Are Public Libraries doomed?

I use to go all the time up north. I loved the library.

Here in Georgia they aren't that good. The branch by our house is small and doesn't contain very many books. You have to order evertything, which is a pain. It's easier to go to a second hand store and buy books. Then I get to keep them!!!

I frequently visit the library. They are keeping up with the times. We can reserve books and renew online. I don't think technology has yet figured out how to replace that feeling of curling up with a good book.

No, never. They have evolved along with technology. They now have computers, DVD's, CD's, auto books and of course books! I love the atmosphere of the library. MY 8 yr. old does also.

we stoped using public libraries when we checked out a book that had some damage we made it know to the librarian and she wrote the damage down in a note book but when we brought the book back they wanted us to pay for it. 45.00 for the same book that i bought for 5.00 later on so id rather buy my books ahead of time and at a decent price before they try to rip me off

Two words: budget cuts. Let's hope the next administration sees the light and learns to focus on staffing, serious budget cuts, and the lack of money to buy new materials and keep the libraries open, especially neighborhood libraries. Instead, we have a fancy new central building and no money to keep it open more than a minimal number of hours. We have libraries closing in the poor neighborhoods of the city. Don't get me started.

Our local (small town) library is doing well. They've recently expanded it and it has community support. I believe that as long as libraries have the support of the communities they serve they will survive and prosper. When the population neglects them, they will decline.

No, I don't think Libraries will be a "thing of the past".

And currently no, I don't use our public library. The only reason for this though is I was stupid and left a bunch of library books in my car and they were stolen. I haven't had the spare money to pay for them all, so no library access.

My library is great.It's more than books,which I love.They have computers,CDs,DVDs and magazines.They do community interest programs.Free coffee on Wed.Thay sell used books and magazines,I donate all the time.They are involved with the schools.Thay also have wonderful music programs.I have gone to several.They have something for everyone from children to seniors.Long they live.

Long live the public library! I truly hope we never stop using these wonderful public services.

I certainly hope not. I love to read but to be honest I rarely if ever re read a book so I utilize the library extensively. My son likes to go about once a week. Usually on Saturdays we load up what he checked out the week previous and get new stuff. I hope and pray nothing happens to it. It's a pretty happening place on the weekends as far as I can tell, at least the children's area is.

I hope they don't disappear. I'm sure they will continue to evolve and change with the times. Our provides WIFI connection now and offers free online tutoring ...
I'd hope that libraries, in fact, experience a revival or outright growth or boom...
Knowledge is the true power of any society...
The paradox is that Libraries are Repositories of Knowledge, While those that usually Strive for Power are Selective of Knowledge ... The Power that Libraries hold does not work if it is hoisted on folks... People have to want to access it...
When questions rise about 'what the hell is actually going on here' ... I'd hope that libraries will be there... If only to provide an example of a place where knowledge is availble to be accessed by those wanting to find it...
I'd say that Libraries are Truly essential to a Truly Democratic Society....

well with projects like the google academic libraries online, they might be struggling a bit. i think in a lot of places they serve other more broad educational purposes, not just the lending function. hopefully that will help them find a niche.

I've donated Quiver to several libraries that were rebuilding down south after Hurricane Katrina hit

I've also taught a how-to publish seminar at my local library

Bay county certainly has lousy libraries... if I'd known how bad I'd have just moved here for the beach and bimbos.

I hope they improve rather than going away. Everyone should have a right to read and be educated.

Our library has kept up with the times. It also is offering many programs that it didn't in the past, which bring people in and develop a sense of community around it. Book groups, luncheons around specific authors, art shows - it just keeps getting better.

The ones in our area are pretty active still.
Especially the computer areas.

Adding that school libraries aren't called libraries anymore they are "media centers" LOL.

While I have already seen our own local public libraries suffer financially, I can attest that there is rarely a day that their parking lot hasn't been very active. I think what is going to happen is that the "small town" libraries may not survive with more private funding, simply because the federal and state funding won't be enough to do what they have to do to stay alive.

Changes are definitely in order. Our own library has been lucky enough to be able to grow with the times. Things like computers are just a basic there now and many smaller libraries don't have that. Changes like DVD rentals, audio books (cd now instead of cassette), access to large city library systems via computer, etc. are all going to be things that the older and smaller libraries will have to do in order to compete with our electronic world now.

There will always be public libraries. They are changing with the times, ie, dvds, internet etc. If you do not like the selection of items at the library why not donate either cash or books you no longer want to the library. Budgets are extremely tight at most libraries so that may account for the small selection at some. Libraries always need donations be it cash or books. Thanks to Bill Gates most libraries have at least one computer for public use. Thank God for public libraries (and librarians)!

BTW, they are not all fussy old ladies!!!!

I hope not. I love the smell, the feel, and the sight of books.

Yet with the internet being at our fingertips, taxpayers may decide the low usage physically is not cost effective.

The good and the not-so-good of hi-tech.

Since knowledge is power (for the people), I certainly hope that they don't disappear!
When we left CA, last Fall, we donated several hundred books to the Wildomar Public Library that was just built a year prior.

I hope not! The library is where I spend most of my time (when I'm not at home on gather, that is).

I was so glad when our downtown library was torn down to build a bigger better one, but now the books are on four floors and I don't know where anything is anymore. I hate that! ha ha

Free DVD movies are good (if they aren't all scratched up!) I always return the movies smelling like Windex!

I do most my research for my novels online, I have to admit.

I'm at the library about once a month...it used to be more often. I'm with Patricia...I love the feel, scent and sight of books.

There's a fantastic library in Rochester, which is worth the 20 mile drive to get to. The only other library I've seen that rivals it is the main library in San Francisco, which is a total monument to knowledge. The Royal Oak library stinks. Luckily, Royal Oak and Rochester are all in the same county, so we have privileges at all the libraries.

I continue to use the library. We have a terrific public library system where I live. From where I'm sitting they are going to thrive. Electronic media is changing things somwhat but there will always need to be people trained to help with research and reading help. This is what library science is and I see it doing quite well.

We have an incredibly active, up-to-date library. Our library just recently added two new huge wings and remodeled the existing portion. It offers, beside books, audio books, CDs, DVDs, computer programs, WiFi capabilities, private study areas, an fantastic genealogical section, periodicals, and on and on... Do I use the library? You bet I do. I'm there at least every couple of weeks. Additionally, they offer computer classes, social activities, book clubs for adults and children and more. I can't say enough good things about our city's library.

I think they will be around for awhile

not here