What a delightful read. Yes, libraries hold a special place in the hearts of those who were born before the Internet age or the smartphone age. This includes the older generations and millennials. Unfortunately, I am curious to see whether children born after 2000s ever got to properly experience a library in the traditional sense as they had their phones and ipads. It' s very sad no doubt to see libraries closing down, as it is such a strong cultural pillar.
I think the closer we get to 2023 the less we’ll see a vast majority of kids have never been to a library. It’s really sad. I can see why kindles appeal. It’s essential fir my job but it’s still sad.
Good article, well worth a read. Libraries and gyms are my two favorite places. (Well, and arcades, but they shuttered even faster than the libraries.) There is a good quotation in here that reminded me of two, relevant song lyrics I always quite liked:
"I have lived so many lives all in my head." - Trent Reznor
"Half my life's in books' written pages, live and learn from fools and from sages." - Steve Tyler
I still think closing them. You just need parents to care once more and get the library to sort it out. Once a Lefty is spotted as having infiltrated the library we need people to volunteer and push back against them.
The internet has been partly responsible for libraries going downhill, but let’s not forget that governments that support them haven’t been know for good funding nor flexibility. As things changed, instead of changing their “business model” (for lack of a better term) the reduced their offerings!!!! They literally took away thousands of books and shortened the shelving units “to make things look better and so people could see each other over the shelves.” WTF. People went to the Library for books!!!! Then even those new smaller shelves have less books - front facing books, to take up shelving space, but also “because it looks better.) 🤦♀️ I took my son, born in 2000, to library programs but as he got older we went less and less as the libraries changed and offered less and less. I have had great ideas about how to revive and essentialize Libraries, but it’s a big task and I don’t think anyone is up for it here in the USA in the current climate. 🤷♀️ Even universities have gotten rid of most of their stacks and you wouldn’t believe what it takes to get a hold of information from a university anymore. A recent trek a year ago to my Alma Mater was shocking. Well I’ve already written too much and not enough here, so one last thing - good luck to you in the Navy (we have military in our family too) and thanks for writing about libraries. I so miss them; of if I can ever afford to build my last home it’s going to have a freaking library in it!!😁👍
Agreed!! Things like the rise of Wikipedia (which can be edited by anyone) have contributed to the demise of libraries. Plus it’s just easier to go on a phone now.
If I’m ever rich I’m giving money to my library but in the condition I get to say how it’s spent.
You also hear now about libraries not holding certain books by conservative authors which shouldn’t be allowed.
I’m glad to hear you took your son though and I hope you have nice memories of those times.
Thank you for mentioning the Navy. I’m not sure I’ll be in much longer but who knows
I’ve always said I’d build a huge library in my home with nice wood paneling (Tudor style) with loads of 1st editions.
Libraries are indeed a gift, definitely agree it is thanks to them I discovered many a history books and fantasy ones, with the libraries of my child as much my home back then as my own homes of childhood were.
Truly a great post my friend! Can I ask what your favourite genre is?
So my favourite genre was always fantasy. I was bullied by the girls of my school as a kid so always wanted to be the hero.
Right now I’m reading unmasked by Andy Ngo and the Horus Heresy series by the various Warhammer 40K writers so I’m actually not reading any fantasy at the moment 😂.
I’m guessing yours might be fantasy or historical but do you have a favorite book?
Libraries hold an important place in my life as well and reading your article made me think that I should also reflect back on what they mean to me more carefully and hopefully write a piece about it.
The amount of benefit derived from the local library far olout weights the cost, here in the States, libraries are funded locally & as a result reflects the local demographic, not equal but a fair system. I was surprised by all the resources at mine: chess club, ela classes, meet up group, robotics, math clubs, reading programs for children, telephone & internet access. Not to mention to knowledge available from all the books truly a great use if money.
I’m sure that libraries, to get my people through, would also love doing things like DnD nights etc. things that use the imagination. It just requires the space that not all libraries have though.
I always ask myself. What are the things they don't tell us. Thanks for shining a light at the different groups you've mentioned. Great article with great vibe.
