Thursday, December 29, 2016

LIBRARY, AMAZON OR BARNES & NOBLE - Remix

This is a fun topic that I think deserves a revisit, along with a few changes. The first libraries were created in the late 17th century, but Benjamin Franklin actually created the first library that required membership in 1731.  

Do you remember having to do reports in school  by choosing books from the library and NOT the Internet? Sometimes you were actually told what books you had to use to complete the task for your grade.  If you used the school library, you were pretty much out of luck, so even if you didn't feel like it, heading to the neighborhood library was the place to go.  
However, I must say that visiting the library is really different these days because no one is really quiet in there anymore. When I was a kid, we were tapped on the shoulder to remind us of the "don't talk" rules.
Music is downloaded, games are being played and it's not uncommon to see young people piled around one computer looking at pics of boys and girls on Facebook or Twitter. (lol) In addition to that, they're speaking on their cell phones - loudly.



Those days are long gone, and I don't even know if kids are required to write book reports anymore. I have noticed that while a few children are doing research, more than ever, the computer is the go to for just about anything.

Despite more people using technology, there are still close to 120,000 libraries in the US, with the Library of Congress being the largest in the United States.  Did you know that according to the American Library Association,  the largest library in the world is actually in London, England?  Not only can you borrow books, but you can read E-books, sign out movies, participate in story time with the kids, meet new pets, or learn how to cook.







 




A while ago, I went on a trip to New York, and the first place I had to see was the New York Library, and it was truly


fabulous!  I could have stayed there all day enjoying the sights.  So my perfect vacation has to include at least one visit to the local library. Also, whenever I move to a new state, the library is the first place I go to get my brand new library card.


Some say that the library is a thing of the past, but I'm not so sure about that.  Still, many people prefer to not deal with the hassle of returning books, or paying those dreaded late fees because those 30 books weren't finished on time. It's easier to order them online and admire them at home forever.

I enjoy saving novels on bookcases too, but something about the library is still magical.

But what about you?  Are you still visiting the library to find your favorite book, or are you headed to Barnes & Noble or Amazon?  Which do you prefer?


40 comments:

  1. I love using the library, it's a great place to meet new people an reads. When I was in school we were always pushed to use the computer for research but since I didn't have one at home I always got to use the school's library. I think it's great libraries are using more resources to bring in people. It's a shame though most people won't go to libraries because they have misconceptions about them.

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    1. Hey Lanie: Totally love the library, and ironically the librarians are the friends I've met, because I'm there so often. (lol) I tend to meet more people while hanging out in Barnes and Noble. The resources are totally great. Hugs...

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  2. I used to go to the library back when I was going out more. But now a days I mostly use Amazon for books.

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    1. If you're going to get books, Amazon is definitely a good place to find bargains and you get them in the mail relatively quickly. Hugs...

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  3. Shamefully, it has been a couple of years since I checked out a book mostly b/c I started reviewing and getting books through that. But I tend to buy and not borrow too. I would totally tour any library main branch and snoop for hours if I had the opportunity. The Library of Congress is on the bucket list.

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    1. My problem was I was reviewing books and still heading to the library! (lol) Hopefully one day if your pile goes down, (I can only imagine how HUGE your pile is-lol)you'll get to check them out again to see some of the changes. Hugs...

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  4. I haven't been to a library in years. I think the last time I was in one, I was there to buy books. I don't have a library card. Can you believe that?

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    1. I used to travel quite a bit, and the first place I would always visit was the library to get a card. I can imagine you have a pretty massive TBR pile and book reviews that keeps you busy, so totally understand putting the library on the back burner. Hugs...and thanks a bunch for stopping by.

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  5. Kids still have to write book reports, I had to help my eldest with that :) I work in a library, so I practically go there every day, lol ! I do borrow books there, but since I review books in English that are hard to find in France, I buy them online. We have lots of readers of all ages, but I have to say the youngest are the most enthusiastic : when you tell them they can borrow 20 books and reviews, they do ! Adults are more reasonable ;)

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    1. Totally love that you're a librarian, and can imagine the fun you have on a daily basis. Good to know that I wasn't the only one to have to suffer through those dang book reports, and they're still alive and well! (lol) It is great to see the kids with books, ready to review in the next generation, huh?

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  6. Amazon or my local bookshop. I like to own my books as I love rereading. And my shelves of books make me happy.

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    1. I'm with you, and feel at home with bookcases to surround me, and great to see that you're a re-reader. Certain books I have to own, (many of my favorites have their own space on the shelf-lol), no matter what, but there are some I'm okay with borrowing, when I can. Thanks for stopping by, Trish! Hugs...

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  7. I live in Philadelphia, and our library has a main branch and 54 neighborhood branches. It offers so much along with books! The libraries have preschool programs, after school programs, workshops, speakers...it's a great place. Thanks for the post!

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    1. Living in Philly, I can just imagine that the main branch is pretty huge! Impressive to see all the new things they've put in place at the library, drawing the young people in. Hugs...

