user-pic\"$

Raywind

January 12, 2009 1:10 PM

Moderate |Flag for review

@CyrusOpeth: Considering I've just filled 8 moving-box sized containers with books... yes, I know how heavy they are.

$\"user-pic\"$

January 12, 2009 5:47 PM

Moderate |Flag for review

@Raywind: I used wine boxes to pack up my books, like 30 boxes worth, but I could carry them all myself.

","","

$\"user-pic\"$

kaycee

January 11, 2009 8:38 PM

Moderate |Flag for review

Maybe (when the economy improves), cities will start allocating more money to libraries - so they can buy more books and have more space. (Hopefully not so they can buy more computers so kids can spend more time playing games and people with no lives can look at porn.)

Some years ago, I read an article (AP, I think) about libraries. They said that only 15 percent of the U.S. population uses the library on a regular basis. I thought that was shocking enough, but then I read how they defined \"regular basis\" - twice a year or more. As someone who has visited the library once or twice a week since I was a child, I can't understand life without a library. I'm thankful to my mom for taking me as often as I wanted to go!

I've never been able to understand why people would rather buy books that they're going to read only one time. The only books I buy are those that I want to keep and read again some day, or loan out to friends, or occasionally I buy a book that the library doesn't have but that I'm relatively sure I will like.

4 replies

$\"user-pic\"$

Eyebrows McGee (now with more baby!)

January 12, 2009 5:33 AM

Moderate |Flag for review

@kaycee: \"I thought that was shocking enough, but then I read how they defined \"regular basis\" - twice a year or more.\"

when I was a kid and we were taking a standardized test, they told us, \"One of the demographic questions will be how many books your family has in your house, so make sure you know that for tomorrow.\" This sent me into a tizzy because counting in just my bedroom I had 300+ ... and I had two younger siblings (at the time) each with just as many, and there were bookshelves in almost every room ....

Only to discover the next day that the choices for the question were \"less than 25\" \"25-50\" and \"more than 50.\"

Even as a kid I thought, There is something very wrong here. I mean, just with dictionaries and cookbooks and family Bibles and random Dr. Seuss and things like that you'd think you could get to 25. And now as an adult working with different families, I see the kinds of households that have children and less than 25 books, and they're typically the ones with a zillion other risk factors too. This comic made me think of it: [wondermark.com]

$\"user-pic\"$

January 12, 2009 8:29 PM

Moderate |Flag for review

@Eyebrows McGee: So true. Being surrounded by my parents' childhood, YA, and college books while growing up made me curious about reading and interested in the challenge of literature outside of what most kids read - and now my parents have a house full of academic, engineering, and philosophy books - plus all my old stuff for exploring when I visit home. My mom and I had epic battles over whether or not I should read Tolstoy (her favorite) or my 'junk' (SF from my dad's study!) but it was definitely a house full of books.

$\"user-pic\"$

Ein2015

January 11, 2009 11:04 PM

Moderate |Flag for review

@kaycee: I buy only the newest of books... but perhaps I'll start donating them to a local library when I'm done?

That'll make moving easier...

$\"user-pic\"$

coren

January 12, 2009 1:20 AM

Moderate |Flag for review

@Ein2015: Hell, you could probably sell them at a highly reduced rate to the library and they'd do it. I know I've seen it happen.

","

$\"user-pic\"$

mauispiderweb

January 11, 2009 8:39 PM

Moderate |Flag for review

I work in a library and it's definitely WAY busier than it used to be. Too bad they cut our budget by 10%, and are considering another cut -- the reason this time is, of course, the economy, but the libraries are always the first on the list when it comes to budget cuts in Hawaii. We're also the victims of a hiring freeze, and most branches are already shorthanded. The support staff (circulation clerks) are the worst off, since they do most of the grunt work (check out/check in, shelving, processing materials, processing local/postal deliveries, etc.) -- I hope no one decides to retire any time soon.

4 replies

$\"user-pic\"$

coren

January 12, 2009 1:21 AM

Moderate |Flag for review

@mauispiderweb: Washington's in the same boat - hiring cap now (improved from freeze, but we'll freeze again soon). Luckily they have high school and college kids to do the book schlepping, but I haven't seen one hired in months (you can check postings) and I know the turnover for that job is high...

