Are libraries important?

[Coldicote]

According to the news today fewer than 50% of children aged 8 - 17 read novels outside school, but prefer text messages and emails I'll probably be 'shouted down' for saying this, but I've never been convinced of the supposed importance of libraries, especially novels and fiction which are products of writers' imagination anyway. I've read and studied for exams, as I'm sure many others have, but don't find pleasure in reading just for the sake of it. What are your views about this?

[Mosaic]

I find enormous pleasure in reading for its own sake, but I've never been a huge fan of public libraries. Maybe I've just been unlucky, but I've had dreadful 'customer service' time and time again - all over the country. Being ignored, tutted at, any requests being clearly far too much trouble, and the like. In addition, town centre libraries round here seem to have bust a gut to be haven for tramps, courting couples from minority ethnic groups, teenagers who want to sit on computers all day innit, while folk who want to read or research without disturbance are pushed to the margins.

[IdontBelieveIt]

I'm with you, Coldicote.

Adults reading 'Harry Potter' What The Funicular is that all about?

[chelle7272]

I love reading, as does my son , and we get through a high number of books. I buy a lot of books secondhand or swap with friends, but my son likes to read the latest books by certain authors, and for this the library is invaluable as I can't afford to be buying half a dozen new books every couple of weeks!

i agree though, that service has not been very good

[chelle7272]

Oh and I have read all the Harry Potter books too lol

[IdontBelieveIt]

I prefer my kids to do practical stuff.
I mean, does your child know what happens when you microwave an ink cartridge submerged in custard for 4 minutes, Chelle?

[joe_s_angel]

well, i have to say that i have never been a fan of reading, until a year ago...it is just happened, don't know how. but i like reading novels, it enriches your imagination. i even became more convinced after watching a movie based on a novel, oh i just loved the book more than the movie, cos i had pictured it in mind first.
there is always a first time, try it out :)))

[Old_Geezer]

Of course instant gratification from text messages is very popular. But that is a different question from whether libraries are important. Of course libraries are important to allow access to literature, away from the PC or phone screen. If they are not as popular as they once were it may mean that parental and school teaching needs to be looked at. Otherwise it is a great resource going to waste.

[IdontBelieveIt]

That looks like my garage, Trimeresurus.

[ghostmoth]

Libraries are such important places and its a great shame that so few people seem to realise it. You can hire DVDs, CDs, download audiobooks for free, read about locations you'll probably never visit and be transported to different worlds and ages via an author's imagination. An exasperated mum can take her toddler to a storytelling group for free and those on restricted incomes can read the latest books without having to pay a penny. I grew up in libraries and am greatly saddened that this Government seems to consider them so unimportant. The first libraries in this country were set up by rich, Victorian gentlemen who wanted to give something back to society. They realised the importance of education and libraries enabled people to better themselves through reading. If reading's not your thing, fair enough, but libraries are a lifeline to so many people and once lost, will be lost for good.

[redman41]

Long live the Libraries as there is something of interest for everyone avaiable there.
Reference Books, Biographies, History, Fiction etc etc, you name it and it's available. I think all Children should be encouraged to visit their local Library on a regular basis

[ummmm]

I've made a deal with my son. When I've finished reading my current book I have to start on HP....

[chelle7272]

Idon'tbelieveit - actually he probably could tell me, he's very into science and practical experiments - he's not just a bookworm!


And I'd add that at least by reading books instead of just texts and emails he can spell properly too :-)

[chelle7272]

ummmm i take it you're not looking forward to it? I really quite enjoyed HP, I've been made to read childrens books which are a lot worse.....

[IdontBelieveIt]

properly


So can I.

[gollysailor]

So, Idon'tbelieveit, what does happen?

[IdontBelieveIt]

Actually, I copied and pasted it :0/

[ummmm]

Not really...but I pinki promised :-(

[cazzz1975]

I think libraries are still important places in communities, maybe a coffee shop wouldnt go amiss in one, It would be a good way of attracting business and raising a bit of money.

Im not a fan of fiction, im more a 'facts' sort of person :)