Library in Burlingame, California

I haven’t participated in Booking Through Thursday in a long time as I found myself doing too many memes and not enough reading. However, when I saw the great posts from other bloggers answering this week’s questions, I just had to weigh in.

The inspiration for this week’s question(s) comes from the fact that National Library Week is approaching. I can’t think of a better way to promote this than to have all of us share our answers to the following questions:

How often do you use your public library and how do you use it?

I go at least once a week and generally to do two things. Check out their used bookstore and to find myself a nice comfy place to read, write, or do some research. I rarely take out any books. I know, I know, but to me the library is about the resources I can take advantage of while I’m there – especially the fact that I usually go there alone, so no interruptions! Well, almost none. Sometimes there are other patrons who don’t always abide by Library etiquette – posted or otherwise. The branch I go to is large enough that I can move if they are really that obnoxious.

Unfortunately, the worst offenders seem to be parents who treat the library as a day care center. Then there are those who don’t seem to have a volume control, and no, I’m not talking about the children.

Library workers are saints. I used to think it was a dream job, but people seem to have become increasingly unappreciative and rude over the last several years. After what I’ve witnessed, I doubt I would ever take a job in a library unless I was assured I would never have to work with the public.

Sad. But true.

Has the coffeehouse/bookstore replaced the library?

As a place to read? Perhaps. I do like our local coffeehouse especially in winter as it has a fireplace and very comfy couches. They also have Wi-Fi I can access for free. I cannot get internet access at the library, at least not off my laptop. Other than that, the coffeehouse cannot replace the library in regards to the resources available. And even if it had a bookstore attached, I would still use the one at the library because much of the proceeds go back to the library.

Did you go to the library as a child?

I don’t remember if I did or not, but I do remember that I’ve loved to read. As an adult, I’ve always had a library card, sometimes two. (When I lived in the East Bay I had one for the city and another for county as the libraries were in different systems.) I love the one I have now for Washoe County as it’s the kind you put on your keychain.

Do you have any particular memories of the library?

Only that it is a special place: a repository of immense knowledge that is readily made available. I’ve been to countries where this is not possible. Places where people don’t have a right to free speech, and literacy rates were some of the worst in the world. What I know, and remember, of the library, is that it is something we should treasure as not everyone is so lucky to have access to one.

Do you like sleek, modern, active libraries or the older, darker, quiet, cozy libraries?

I like both. The modern ones are great for research and gives you access to much of that information quickly. Older ones have character and an atmosphere that is perfect for finding just the right spot to settle in and read or write. For me, as long as I have one near me, that’s all that matters.