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?
These are some great questions, which should elicit some interesting responses. It’s been a long time since I’ve used a library, not because I don’t like them it’s just that I prefer owning my own books, which can be a rather expensive hobby. For me the problem is being told how much time I can spend with a book, that particular boundary is what holds me back from taking advantage of the services that a public library offers.
As for the library being replaced by the coffee shop/bookstore I’d have to say no. This is yet another option in the source for books. Each serve a different function and so one cannot replace the other. One serves a purpose the other doesn’t, unless this happens I don’t think it will ever replace the library.
I did visit the library as a child but not very often because my parents weren’t readers. I was actually the only one that did any reading the house and so could only use the library when my class would go or once I was old enough to go myself. But once I was old enough my use of library services changed because I had cash to spend on books and nothing is more satisfying that purchasing a brand new book and opening it up and experiencing that book for the first time.
Since I live in a theatre town I remember the theatre room that my public library has. I don’t remember the name but it has a huge collection of theatre related books as well as a video collection of Shakespeare films. It’s a great room that you can use and sit and read the books in this collection or sit a watch one of the videos.
I much prefer the older darker libraries. There’s something an old building that houses novels and the mystery that comes with older buildings.
That's the Book! 
I was part of the furniture at my local library when I was a kid, only because my parents let me stay there for as long as I liked. I prefer older, darker and more traditional libraries too. Adds a touch of romance and atmosphere. 🙂
I love an older library as well — they seem more comfortable to me.
The link on the Booking Through Thursday site doesn’t seem to be working. I had to get to this page a different way.
I don’t mind older libraries as long as they have plenty of light! 🙂 My college library had skylights everywhere, and that was awesome. I work indoors all day now and being out of natural sunlight is really frustrating.
Like you, I prefer to own my own books — and it’s definitely an expensive hobby! But I find it hard to adhere to deadlines while reading. I’m glad I’m finished with my English degree and can now read whatever I want, whenever I want! 🙂
Mae: I agree, I think a library needs to have some character and atmosphere for it to be great. I would have liked to have spent more time at the library than I did, maybe I’d use it more now if I had.
Jessica: Older libraries have a great quality that just make it feel like home.
Thanks for pointing that out, I think I have fixed that now.
Megan: I’m not sure that light is something I want in a library, you just need enough to read. I kind of like dark places, it adds to the atmosphere.
I generally don’t have difficult with the deadlines, I can finish my books in the given time I just don’t like being told I have to be finished in a time frame. It’s great reading whatever you want isn’t it?
After my first year of grad school, my uni finished the new library, so I had a divided experience during that time.
The old library was dark and cozy with lots of little alcoves filled with shabby sofas and loveseats. Great for an afternoon of solitary browsing or an uninterrupted nap.
The new library looked like Third Reich architecture. It was stark and modern. Too light, too much metal, too many sharp angles, not enough chairs.