I enjoy and use all my Libraries in several states. I usually always find the books I want or the library gets them for me. Can’t imagine not being PRO-Library. I buy a lot of used books from their sales and their shop, great prices and good condition. Never had any negative things happen at any library. I’m an e-book reader as well so Libby and Hoopla are a big plus for me.
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welcome to the forum Orchid, I think many missed you joining us.
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Welcome from me, Orchid. I appreciate your for enjoyment of libraries - I used to but since we moved it has been difficult for me but still our computers extensively for books.
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Last time I went to return a book to the library I met a frog just leaving. He saw the book I was taking back and said " Redit Redit Redit" 
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Yes, libraries are rather special places and perhaps somewhat taken for granted, they benefit the community in different ways too. I confess I’m a big fan of Amazon audible books, it’s possible to have the best of both worlds 
Oh, last but not least a hearty welcome to the forum Orchid!
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Hello Orchid 
a warm welcome to Over50sChat.
I hope you enjoy your time here with us…
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Man (species) is the most intelligent known species this planet has ever seen, and the specie’s intellectual potential appears without limits, if the species can imagine it, the species has proven to have the ability to (at some point) make it happen. While it may have rendered libraries obsolete (and other info institutes), it has also provided us with excess to more instantaneous info, and at a cheaper overall cost. Mankind’s intellectual potential may make him appear invulnerable, but his greed may well be his downfall.
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Welcome Orchid! Another reader here, I will defend libraries.
I worked in our community library for 10 years as assistant to the director. I am now on the Board of Trustees serving a term. I will do all and anything I can to promote libraries everywhere.
I can only speak for the US, but here are a few reasons to love your local library.
Tech sessions are given to improve quality usage of all types of computers; computer rooms are available for those who don’t have a computer or wish to use the updated equipment. Basic classes for Word, Powerpoint, Excel, email, etc used. Geneology classes are given; youth and adult programs are regularly scheduled year round. Art classes are given, also painting classes, animals brought in for youngsters to see, touch and experience our zoos.
Tutoring is constant, quiet rooms available. Classical music programs offered, free movies shown monthly, huge book sales to the public. Constructive programs after school for teens like Minecraft, and other games.
And the list goes on…
As a newcomer to the community once said to me at our front desk, “This library is an oasis to the community.”
As I often say, “Libraries aren’t just about books anymore!”
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Welcome to the forum Orchid, for short attention spans computers are great, but for longer periods of reading, you can’t beat a book to keep coming back to. How easy it is to lose or misplace files, photos and reading matter when stored electronically, but books, drawings and hard copy photos will outlast any electronically stored data.
Books are brilliant!
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Something comforting in holding and reading a book.
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Technology does not have to kill libraries - if libraries embrace technology, they can continue to provide books along with other useful sources of information and educational services.
I recently visited Oodi in Helsinki - not just a Library but a centre for living and learning.
Oodi has a collection of 100,000 books, magazines, newspapers, sheet music, films and games. Oodi’s collection includes books in 20 different languages and material aimed at children, young people and adults alike. Oodi is one of the Helsinki region’s Helmet libraries, which provide customers with access to nearly 3.5 million individual works.
In addition to that, Citizens can reserve a work station and use a range of other useful services - musical instruments, recording studios, 3-D printers, all sorts of art and creative services, convert old photos into digitalised images, use sewing machines and clothes-making equipment, book rooms for meetings, use their Presentation Equipment, play video games or play old-fashioned board games and chess - or just find a space to sit and contemplate.
It was the most fantastic library I have ever visited and there was plenty of people in there, both young and old, using all the many services on offer.
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I can see how Libraries can survive also…We might have so much information available on the internet but a Book is so much more…The Covers can tell a story the inner review for the run down briefly what the contents contain…and then the Book itself.
What feeling do you get when you search the Internet…often its a cold heartless place that does not feel as if you can even Trust it anymore…(the Media has done that)
Researching Studying Serious useage or just Hobby Useage the Library has it all…that is just the tip of the iceberg…Libraries have more and more on offer…Seen courses offered for one thing…
Use them or Loose them!
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Libraries are diversifying. Fun singalong lessons for little ones, a place for students to study, lots go to get doc copied/printed, the daily papers, MP surgeries, and of course, those with a library card get to use a computer.
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Outstanding, most definitely more than just a library. The spiral staircase a unique feature.
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With all the bankrupt councils in the UK I can’t see libraries being high on their agenda…
Our library here is much more than just paper books - it has DVD’s, jigsaws, an ebook library, newspaper access, computer/internet access, JP services, children’s story times, community meetings.
I dont go there often because I am converted to ebooks - but I borrow ebooks through my library and I went there recently to get some documents witnessed by the JP.
I have probably said this before in this thread but I have an eBook and I read real books too they are not mutually exclusive (thank god).
When I travel overseas I only take my ebook for its weight advantage but within Australia I often leave or pick up books at free exchanges in caravan parks or motels (there is even one in my local shopping mall)
My local library is pretty good, it has audio books, DVDs, free internet as well as ebooks and real books, of course it also has programs during the school holidays for kids and sponsors knitting groups for example. As far as I can see it is very well used.
Libraries are expensive but an essential part of local council services.
Ive heard of other people who do that.
I am the opposite - on holidays I read a paper book. Not a library one - usually one I have bought at second hand store and kept aside for the holiday.
Because then I can leave it on the bus, in my backpack, on the beach etc - no worries about a $3 second hand book being stolen, unlike a valuable tablet, which I read ebooks on at home.,
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Yes we have areas where people can take books and swap them and I think its a Euro donation for a Charity…
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I would never dream of reading a whole book on a screen.
Our local Tesco has a read book shelf where people can put their read books on or pick one up.
You can pop a pound in the box for a local charity, but it’s not compulsory.
Most garden centres have a new book stall, and you can get the latest editions for a few quid, and a good meal also…
Oh! they also sell plants…
