• rockSlayer@lemmy.blahaj.zoneEnglish
      41·
      2 days ago

      What if libraries had more than books that we could borrow and use, like moving trailers, trucks, hammers, wrenches, shovels, wheelbarrows, lawnmowers, 3d printers, cnc machines, etc? What if library networks started including those things in their library networks? What if we started sharing our equipment with our neighbors, and only getting it as a personal item when it’s something you want due to a passion or need?

  • cobysev@lemmy.worldEnglish
    611·
    2 days ago

    I spent two decades traveling the world as an IT professional, so I hadn’t been in an American library practically since I was a teenager (I’m 42 now). Any research I needed, I could find online.

    But then my dad passed away recently and he was an avid reader and library patron all his life. He was an autodidact, always trying to cram more knowledge in his head. If he left the house, it was almost guaranteed it was to spend time studying some new topic at the library.

    Going through his stuff after his funeral, I found stacks of books to return to the library, most of which he’d held onto years past their due date. I found out, though, that overdue fees have been abolished sometime in the past couple decades. The library didn’t ask for any money when I returned them! They said it scared people away from borrowing books (and punished poor people), so they just stopped charging for late returns. Not just my local library; they said their whole network doesn’t charge late fees anymore.

    Speaking of their network, I found out that finding a particular book is super easy now. If my local library doesn’t have it, they can look up where it exists in other libraries across America and “borrow” it for me. It’ll be mailed to my local library, where it’ll be held for me to pick up and check out. I no longer have to rely on just what’s in stock at my local library.

    I also discovered that the library is no longer just a place for books. There are movies, TV shows, and music to check out; there are dozens of computers with Internet access to use; there are classes held practically daily at my local library; and they’re open late into the night so people can take shelter there if they can’t go home for any reason. Lots of “teen parties” offered to give kids a safe space with adult supervision to hang out and receive some food, shelter, and professional resources if needed be. They also rent out space for any and all activities people want to host for the community.

    When did libraries become so cool?! No wonder my dad practically lived there! I’ve now become a regular patron of my local library, donating toward their cause to ensure they don’t get shut down.

    If you haven’t yet, at least get a library card. It justifies their continued existence. In a world where everything is becoming a subscription service, very few socialist programs that benefit the community for free instead of lining corporate pockets still exist. Can you imagine paying a monthly/annual subscription to the fire department to ensure they’ll show up if your house is on fire? If that sounds insane, imagine if our government took away your access to free knowledge at the library!

    • Agent641@lemmy.world
      2·
      9 hours ago

      My local library has baking kits you can borrow - not books, but cake moulds, trays, tins, ect everything you might need to bake up a storm at home. They have a recording studio you can book out if you want to make a podcast, audiobook, album or other recorded media. They have 3D printers you can bring your files to and print your parts. They have meeting rooms you can book, if you want a professional space to meet with folks to say, go over a business plan, discuss a startup, hold an AA meeting, whatever. All for free.

    • idiomaddict@lemmy.world
      15·
      2 days ago

      When did libraries become so cool?! No wonder my dad practically lived there! I’ve now become a regular patron of my local library, donating toward their cause to ensure they don’t get shut down.

      I’m sure a dad who loved the library as much as yours did would be glad his child was continuing to support their local library as a direct result of him.

    • derfunkatron@lemmy.worldEnglish
      11·
      2 days ago

      I don’t really check out library books because when I want to read something I need it on hand to start. Like, I literally finish a book and pick up a new one. Instead, I buy exclusively used and then discard them in one of the little free libraries in my neighborhood. I also have always had access to different library networks than my local public library system, so I often find myself using those instead when I need access to research databases or articles.

      However, I have always had a local library card wherever I lived. Currently I use my local library for Kanopy and for checking books out for my kid, who loves going to library and loves books.

      Edit: There have been municipalities known to introduce emergency service subscription/tax models and firefighters have literally watched someone’s house burn down because they didn’t pay the fee. https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna39516346

    • dimmuborgnine@lemmy.world
      5·
      1 day ago

      I will never miss an opportunity to say that libraries are fucking awesome and one of the few unambiguously good things in this world.

    • Flames5123@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
      3·
      1 day ago

      I used to play pokemon at my local library every month or so. They would do big tournaments there and everything. It was quite cool seeing what all the library did.

      • Akuchimoya@startrek.website
        2·
        8 hours ago

        The philosophy of libraries are great, but the reality is that they are cost-centres that are usually financially neglected. Public libraries especially, IT depts especially especially. Ask any librarian or library worker ☹️

        The author of Heated Rivalry donated $300k to save five libraries that were slated to close due to underfunding. That’s wonderful news, but she’s only bought them one year. But hopefully her celebrity and the donation brings enough attention to the matter. We need to vocally support libraries!