$\"user-pic\"$

atashida

January 11, 2009 11:03 PM

Moderate |Flag for review

Justifan: In Hawaii and in other municipalities video rentals are $1. Usually the selection isn't that great either. Here it is, but you're usually fighting with EVERYONE for new releases. It's not anywhere near a video rental store, because you can't get what you want half the time.

$\"user-pic\"$

mauispiderweb

January 12, 2009 7:08 PM

Moderate |Flag for review

@atashida: Our system's actually been pretty good at purchasing newly released DVDs and books for all 51 branches for the past several years. Plus, once the titles are catalogued, requests can be placed on them immedately, so by the time we actually receive/process the items, there's at least 200+ requests on each title, meaning that they never even hit the shelves until all the requests have been filled. Could take quite a while, so at least we don't have people fighting in the aisles. ;)

$\"user-pic\"$

January 11, 2009 10:01 PM

Moderate |Flag for review

@mauispiderweb: Yep, that is the saddest part of it all. Libraries are continually getting their funding cut regardless of where they are or how much traffic they are getting.

<--another librarian

","","

$\"user-pic\"$

January 11, 2009 8:48 PM

Moderate |Flag for review

I use the library a lot. I won't buy a book I'm not sure about - I'll check it out first. Usually, I read my books over and over.

I buy a lot of books at the flea market or used bookstores, too. That way if I absolutely must own it, at least it's not full price. Only some authors will I buy new, including Stephen King and Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child. I'm addicted to the latters' Pendergast series!

This year, I ran out of money for Christmas presents and I gave my brother a brand new copy of a new Stephen King that I had bought (I can't stand to wait for paperbacks with him!). I can get another copy for myself at the flea market for a couple of bucks in a few months or so.

","","

$\"user-pic\"$

Anonymous

January 11, 2009 8:58 PM

Moderate |Flag for review

As an indie bookstore owner, I still like it when library use goes up. It means people are reading more books in general, and they'll come buy books from me more when the wait list gets too long for popular books.

As long as they aren't coming in my shop for ideas, then going home to order online. That's shoplifting - I spent a lot of money and time to get those books in, and to take advantage of my selections without supporting my shop means I can't pay my rent or payroll.

A local, community bookstore is worth the extra few dollars to everyone - my customers get free delivery and personalized selections, fun and cultural events (for free) and a place to meet new people. Same with the library.

","

$\"user-pic\"$

Justifan

January 11, 2009 9:06 PM

Moderate |Flag for review

still, i'm not sure its a good idea for libraries to become free video rental stores.
its a waste of tax payer resources.

5 replies

$\"user-pic\"$

January 12, 2009 4:13 AM

Moderate |Flag for review

@Justifan: it's MY taxes too, so let there be free books, music, games & movie.

not a waste of resources, rather a proper pooling of resources :)

$\"user-pic\"$

ludwigk

January 12, 2009 4:07 AM

Moderate |Flag for review

@Justifan: *facepalm*

$\"user-pic\"$

Ein2015

January 11, 2009 11:07 PM

Moderate |Flag for review

@Justifan: That makes about as much sense as if it had read \"i'm not sure its a good idea for libraries to become free book rental stores.
its a waste of tax payer resources.\"

Can you please explain further why you feel that way?

$\"user-pic\"$

January 12, 2009 2:14 AM

Moderate |Flag for review

@Ein2015: Hate to tell you this, Justifan, but public libraries have been doing this for about 20 years now. They've also had music to borrow back when it was only available on L.P.

$\"user-pic\"$

January 11, 2009 10:53 PM

Moderate |Flag for review

@Justifan: Actually lots of libraries started their movie libraries with donations from patrons. Tired of that extra copy of \"American Pie\"? Donate it.

","","

$\"user-pic\"$

SadSam

January 11, 2009 9:37 PM

Moderate |Flag for review

I've been using my local library for a couple of years after I realized how much I was spending on books. My library has a good selection of books, DVDs, CDs and books on tape.

2 replies

$\"user-pic\"$

SadSam

January 11, 2009 11:45 PM

Moderate |Flag for review

We've got the homeless too, but since its Fla. they use the library for the bathroom and the A/C.

