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Original poster

Are Libraries still relevant?

86 replies

Hoolahoophop · 18/02/2019 10:02

I've just completed a questionnaire for my local library service who are considering shutting some of the smaller libraries in my area.

I was wondering how many keen readers still visit the library.

I go a couple of times a month to select kids books with my DC.

I read for about half an hour a day while breastfeeding my youngest to sleep. I can't hold a book so use my kobo. I buy my kobo books because borrowing ebooks from my library, putting them on the PC, click and drag, plugging in my kobo, clicking and dragging some more feels so inconvenient and costs so much time I'd rather just buy a book for a few £ direct from my kobo using Wi-Fi.

So as an adult the library no longer works for me. Just wondering how other readers feel.

OP posts:

TheTurnOfTheScrew · 18/02/2019 19:39

yes, absolutely relevant.
I have many, many complaints about our local library service, not least that they've shut all the branch libraries in the borough, leaving just four main libraries. However the one thing they do get right is that they invest regularly in new and relevant stock, and reservations are free. I am a keen reader (approx 50 books annually plus cookery, travel and other reference books) and there's no way I'd be able to read as much without a half-decent library service.

Tiredmum100 · 18/02/2019 20:23

I've just started going back to the library. I've joined two local ones. I have a Kindle but I love an actual book ( you can't flick to the end on s Kindle ). The best thing is there's a stack of books I want to read and don't have to pay for them! To be honest I'd happily pay a fee per book if it meant the libraries could keep going. On of our local ones has a lego club, my dc enjoy going and enjoy choosing books. It's a real shame so many are being forced to close.

Nacreous · 18/02/2019 21:26

I love my local library. My previous job was so busy that I didn't have the headspace to read nor the time to go to the library. I've now got one closer to home and try to go into the library every couple of weeks. Reservations are free, and I also use their eAudiobook service, and their eMagazi es service.

My council tried to close them all down. They've turned them into a community charity instead, partially funded by the council. They offer all their services free, but you can also pay to be a member to help them out. I haven't yet, but I really need to.

MsMustDoBetter · 18/02/2019 21:32

I borrow a couple of books a month from my local library.

I absolutely love it. It's small, run by two friendly and efficient women (who don't seem to mind my toddler charging around).
I would cry if they closed it, I really would.

AlwaysColdHands · 18/02/2019 21:43

I frequently see staff in my library tutoring older people on the basics of using computers & getting online. For many, this is probably the only place they can get that support and therefore not be excluded from so many things we need to be online for nowadays.

More & more libraries also seem to be sites for community groups eg stitch & knit, bounce & rhyme etc. & I’m not sure where any such similar provision would sit so well.

And that’s BEFORE I even get onto the books.......(couldn’t manage without for DD).

LOVE libraries & they should be just about sacred.

HeathRobinson · 18/02/2019 21:45

I don't borrow physical books from the library now. They used to give you 4 weeks, then reduced it to 3. I was always getting fines because I couldn't remember when they were due back/never set a calendar note etc. I worked out it's cheaper to buy books from Amazon, when I want one. Amazon also do a lot of free/cheap books too.

The only reason I'm still a member of the library is for the free ebooks.

PhilomenaButterfly · 18/02/2019 21:46

I would love to take DD to a library as she gets through a book a week and never reads anything twice. Our local library's in a secondary school and only open during school hours, so DD can't go.

Tinkhasflown · 18/02/2019 22:00

I use the library weekly with my children. We also download ebooks and audio books. There is an app for downloads so borrowing takes seconds on a kindle fire or Android tablet, no need for a laptop!

Our library is always busy.

carbuncleonapigsposterior · 24/02/2019 18:27

wonderful places, my earliest memories are being taken to the library by my mother.

I've been using my local library of late, since I've started listening to audio books to get myself off to sleep, I wouldn't want to buy them, quite expensive. I also pick up crime novels for my husband whilst I'm there, he goes through books like wildfire. We buy quite a few books and tried to donate, once read good condition books to the library, but ours don't accept donations

temperancefugit · 27/02/2019 19:42

Our local libraries ( lucky enough to live in walking distance of three) are pretty well used. When I was in last week, I was picking up two books I had ordered that cost too much on Kindle ( free to order here) and happened to see another one that I’d been hoping to read for ages.

There were people of all ages on the computers, a few mums in with toddlers sharing books with them, (exactly what I used to do 25 years ago. No way I could have afforded to buy the wide range of books my children had access to,) some people on easy chairs reading the papers as well as some just browsing the books like me. Later on, the school kids will be in for homework club and there are a few clubs throughout the week, knit and natter etc. It’s also the place I go to to find out what’s on in the community.

