“You have to return the #books, but you get to keep the ideas.”
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@Sheril@mastodon.socialI I also like the concept of the web archive's library, where you get many books for free, as long as you keep reading them you get to access the DRM'd content
@Sheril If you’re not aware of it already, #BannedBooksWeek started today. It helps bring attention to the American #Library Association’s Top 11 Most Challenged Books. Knowing what’s being censored is valuable to all of us who care about libraries remaining a place where intellectual freedom is nurtured and abounds.
https://www.ala.org/bbooks/frequentlychallengedbooks/top10
@Sheril Our library doesn't even charge fines any more.
@Sheril Absolutely.
And the 'right' (wrong, not right) do not wan to spare any of their hoards on even these precious institutions.
Local library has toddler and parent singing that blows me away each time.
It is a 'community' hub - that thing that the rich in their gated residential silos seemingly just do not get.
@Sheril
We can't let the government shut them down!
@Sheril Shame that only 16% of AmeriKKKans read books.
Too busy worshipping a flag?
@Sheril YES HAVE LOVED THEM SINCE EVER KEPT ME SANE THROUGH A BUSY LIFE MY FIRST INTERESTING BOOK WAS FOUND WHILE IN FRANCE AS A TEENAGER I NEVER LOOKED BACK
@Sheril This might be AI slop
@Sheril 🎶There's a kinda hush, until your phone makes a chirp; then the dirty looks, make you feel like a jerk...🎶
@Sheril I also use my library for DVDs & Blu-rays - so many movies and TV shows are available.
And don't forget the library of things!
<rant>
I live in the very affluent, educated, liberal city of Newton MA, a city full of professors and other highly educated people
about 30 years ago we built a pretty nice new main library which is only accessible by car . . and we stopped funding the branch libraries, accessible by foot for children and the elderly
The library has been throwing out lots of wonderful books, on the BS claim that there is a lack of shelf space (false) or that a book should be tossed if no one has looked at it in ten years, which IMO is BS
meanwhile the branches are open a few hours a week, struggling to get by on donations
I don't know if, over the years, the number of items checked out per day has gone up or down
but I do know that most of the people actually present at the library are people with laptops
I also know that for the last 30 years the library has used an electronic catalog and the software sucks
@Sheril - 👍 Right On.
@Sheril Libraries are also a great place to just sit and do something quiet. When I’m out of town for work, I use them as a work and chill place. I catch up on my paperwork and then often draw or code personal projects. They have plenty of desk space, power outlets for charging, and a bathroom. Its great.