$\"user-pic\"$

mauispiderweb

January 12, 2009 7:10 PM

Moderate |Flag for review

@SadSam: Yeah ... here, too. There was a time when we had to call the cops at least once a week. Seems to be a bit better, lately, though.

","

$\"user-pic\"$

tator

January 11, 2009 9:45 PM

Moderate |Flag for review

I used to use the library in Richmond VA. It was one of the few warm places the local homeless could hang out all day (as long as they didn't go to sleep). I see where the current economic situation will be a boon to libraries.

1 replies

$\"user-pic\"$

Jetgirly

January 11, 2009 10:42 PM

Moderate |Flag for review

@delicatedisarray: I loved working at my university library! I worked in the Education Library (we used the easy-as-pie Dewey Decimal System to reflect public school libraries, rather than the Library of Congress system!) where we had picture books, young adult fiction, extra copies of K-12 textbooks and the teacher's guides, textbooks on teaching and then all these really cool teaching kits, like science experiments, replicas of ancient artifacts and posters. It was the best student job ever!

","

$\"user-pic\"$

delicatedisarray

January 11, 2009 10:00 PM

Moderate |Flag for review

I work in a library on a very large university campus. We have seen a huge increase of not only student usage, but also community and former student. We charge $15 a year for non-university associated people, there has been a spike in purchases. So much so that we had to add another person on creating the library cards.

To brag, best job ever. I haven't bought many books since starting back in August. I work in the main library on campus and we are having our 4 millionth volume celebration this year. There are three other circulating libraries and then a special collections library. If I can't find what I want in all that we have a great interlibrary loan department and I've never been turned down when I make a purchase recommendation.

People are defiantly taking advantage of everything libraries have to offer now.

1 replies

$\"user-pic\"$

January 12, 2009 6:02 PM

Moderate |Flag for review

@delicatedisarray: I worked in my college library. It really was the best student job. You could pretty much bet that some of your friends would visit you while you were working too, because they wanted help finding materials for whatever research had to be done. I loved getting paid to socialize, help my friends, and have first access to any new books coming in.

","","

$\"user-pic\"$

prodpoke

January 11, 2009 10:09 PM

Moderate |Flag for review

i actually went out and bought two books last week; nabokov's the gift for around $7.50 and mercedes helnwein's the potential hazards of hester day $1. i actually think if there's any opportunity to spend is when stores left and right are closing.
those two combined are actually cheaper than what i had to pay in library fines for a book i asked my siblings to return while i was away at college.

","

$\"user-pic\"$

January 11, 2009 10:21 PM

Moderate |Flag for review

Our library system is wonderful and I go every week. They have the newest releases, almost every season of the latest television shows, and even video games now. So many people think of just books when they think of libraries, but they are so much more now. In the San Diego county system, you can even browse the database online and reserve items and they will have them ready at the branch of your choice when it's your turn.

","

$\"user-pic\"$

January 11, 2009 10:25 PM

Moderate |Flag for review

Another nail in the coffin for the B+N and Borders of the world (although that Borders coffin is pretty much sealed tight already).

1 replies

$\"user-pic\"$

coren

January 12, 2009 1:22 AM

Moderate |Flag for review

@fredmertz: Is it wrong of me to be sort of excited for the clearance sales at underperformers? I'll miss Borders, but I love me cheap books.

","","","

$\"user-pic\"$

January 11, 2009 10:35 PM

Moderate |Flag for review

My local library costs over $850 a year in taxes. So, yeah, I go all the time but, no, I don't consider it free.

BTW, the taxes in Long Island are insane.

1 replies

$\"user-pic\"$

atashida

January 11, 2009 11:05 PM

Moderate |Flag for review

@SNForrester: Not free, but not making a profit either.

Perhaps libraries could start marketing themselves better by saying \"hey - why don't you use this thing you're paying for?\"

","","

$\"user-pic\"$

Ajh

January 11, 2009 10:38 PM

Moderate |Flag for review

My local library is tiny tiny tiny. It's in an old building that used to be some sort of office. However, if I use the computer card catalog there, or at home, they can have books movies or music sent from anywhere in the state to my library.

It's nice browsing amazon's recommendations for new stuff to read, looking it up in the library and two days later getting it from the local library even though it was actually 45 minutes downstate originally.

