I listened to an interesting little piece on Radio 4 this morning about the purpose of public libraries. It's available on Listen Again here if anyone is interested
( Read more... )
I'd say that when I use my local library it tends to be as much for information as entertainment: I borrow a lot of non-fiction books that I wouldn't want to buy or don't have the money to, and they're mostly cookbooks or gardening books or how-to. There's a lot of 'entertainment' books - crime thrillers and romances - definitely, but there's also a lot of stuff on local history, different London communities, accessible books on ethnicity and class, that kind of thing. Speaking personally, it's been a good resource for learning about taxes and basic coding, as well as a source of novels.
Also, it has a separate quiet study room and this almost always has people in it who are obviously revising/studying/concentrating. I think providing people with publicly-funded space to read and study quietly is very important, given the number of people who live in overcrowded (or just noisy) homes who wouldn't otherwise get the space and peace they need.
Regarding internet services, I was absolutely dependent on the computers in my mum's local library for internet access whenever I went home because it wasn't possible for her to get broadband out in the village until last year. Lots and LOTS of tourists used to come in looking for internet access too; it was one of the main reasons visitors came in. (My mum worked in the library for about 14 years: she shares your 'harrumph too many gimmicky media things not enough books' views, but would probably have a lot to say about the social function of the library as point of contact for elderly and isolated people, too).
Also, it has a separate quiet study room and this almost always has people in it who are obviously revising/studying/concentrating. I think providing people with publicly-funded space to read and study quietly is very important, given the number of people who live in overcrowded (or just noisy) homes who wouldn't otherwise get the space and peace they need.
Regarding internet services, I was absolutely dependent on the computers in my mum's local library for internet access whenever I went home because it wasn't possible for her to get broadband out in the village until last year. Lots and LOTS of tourists used to come in looking for internet access too; it was one of the main reasons visitors came in. (My mum worked in the library for about 14 years: she shares your 'harrumph too many gimmicky media things not enough books' views, but would probably have a lot to say about the social function of the library as point of contact for elderly and isolated people, too).
Reply
Leave a comment