Thursday, April 2, 2009

Booking Through Thursday - Library Week

If you would like to join in, click here.



Today's question: I saw that National Library week is coming up in April, and that led to some questions. 




  • How often do you use your public library and how do you use it? 
  • Has the coffeehouse/bookstore replaced the library?
  • Did you go to the library as a child?
  • Do you have any particular memories of the library?
  • Do you like sleek, modern, active libraries or the older, darker, quiet, cozy libraries?

My Response:
  • I used to go to the library a couple of times every month. Now I'm kept busy with all of the books that publishers send me for review. If ever I run out of reading material, I'd return.
  • I do not think that coffeehouse/bookstores will ever replace the library. Even though a customer may pick up a book and read a bit of it, the book cost money if you want to finish it. In today's economy, people appreciate that a library offers books to read for free.
  • I got my first library card at age five and went there each week. I wrote about that here and here.
  • I worked as a library clerk for six years in a high school. I wrote about that here.
  • I prefer an active library to a dark, quiet one. I've never stayed to read anything inside a library; I just get what I want and take it home to enjoy. However, while in college, I did use a quiet room to research material that could not be checked out.
I'm interested in reading your answers.

Take note of my book giveaway in my sidebar.


23 comments:

Blodeuedd said...

I do libraries so much that I would love to work in one :D

Dot said...

I think I would like to work in a library or a book shop at some point! I am like you in that I tend not to read in the library, I like to take the books home to a nice comfy chair and a cup of tea. Happy BTT!

Melody said...

I'd love to work in a library! I was a school librarian in high school for only two years and I couldn't get enough of it!

Julia said...

I agree, with economy happen - I'm sure lot of people appreciate that library offers books to read for free. It does help them lot :)

I would love to work in library! Maybe someday....

Yvonne said...

I pretty much only use the library for DVDs and audio books, but I'm there almost every week. No way do I think bookstores will replace libraries. I think there's a place for both of them.

Kathy W said...

I think your right about in todays econmy more people will be using the library. Seems my local branch is busier that it used to be.

Beth F said...

I try to take advantage of all the services my library provides.

Anonymous said...

I don't think libraries will ever be replaced either!

Jess said...

Thank God the library is free with the amount of books I read, all my money would go to the bookstores!

http://barneysbookblog.blogspot.com/2009/04/booking-through-thursday-42.html

bermudaonion said...

I love the library and was an aid for years when I was in school. I rarely use it these days, though, because I can't always get the books read in the time allotted. Now, I read review copies and buy books.

Anonymous said...

Good morning Sally. I enjoyed reading your post. I also liked working in the library when I was a teenager. It truly was a lot of fun and helped to cultivate my joy of reading.

Cackleberry Homestead said...

I have always wanted to work in a library, even thought of volunteering.

I love my library and agree they are wonderful when the economy isn't going so well.

Unknown said...

ah - the good ol' library. I loved the library when I was growing up, participated in a kids reading challenge every summer. Now...I don't use it at all. Well, that's a lie, I used to use it for audio books. When the time comes for me to drive myself to work again, I'll use it again. But that being said, I haven't used the library in over 3 years.

Anonymous said...

I think I am rediscovering my old love for libraries through this question!

Kerri said...

This week's question has made me realize I should venture back to the library. I posted my thoughts as well.

deepsouthrunner said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
deepsouthrunner said...

I love libraries; they may not be as trendy or hip as a bookstore or coffee shop, but where else can you borrow books and read them for free? It's a wonderful thing to have when you love to read but don't have money to spend on books all the time.

Anonymous said...

I loved the library as a kid but haven't spent much time there in recent years! When I was in school, it was pretty important -- but now I stick to buying the books from Borders or Amazon and taking my sweet time finishing them.

I like the idea of the library better than the actual act of going to my own local library... it's not very appealing. But if I lived in a place with a great library system and big, sunny spaces, I'm sure I'd be there all the time! :)

Anonymous said...

I was such a magnet to libraries when I was young. I still remembered that sensation of getting my library card---that felt so privileged and special!

Jenny said...

I usually make it to the library a couple of times a week to pick up books I've put on hold. We have a handy drive-thru and I usually use that, but I occasionally go inside.

Our library has a coffee shop inside - so why pay for both books and coffee. lol

I didn't go to the library much as a young child, mostly when I hit junior high age. I fondly remember cozying up in a corner and reading Nancy Drew mysteries.

All of the branches in our library (we have 10) are modern and active, with the exception of the original library in the district, which has some "modernness" to it, but still maintains that cozy, quiet feel.

Nise' said...

When I was younger I spent hours in the library, but now I go get books and leave. Maybe when the renovation is complete, I will stick around to read a bit before I leave.

Kat said...

I agree. Coffeeshops & bookstores can't replace the good old library! Here is my answer. Cheers!

Holly (2 Kids and Tired) said...

I love the library. I always have. When I was younger, I wanted to be a librarian. If I ever go back to school for my masters, it would be in Library Science.