Sunday, September 30, 2012

Libraries


Quote by Barbara Kingsolver:  "Libraries are the one American institution you shouldn't rip off.
 
How important are libraries to you?  When I was a kid I had my nose in a book (not school books) all the time.  The only time I had a book of my own was when I received one as a gift at Christmas or for my birthday. 
 
The rest of the time I checked books out from the public or school library.  Reading was my escape to other places and triggered my need to travel as an adult.  Books taught me about other cultures, showed me the beauty of countries around the world and informed me that all people wanted the same things and had the same feelings. 

I'm not sure what Ms. Kingsolver meant by her quote.  I assume she was talking about stealing library books, but I'm not positive.  People do forget to return their books, or they misplace and can't find them.  I may be naive, but I don't most people intend to steal books from the library. 
 
With the economy like it is, people who read will turn to libraries to get their books.  It doesn't cost anything to check out a book.  Many libraries even have e-books.

Have a great week.  See you next Sunday.
 
Sandra K. Marshall
http://www.eirelander-publisher.com

15 comments:

Jennifer Faye said...

Libraries are an American treasure that I hope we don't lose. I know in my neck of the woods they are struggling w/ continued decrease in funding. Shrinking hours. And some closures.

So it's really important not only for writers but for everyone to support them. My family does...above and beyond our late fees. :-)

Sandy said...

Jennifer, I agree libraries are an American treasure that we can't lose. I support my library and many of my friends do.

Diana Lambdin Meyer said...

Ray Bradbury wrote of libraries: "I am a junkyard of all of the libraries and bookstores I ever fell into or leaned upon."

Diana Lambdin Meyer said...

And you know, you can check out movies and music from libraries as well. Why rent from Blockbuster when you can borrow for free at your library!!

Marianne Stephens said...

With the success of ebook readers, I don't think libraries have as much business as they had.
I grew up using libraries for school and recreational reading.
Haven't been to one in years.

Sandy said...

Thanks for the quote from Ray Bradbury and the additional information about libraries, Diana.

Sandy said...

Marianne, I'm sure what you say is true, but there are still people in this economy who use libraries for both print and ebooks. I have a library across the street from me. I donate books to them. Smile.

KT BISHOP said...

I have access to computer at home, but I always visit the library whenever I'm at home or out of town.

Amber Polo said...

What perfect quote for Banned Books Week. I'd guess Ms. Kingsolver means taking away public support in many ways. Libraries are doing amazing things these days beyond putting books on shelves. You can "borrow" ebooks and audiobooks. Teens are gaming. My tiny local library has a walk in "How to set up your ebook reader" help.
I wrote about librarians and banned books on my blog this week.
http://amberpolo.blogspot.com/
Amber Polo (a librarian)

Sandy said...

Amber, thank you for telling about your library. I visited your blog and left a comment. I love librarians. They were always so helpful when I was a child.

Linda LaRoque said...

I could browse a library for hours and spent much of my time in them after getting hooked on books. I received a few books for Christmas, had the Little Women series but nothing like what kids have today. I hope libraries stay with us always.

Sandy said...

Thanks for your comment, Linda. I used to spend every Saturday at the public library. I remember the Little Women series, too. I loved Jo, she was so independent.

Belinda said...

I am a regular at the library in my neighborhood. I get books and download ebooks on a regular basis. I love my Kindle, but still like holding that book in my hand so I do both. Our library is in bad need of updating but the staff is wonderful! I even have one librarian who does not even need my library card. When I walk to the desk she pulls my holds off the shelf. I hope the budget cuts and economy do not hurt this wonderful resource for learning and pleasure.

Sandy said...

Hi Belinda,

How wonderful that you're a regular at your library. I, also, hope budget cuts and the economy do not hurt our libraries.

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