Yes, agreed. There are still some lovely, truly lovely libraries this side of the pond. There is a beautiful one in Bayonne, New Jersey on Avenue C. Built at a time when a library was considered something worthy of a majestic construct. Studied for a law school exam in there once. A nice one, too, still stands in Lakehurst, New Jersey (of Hindenburg crash fame). Not majestic but very comfortable and homey. The 5 corners library in Jersey City (I have not been in it since elementary school in the mid-70’s) built and suited in 1960’s- style. Still there. Nice article. Worthy topic. In this day where technology and smartphones are modifying how the brain works (not in a good way) and isolating one from another behind a virtual wall, libraries could be just the thing. Cheers. 🍻
Thank you for the nice comment Susan. They do sound like nice libraries. When I do eventually return to my home town I’ve decided to go and see my local library again and see how it’s changed.
Fabulous read! Thank you so very much, Vulkan! I grew up in a small town with our library built in the 50s, so it was a mid-century modern building—a place I always loved. I moved away at 18 to attend college and only returned to my hometown to visit my parents and family. I moved back here about ten years ago to be near my mentally disabled brother, who had no other living relatives nearby. The first thing I did was go to the library and get a card. I visited it at least once a week until it burnt down before COVID-19—a tragic fire. I do miss the place, but they are building a new more incredible one soon. Thank you again for the delightful read! Have a blessed day! ✨🤗🙏
Well said. This is an unfortunate reality. Libraries are being replaced by Kindles and audiobooks. Physical libraries are transforming into digital libraries.
I understand. I've been moving from city to city the past few years. I had to sacrifice moving my books to reduce my luggage. I still have them, kept safe at my parents house.
There is a wonderful poem written by Julia Donaldson entitled "I Opened A Book." I thought of it when you spoke about living 1,000 lives through reading. Too long to post it here but you can easily find it on the web. I used to own a bookstore and libraries were always very special places for me. They matter very much.
Thank you for your comment Janet. I’ll look it up and give it a read. I’m not a poet and honestly I’ve never really read much of it before but I will do with this one.
I loved this. Libraries are magical in their own right. Glad to be amongst bibliophile. I wish Martin would giddyup on the Winds of Winter. I read Storm of Swords in two days, waited impatiently on Dance with Dragons. Got excited about House of the Dragon and had hoped he'd do something similar to the Dune series ie House Ateides,House Harkonnen, etc but alas. God Emperor of Dune is on my nightstand under the Bible. I just really want to read Winds of Winter. I can't even get through Beyond Order right now. The kindle was great when I was in my Ian Woodhead phase. Great horror writer by the way on your side of the pond. Owen Baille from Australia and his zombie series is really good too.
Want to hear a funny story (well it’s more about revenge but still.) There’s spoilers about Harry Potter so if you haven’t read them stop here.
So my dad got me GoT’s when it first came out in like 1996/97. He obviously didn’t know some of the themes in the book. He saw fantasy etc and knew I’d enjoy it. I was 10/11 😂
Anyways, when the Half Blood Prince came out my motte read it first. I’d been aggravating her with something as teens do and when she finishes it, she dumps it in my lap and says (SPOILER) Dumbledore died. Oh I was raging at the time and I vowed revenge.
So a few years later a certain show comes out. I didn’t recognise it at first. I ask my mum and dad what they’re watching.
“Oh it’s this new show called Game Of Thrones”
Oh the smile that lit my face. Without missing a beat I was like (SPOLERS)
“Ned Stark dies” and the characters that I knew.
Oh the rage they had towards me 😂😂😂.
I was like “don’t forget mum. Dumbledore died ey.” She knew immediately why I had done it 😂😂.
Janet recommended a poem. It’s a lovely little poem. Here’s the link. https://www.scottishpoetrylibrary.org.uk/poem/i-opened-book/
Love it (saved it.) thanks!
Thank Janet 😀.
What a delightful read. Yes, libraries hold a special place in the hearts of those who were born before the Internet age or the smartphone age. This includes the older generations and millennials. Unfortunately, I am curious to see whether children born after 2000s ever got to properly experience a library in the traditional sense as they had their phones and ipads. It' s very sad no doubt to see libraries closing down, as it is such a strong cultural pillar.
I think the closer we get to 2023 the less we’ll see a vast majority of kids have never been to a library. It’s really sad. I can see why kindles appeal. It’s essential fir my job but it’s still sad.
Fully agree
I doubt they know how to use a proper card catalog.
I think so too.
> I’m not sure how it is across the pond in the US so if you know then please comment below.
In the US the libraries have decided their new purpose is to expose kids to degeneracy.
That’s really really shit. Those the normal people need to take them back. Volunteer their. Gain these important places back.
Normal people have more or less stopped using libraries when the internet made most of their functions obsolete.
