Steve and I went to the library this afternoon to get a little work/studying done. When did libraries become a place to socialize? I remember being at the library when I was a teen and having a librarian shush me. No more - one of the louder voices at the library today belonged to a librarian helping a patron find a book. The only way to have peace and quiet is to get a study room, which are few and far between. Sadly, I was out in the main area with everyone else.
The big draw of course to the libraries these days are those who need to use the computers. I think it's great there is a place to go for those who don't have one. Unfortunately the internet wasn't working at the library today, so many people were at a loss on how to do research. Hmmm....wasn't that covered in middle school - how to do research at a library. Do they even cover that these days or is it all about what you can find on the computer? I did see a sign at a different library a few months ago that said "Teacher won't let you cite Wikipedia, try the library."
We witnessed an argument between a middle-aged couple. I'm not sure where the woman had been, but there was a guy who had been using a laptop to play Solitaire for a couple of hours. This woman came up (presumably a wife or girlfriend) and they started talking. He was trying to explain to her why he wasn't able to do whatever research she thought he should be doing - the internet wasn't working. They were not seeing each other's point at all but just kept getting louder trying to make their point. Someone nearby finally commented for them to quiet down - which they did. Seriously though - he played Solitaire the entire time. As soon as she walked away he was back at the game!
Just a different type of library experience than what I grew up with. I guess I'm officially old!
4 comments:
Thank you for reminding me of your blog. I like reading what you write and the "entertaining" dialogue! I agree libraries are a lot different - too bad there can't be a medium noise level!
Mother
Great July 4th picture of Katie!
Of course, I'm partial to one of my angels!
I have to agree that libraries are not the quietest place to go. I was at the public library yesterday and there were some rather noisy kids on the computers. However, I was in the children's department so I guess that's to be expected:)
Just read your latest blog. I think our public library is still rather quiet although recently I saw someone at a computer and also talking on their cell phone at the same time. I'm not sure what the rule is for cellphones in the library. Our new one will open in January and is about three times larger than the old one. Also,I've known people who spend a lot of time playing solitaire on their home computers.
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