","","

$\"user-pic\"$

January 11, 2009 10:52 PM

Moderate |Flag for review

When I first read the title I thought this was going to talk about more homeless people using the library to keep warm. There are 6-12 regulars that I see at my public library that come in and read the papers and other books.

","","","","","","

$\"user-pic\"$

January 11, 2009 11:03 PM

Moderate |Flag for review

When I lived in NJ, I used the heck out of the libary. They had their whole catalog online (originally via telnet, then moved to the web) and you could search and do reservations online.

Now that I'm in Baltimore County, MD, I've been to the library - which is about 2 blocks away - once. They don't have any of the books I'm looking for, and reserving books online costs $1. Calling in and reserving is free. WTF?

So instead, I buy my books used off half.com. If it's something new that I really want, I'll spring for it from Amazon, usually with certificates from turning in my change at Coinstar.

1 replies

$\"user-pic\"$

mauispiderweb

January 12, 2009 7:13 PM

Moderate |Flag for review

@madanthony: Are you sure it's $1 to request a book, instead of $1 if you request it and neglect to pick it up?

That's how it works our system here, though if you decide you don't want the book once it's arrived, you can always cancel it before the pickup date (approx. 2 weeks from arrival), and you won't get charged the $1.

","","","","","

$\"user-pic\"$

ShariC

January 12, 2009 12:16 AM

Moderate |Flag for review

Libraries are funded based on patronage numbers. Using the library makes it better because more funds = more books and materials.

My sister works for a small rural library which has a computer lab, DVDs, CDs, and a large number of books because the area it services is so poor that it has high patronage numbers. They also offer classes to gain various skills (computer use, knitting, etc.), kids programs, and free snacks during special events (all prepared and taught by library staff). However, funding has been cut repeatedly for libraries as legislators feel that they are no as necessary in the age of the Internet so they have to raise money on their own by selling donated items or creating special merchandise to sell (CDs and DVDs about local history, tote bags with the library's name).

People keep saying you should use the library because you pay for it, but the truth is that you don't pay much at all for your libraries. Libraries have to raise funds from private sources and the taxes people pay for their local libraries is a pittance for the amount of service. Each state is different, but in Pennsylvania, it's about $6 per person per year. That's less than the cost of one book.

","

$\"user-pic\"$

I want my Pepsi Throwback back!

January 12, 2009 12:24 AM

Moderate |Flag for review

The library in downtown Toledo is absolutely gorgeous. So much so that it can be a little overwhelming to browse in. Even so, I try to take out books and donate to them as much as I can throughout the year. My husband wanted some self-help type books this Christmas, and I managed to find four books for him in great condition in their used books section. I bought them for 2 dollars a piece. It sounds cheap, but we love our library, so my husband has no problem receiving second hand books for Christmas.

Here's a page about our library, with a photo of the inside. Sometimes I go there just to look. It's beautiful architecture.

","

$\"user-pic\"$

bohemian

January 12, 2009 12:39 AM

Moderate |Flag for review

If you live somewhere that has decent libraries or better yet one in a huge beautiful old building like the one in the picture please be thankful.
Where I am stuck right now has horrible libraries. I don't think they even have copies of classical literature, very limited DVDs. Most of the reference is from the 70's. They threw out all the older reference and how to books and have little if anything non fiction that is newer. New non fiction like books on current events, cook books and that kind of thing no way.

But our libraries have plenty of those pink romance novels and homeless people sleeping all over the place. So were just working on our own private library.

","

$\"user-pic\"$

catastrophegirl chooses not to fly

January 12, 2009 12:55 AM

Moderate |Flag for review

the library system i grew up with has something i miss at my current library and would use a lot if it was available: a library bookstore for purchase of titles they are taking out of circulation or donations that aren't quite suitable for circulation.
once i found a charles dickens printed in the 1850's for 50 cents at the 'friends of the library bookstore'
here - they take the books out of circulation and store them away for an annual sale.
i use my library often and the online book request system is excellent because i get out of work just in time to have ten minutes there before they close.
lately though, i have definitely noticed an increase in wait times for books. used to be i would be the only person requesting but now i am usually 4th or 5th in the queue.
i don't mind though. at least then my librarians have a better chance of keeping their jobs

","","","","","","","","

$\"user-pic\"$

coren

January 12, 2009 1:59 AM

Moderate |Flag for review

I like my area, I've got access to five different top notch library systems, all with great variety and the willingness to find me things they don't already have.