Good article, well worth a read. Libraries and gyms are my two favorite places. (Well, and arcades, but they shuttered even faster than the libraries.) There is a good quotation in here that reminded me of two, relevant song lyrics I always quite liked:
"I have lived so many lives all in my head." - Trent Reznor
"Half my life's in books' written pages, live and learn from fools and from sages." - Steve Tyler
Two great quotes from two great musical artists!!
I knew you were a fellow sophisticate! :D
Of course. Bring back 80’s and 90’s music lol.
Nice disclosure about your plan to steal your mom’s books 😂
Also, which is worse: closing libraries or woke-ifying them as in Canada:
https://thebridgehead.ca/2023/09/14/ontario-school-board-eliminates-all-library-books-published-before-2008-thats-just-a-start/
I still think closing them. You just need parents to care once more and get the library to sort it out. Once a Lefty is spotted as having infiltrated the library we need people to volunteer and push back against them.
The internet has been partly responsible for libraries going downhill, but let’s not forget that governments that support them haven’t been know for good funding nor flexibility. As things changed, instead of changing their “business model” (for lack of a better term) the reduced their offerings!!!! They literally took away thousands of books and shortened the shelving units “to make things look better and so people could see each other over the shelves.” WTF. People went to the Library for books!!!! Then even those new smaller shelves have less books - front facing books, to take up shelving space, but also “because it looks better.) 🤦♀️ I took my son, born in 2000, to library programs but as he got older we went less and less as the libraries changed and offered less and less. I have had great ideas about how to revive and essentialize Libraries, but it’s a big task and I don’t think anyone is up for it here in the USA in the current climate. 🤷♀️ Even universities have gotten rid of most of their stacks and you wouldn’t believe what it takes to get a hold of information from a university anymore. A recent trek a year ago to my Alma Mater was shocking. Well I’ve already written too much and not enough here, so one last thing - good luck to you in the Navy (we have military in our family too) and thanks for writing about libraries. I so miss them; of if I can ever afford to build my last home it’s going to have a freaking library in it!!😁👍
Agreed!! Things like the rise of Wikipedia (which can be edited by anyone) have contributed to the demise of libraries. Plus it’s just easier to go on a phone now.
If I’m ever rich I’m giving money to my library but in the condition I get to say how it’s spent.
You also hear now about libraries not holding certain books by conservative authors which shouldn’t be allowed.
I’m glad to hear you took your son though and I hope you have nice memories of those times.
Thank you for mentioning the Navy. I’m not sure I’ll be in much longer but who knows
I’ve always said I’d build a huge library in my home with nice wood paneling (Tudor style) with loads of 1st editions.
Libraries are indeed a gift, definitely agree it is thanks to them I discovered many a history books and fantasy ones, with the libraries of my child as much my home back then as my own homes of childhood were.
Truly a great post my friend! Can I ask what your favourite genre is?
So my favourite genre was always fantasy. I was bullied by the girls of my school as a kid so always wanted to be the hero.
Right now I’m reading unmasked by Andy Ngo and the Horus Heresy series by the various Warhammer 40K writers so I’m actually not reading any fantasy at the moment 😂.
I’m guessing yours might be fantasy or historical but do you have a favorite book?
Yep, those are my fav genres, my favourite book (sorta've) is the Silmarillion as I've always loved folklore and fairy stories and mythologie.
Thank you very much for this piece!
Libraries hold an important place in my life as well and reading your article made me think that I should also reflect back on what they mean to me more carefully and hopefully write a piece about it.
I hope you do write about it. Hell if you still go to it or live nearby then please post a picture or two. I hope to read it when you do.
The amount of benefit derived from the local library far olout weights the cost, here in the States, libraries are funded locally & as a result reflects the local demographic, not equal but a fair system. I was surprised by all the resources at mine: chess club, ela classes, meet up group, robotics, math clubs, reading programs for children, telephone & internet access. Not to mention to knowledge available from all the books truly a great use if money.
I’m sure that libraries, to get my people through, would also love doing things like DnD nights etc. things that use the imagination. It just requires the space that not all libraries have though.
I always ask myself. What are the things they don't tell us. Thanks for shining a light at the different groups you've mentioned. Great article with great vibe.