I also download books and talking books but I suppose that is a part of the library service that could continue if the physical buildings are shut down.
I think our libraries are safe for a while as we’re a labour council which tends to value community services.

I can’t imagine a world without libraries. They offer community and access to knowledge, understanding and education for all. I suppose those things are less valued now by some, but when I was little, nearly 60 years ago, that was crucial and for some today it still is.

Kazzyhoward · 27/02/2019 20:05

I think our libraries are safe for a while as we’re a labour council which tends to value community services.

It was a Labour county council that closed our village library. They got booted out in the last local county elections, and the subsequent Tory council re-opened it.

temperancefugit · 27/02/2019 20:21

Kazzy. Which council is that if you don’t mind saying?

MealyPotatoes · 27/02/2019 23:46

I make a special effort to keep using my library and my family go in at least once a week. I have made it my duty to keep using it purely to show that it is still needed and wanted in the community. I have friends who do the same.

Deathraystare · 06/03/2019 16:09

Ours is very very noisy but that is because it is multifunctional - kids hearing and joining in songs, being read to. Groups of school kids doing homework on computers (well alright chatting about a girl they saw etc etc!!!), A bloke who goes in most days and has an irritating cough. The two Eastern European ladies that bellow at each other, the great unwashed who go in for somewhere ward to kip, etc etc or with help to fill in universal credit stuff.

I believe you can get ebooks from the library but I think there is a time limit (just like with paper books). I go in to copy recipes down but due to very over due books I daren't borrow any books. I wish they had an amnesty then I could take them back!!

Huffpot · 06/03/2019 16:27

I love the library but our library charges huge fees to even renew a book before its overdue which is why I don't use it.
I however use the electronic borrowing from the library which is free with their free app

Kazzyhoward · 06/03/2019 17:00

Kazzy. Which council is that if you don’t mind saying?

Lancashire

storynanny · 06/03/2019 17:09

I love our library and will lead the protest march if they dare to close it.
I lived libraries as a child, took mine and now take grandchildren to choose books, go to storytime, rhymetime, special events etc. Plus it is a community hub with a fab cafe which is always in use. Lots of events are held and weekdays is open til 7.
I also love using my kindle, so can see both sides

VictoriaBun · 06/03/2019 17:14

I love libraries and would be lost without a local one . If I was locked in somewhere overnight be it a chocolate shop, cake shop , or high end clothes shop, I'd choose a library over them all. They would find me tucked up in a corner quite happy .

Deathraystare · 08/03/2019 07:58

Ours does do a lot for teen study groups and those who have problems with getting back to work (I suppose I would fit that category! But I mean those who have problems filling in forms, doing CVs etc etc.

I was also fascinated to know that for little kiddies there was a learning Mandarin class!

Aomame83 · 12/03/2019 08:57

I love the local library. I read several books a night to my 3 year old and although we have bought loads, I'd be spending a fortune on other books if we didn't use the library. We go once every 3 weeks and get about 10 books.
I also enjoyed bounce and rhyme when he was a baby.

Growing up I was a keen reader and my parents were not particularly well off, so the library enabled me to have a constant supply. I used the library regularly all through high school and well into adulthood. I don't use the library myself these days, I use my kindle, buy charity shop books and listen to Audible. I miss browsing in the library and picking out a pile of corkers, I should start using it again.

ChrisPriss · 12/03/2019 09:08

Yes, libraries are still relevant and still well used where I live, but the council wants to save money by ditching trained staff - I'm waiting to be made redundant and replaced by a volunteer.
In the meantime, I'm watching the council spend thousands of pounds preparing the libraries to be volunteer run. Also, there aren't any volunteers yet.
It hurts.

bibliomania · 12/03/2019 13:40

That must be so frustrating, Chris.

I drop into the library several times a week and I usually have between 10 and 20 books out a time. I'd be bankrupt if I didn't - new releases and non-fiction can be quite expensive on kindle and you may never see them in a charity shop. As well as books for reading, it's a chance to play around with cookery books and guidebooks. Libraries quite honestly make my life better.

There are always quite a few people who need the library for other reasons, because they've no place else to go during the day. Occasionally it can feel a bit uncomfortable, but I'm okay with that - I think communities need shared spaces, and it's not healthy to become ever more segregated.

ChrisPriss · 12/03/2019 15:48

Exactly what the above poster said, and it's not just books that are offered, it's computers, magazines, homework and job searching clubs etc - the community aspect of the building, a safe place to be.

ChrisPriss · 12/03/2019 15:50

And of course there are some people who are difficult, but we are trained to manage them so that everyone is safe and happy.

woodhill · 12/03/2019 15:56

Yes, have a pile of books from the library here

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