","

$\"user-pic\"$

Wendy Sloan

January 12, 2009 2:03 AM

Moderate |Flag for review

sacramento's got a pretty awesome selection. I've seen whole seasons of Entourage, Weeds, Arrested development, etc via the library. Not to mention comix and anime.

bf says if libraries had coffee shops in them, they would be more popular. starbucks tie-in?

","","","","

$\"user-pic\"$

the dude

January 12, 2009 2:23 AM

Moderate |Flag for review

WOW, going to the library when times are tough! What a 'novel' idea!

","

$\"user-pic\"$

calwatch

January 12, 2009 2:46 AM

Moderate |Flag for review

WorldCat at [www.worldcat.org] is a good search engine for finding which library a book is located, if you happen to live in an area with multiple libraries at your disposal.

","

$\"user-pic\"$

tbax929

January 12, 2009 2:51 AM

Moderate |Flag for review

I buy my books from BetterWorldBooks.com. It's about $3.99 per book with free shipping. I love that site.

The reason I don't use my local library is that I love having a huge book collection; and I often read books more than once. Also, I tend to write in my books, and the libraries frown upon that sort of thing.

","

$\"user-pic\"$

uglyjdkdjdodkdldkdl;d;'dd;dldldel;eie8e88

January 12, 2009 3:37 AM

Moderate |Flag for review

I get all first run dvd's from the library. After you get started never pay again unless you are late. Don't lose a documentary because they are pricey.

","

$\"user-pic\"$

January 12, 2009 3:50 AM

Moderate |Flag for review

If the libraries in your area are experiencing funding cuts, and this is likely, I'd like to suggest volunteering. If you're a frequent patron, then consider giving back to the library by helping out. You'll take a lot of strain off the staff, which are probably the first to go once serious cuts come around.

I usually get shelving and sorting jobs, which means I'm close to the books... which means lots of browsing time and a chance to note down what I might be interested in. The work is remarkably easy; though, I'm a book geek and libraries are just such comforting places to me.

","","","","

$\"user-pic\"$

ludwigk

January 12, 2009 4:13 AM

Moderate |Flag for review

I live in Oakland, and work in San Francisco, so I have access to two great library systems. I can't say that I've bought zero books as a result (I need trade-specific literature that doesn't really show up in libraries), but I do read a couple dozen books a year from them, along with the occasional DVD or CD.

","

$\"user-pic\"$

Zev Mydlarz

January 12, 2009 4:19 AM

Moderate |Flag for review

The New York Public Library rocks!

","","","","

$\"user-pic\"$

Charlotte Rae's Web

January 12, 2009 6:46 AM

Moderate |Flag for review

I wish we could go back to our library but since a guy whipped it out in front of my then eight year old daughter, we no longer go. The library didn't react very well when it was initially reported either.

1 replies

$\"user-pic\"$

kaycee

January 13, 2009 9:57 PM

Moderate |Flag for review

@ouiserboudreaux:
Unfortunately, that is a problem at libraries. I worked at my hometown library when I was in high school, and three men who were regular visitors had serious problems. One used to do some business in the back corner (stains on the carpet); another man (who had served time for rape of a mentally handicapped girl) peered at the female teen employees through the stacks; and we were always so concerned about the third one that when we noticed he went to the bathroom while there was a kid in there, a male employee would follow.

But library staff members aren't allowed to ban or even speak to creeps and sickos unless they actually are caught doing something. People assume libraries are safe places, but because of what I know, I never would leave my kids unattended in the library, and they weren't allowed to use the restroom without me standing outside the door.

","

$\"user-pic\"$

January 12, 2009 6:56 AM

Moderate |Flag for review

When the economy goes down, tons of people use libraries but the libraries are subject to cuts and hiring freezes. When the economy goes up, people question the need for libraries and municipalities try to axe them altogether. Obviously, everyone can buy everything they need, and besides, nobody reads anymore anyway. /sarcasm

Sigh.