Yes, agreed. There are still some lovely, truly lovely libraries this side of the pond. There is a beautiful one in Bayonne, New Jersey on Avenue C. Built at a time when a library was considered something worthy of a majestic construct. Studied for a law school exam in there once. A nice one, too, still stands in Lakehurst, New Jersey (of Hindenburg crash fame). Not majestic but very comfortable and homey. The 5 corners library in Jersey City (I have not been in it since elementary school in the mid-70’s) built and suited in 1960’s- style. Still there. Nice article. Worthy topic. In this day where technology and smartphones are modifying how the brain works (not in a good way) and isolating one from another behind a virtual wall, libraries could be just the thing. Cheers. 🍻
Thank you for the nice comment Susan. They do sound like nice libraries. When I do eventually return to my home town I’ve decided to go and see my local library again and see how it’s changed.
Fabulous read! Thank you so very much, Vulkan! I grew up in a small town with our library built in the 50s, so it was a mid-century modern building—a place I always loved. I moved away at 18 to attend college and only returned to my hometown to visit my parents and family. I moved back here about ten years ago to be near my mentally disabled brother, who had no other living relatives nearby. The first thing I did was go to the library and get a card. I visited it at least once a week until it burnt down before COVID-19—a tragic fire. I do miss the place, but they are building a new more incredible one soon. Thank you again for the delightful read! Have a blessed day! ✨🤗🙏
Well said. This is an unfortunate reality. Libraries are being replaced by Kindles and audiobooks. Physical libraries are transforming into digital libraries.
I’m guilty of it. But on a warship I don’t have the space for the 50 books I’d want to bring with me.
I understand. I've been moving from city to city the past few years. I had to sacrifice moving my books to reduce my luggage. I still have them, kept safe at my parents house.
There is a wonderful poem written by Julia Donaldson entitled "I Opened A Book." I thought of it when you spoke about living 1,000 lives through reading. Too long to post it here but you can easily find it on the web. I used to own a bookstore and libraries were always very special places for me. They matter very much.
Thank you for your comment Janet. I’ll look it up and give it a read. I’m not a poet and honestly I’ve never really read much of it before but I will do with this one.
I posted a link to the poem in the comments. It’s a lovely little poem.
Inspired work... 🫡
Thank you.
I loved this. Libraries are magical in their own right. Glad to be amongst bibliophile. I wish Martin would giddyup on the Winds of Winter. I read Storm of Swords in two days, waited impatiently on Dance with Dragons. Got excited about House of the Dragon and had hoped he'd do something similar to the Dune series ie House Ateides,House Harkonnen, etc but alas. God Emperor of Dune is on my nightstand under the Bible. I just really want to read Winds of Winter. I can't even get through Beyond Order right now. The kindle was great when I was in my Ian Woodhead phase. Great horror writer by the way on your side of the pond. Owen Baille from Australia and his zombie series is really good too.
Want to hear a funny story (well it’s more about revenge but still.) There’s spoilers about Harry Potter so if you haven’t read them stop here.
So my dad got me GoT’s when it first came out in like 1996/97. He obviously didn’t know some of the themes in the book. He saw fantasy etc and knew I’d enjoy it. I was 10/11 😂
Anyways, when the Half Blood Prince came out my motte read it first. I’d been aggravating her with something as teens do and when she finishes it, she dumps it in my lap and says (SPOILER) Dumbledore died. Oh I was raging at the time and I vowed revenge.
So a few years later a certain show comes out. I didn’t recognise it at first. I ask my mum and dad what they’re watching.
“Oh it’s this new show called Game Of Thrones”
Oh the smile that lit my face. Without missing a beat I was like (SPOLERS)
“Ned Stark dies” and the characters that I knew.
Oh the rage they had towards me 😂😂😂.
I was like “don’t forget mum. Dumbledore died ey.” She knew immediately why I had done it 😂😂.
Love this!! I was so annoying during GoT. Lol
Me too. “Ooo you’ll like this bit.” Or. “Ooo it wasn’t like that in the book.” 😂😂
I literally got so mad the red wedding didn't go like it was supposed to and no Lady Stonehands. Still ticked about it.
Oh Jessie. There was soooo much that ticked me off. Just like in the Harry Potter movies.
I hated Cersei’s death. I always believed that Jaime was going to kill her.
Wasn't she still alive when Dany crossed the sea to Westeros at the end of Dance with Dragons?
This is some Death Wish / Cask of Amontillado / Park Chan-wook levels of vengeance right here.
I didn’t even plan it. Once they told me what it was the I was like Thanos. Inevitable.