Wouldn't it be nice if libraries were funded more as their use went up? It's actually a great investment for a community, at least based on the RoIs I've seen.

","","","","","

$\"user-pic\"$

idx

January 12, 2009 2:46 PM

Moderate |Flag for review

Also remember that many libraries offer learning software. My library has a dozen or so of those rosetta stone languages that you can borrow OR you can just log onto their website and use an online version of it for free.

","","

$\"user-pic\"$

lilyHaze

January 12, 2009 2:58 PM

Moderate |Flag for review

I moved into Fairfax County (VA) a few years ago. The library system is pretty good for the most part. Lots of books, modernish computers for use, and a very good online system (renewing, reserving, e-books). There's also very good study spaces depending on the branch.

But it's sorely lacking in two things that I liked about other library systems: borrowing movies and music. I don't expect the newest ones, but I would love a variety of the classics or old ones. I THINK they're starting to stock movies (in the way of documentaries and educational stuff). But I would love some popular stuff too.

My previous library system had DVDs available to rent for 7 days. Some of them charged $1 for it. I didn't mind. My college library had a few CDs available for borrowing (I borrowed and burned some classical and Broadway stuff). That was good too.

","

$\"user-pic\"$

Schlake

January 12, 2009 3:12 PM

Moderate |Flag for review

Libraries are whore houses for books! If you use the merchandise you should respect it enough to give it a good home and not share it with any old person who walks in of the street.

","","

$\"user-pic\"$

atrixe

January 12, 2009 4:10 PM

Moderate |Flag for review

Unfortunately, the current economic downturn is also having a negative affect on many libraries. Here in Philadelphia, Mayor Nutter wants to completely shutter 11 library branches.

From Friends of the Free Library of Philadelphia:
\"The Free Library will take significant budget cuts that include the permanent shuttering of 20% of its buildings or 11 branches; 71 layoffs and a $1.6 million reduction to the materials (books, tapes, DVDs, periodicals, graphic novels, etc.) budget that has not been increased in 8 years. These library buildings, some of which were built with funds from Andrew Carnegie will revert back to the public properties division to be sold.\"

The video below makes it pretty clear that this is an issue nationwide.

1 replies

$\"user-pic\"$

atrixe

January 12, 2009 4:11 PM

Moderate |Flag for review

@atrixe: Whoopsie, here's the video:

","","","","","

$\"user-pic\"$

Thomas Romano

January 12, 2009 5:12 PM

Moderate |Flag for review

I am a network tech at the huntington public library here on Long island. We have a ton of stuff. We have blu-rays to take out, dvds, You can read what you have taken out online. You can pay your fines online and can even recheck out books online.

We have free wifi in both branches (thanks to cablevision and our free conenctions from them) . If we dont have a book or dvd we will usually order it for you if you ask.

We even offer tax help for people 50 and over during tax season.

Libraries can save yo a lot of money and can offer you a lot of entertainent for free.

1 replies

$\"user-pic\"$

Thomas Romano

January 12, 2009 5:13 PM

Moderate |Flag for review

@Thomas Romano: we even offer free passes to the museum of natural history and the art museums in NYC.

","","","","

$\"user-pic\"$

January 12, 2009 6:03 PM

Moderate |Flag for review

Last year I finally started cooking after I turned 23, mainly so that I can impress my bf. I used to buy some magazines for it, and look online. Then, I went to borders and found a great asian cookbook at their bargain books area for $6. I wanted more, wanted to learn new recipes, but the rest of the books are so expensive...so I decided to finally pay up the $35 in fines to my library, and now get access to hundresds of cookbooks that save me hundreds of dollars. I write down the recipes I like, and started my own recipe collection. Yay for saved money and space.

","","","","","","","

$\"user-pic\"$

Ratty

January 13, 2009 12:06 AM

Moderate |Flag for review

I got a bit tired of the dirty or questioning looks I'd get for taking out cookbooks along with books about serial killers and chemical warfare. I wouldn't be shocked to hear the library account was on some kind of watch list. Really, it got old. Now I check out used book stores and occasionally order on Amazon.

","

$\"user-pic\"$

zolielo

January 13, 2009 5:33 AM

Moderate |Flag for review

Libraries are great in bad as well as good times. Non-story?

","");