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  8. WE love our local library ..they have books, eBooks, audios, movies and music. My hubby loves trying different CDs and I love smelling the books..LOL

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    1. I know, right? The libraries here have a lot to offer, but I've never noticed if they also carry CD's. Kudos to your hubby for finding those. I'm going to check to see if we have them, as well. Thanks!

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  9. I do love my local library but I must admit I grab a lot of freebies of the internet for my ereader from amazon..don't really go to barnes and noble much.

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    1. Freebies are always yummy, right? (lol) Glad you're able to snag a few. Even though the library is fun, we still have to eventually give those books back. Thanks so much for stopping by, Stormi. Hugs...

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  10. Wow that's amazing there are so many libraries. Mine is right up the road but it's fairly small and mostly kids books but it's connected to a bunch of Wake county ones that swap out books which is nice. I so wish mine was as gorgeous as the ones you posted!

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    1. Like you, I found that amount to be astounding. The one I used to visit in Cary/Apex because a friend attended dialysis near by, is located on 2100 Shepherds Vineyard Dr. 3 days a week, I was there for 3-4 hours! (lol) Wake County has some nice ones, and a few in Harnett County are pretty neat size wise. To be honest, we wish all our libraries in NC looked so lovely. (lol) Hugs Anna

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  11. I do love libraries, the one in my university is amazing! Alas, it's sometimes difficult to get my hands on the exact book I need for a research paper, and there are many things I can find on the internet.
    Also, because I'm a student, there are many educational libraries where I can get electronic books through my uni login...
    Lexxie @ (un)Conventional Bookviews

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    1. I know, right! Some of the largest libraries mentioned are actually in colleges and universities, which I thought was really neat! The research material offered is amazing. Thank goodness for the Internet when we have to get papers done for school, huh? Thanks for stopping by and Hugs...

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  12. I borrow my DVDs from the library. I also print from the internet at the library. And, this past Wednesday our library held a party for Dr. Seuss on his birthday! Thanks for the post, RO!

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    1. Yay to Dr. Seuss! I do a lot of my printing there, as well, and I used to borrow DVD's quite a bit until I started doing more streaming. But I also collect DVD's, so when I can, I purchase to add to the pile. Hugs Angela!

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  13. We didn't have the internet when I was in school...you know, back in The Dark Ages :)
    I loved going to the library and I still do. Reading a book and writing, by hand, a book report, was not a drudge for me. I loved it!!!
    I do buy books from Amazon and book stores...but my favorite source is still thrift stores and garage sales. Books should look as if they've been read. The more tattered the pages and covers...the more I am sure that it was a good read :)

    Hugs
    Jan

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    1. LOL! My son says the same about me, Jan! I agree, I can grab some books from back in the day that I lost, or some hard to find treasures at yard sales and thrift stores. I did a lot of handwriting too back then, and still a fan of the library. Hope they never go away. Hugs...

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  14. I used to use the library all the time. Then I moved to an area without one where I had to drive a while to get to the nearest one and I got out of the habit. I do use the Overdrive to get ebooks and audios, but rarely check out hardcopies or movies.

    Those are some gorgeous library picks!

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    1. It can make it rough if the library is way out the way for sure. Are these library pics amazing? Big Hugs, Sophia!!!

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  15. I used to use the library a LOT...first for checking out books, then later for renting DVDs for free. When I had to read a bunch of chapter books to prepare to write one, I checked out every Junie B. Jones and Magic Tree House book...although it was for sure a balancing act. You have to get on the waiting list sometimes and read them quickly before the checkout time expires.

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    1. That has been my downfall, too Stephanie! Trying to read all the books I check out in the allotted time to avoid the library police. (lol) I'm much better at it than I used to be, thank goodness. I like checking out DVD's too, but as a collector, I've been purchasing more for my pile. Hugs...

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  16. I still think libraries are great but sometimes it's just easier to order online than to go to the library but some libraries are online so you don't actually have to go there and you can even check out ebooks

    in the new york public library, one of them anyway, there is a quiet room where talking or making noises is not allowed, I went there once and realized all the silence did nothing to my brain, got nothing done what so ever but it's probably due to the fact I am used to noises...

    have a lovely day.

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    1. Hey Lissa! I sure hope you had a great Christmas! Yes it sure is easier to just have goodies arrive in the mail without having to brave the cold weather. If I'm working on a serious project, I can usually tune out other things around me. If someone is like right beside me and almost in my ear, it makes it a little more difficult. So thrilled you stopped by to say hello! Hugs...

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  17. Oh yes, going to the library is so much different now than it was when I was a kid.

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    1. I know, right? I wonder what it will be like 20 years from now. Hugs...

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  18. Well, I did a little better this year about using our library since I went three times, but sigh, the review books and books on my own shelf still took priority. That's interesting that London has the biggest library in the world. For some reason, I had the idea that China might just because they have such a huge population.

    Happy New Year, Ro!

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    1. I know, right? Having a pile of books to read AND review definitely can take priority because others are depending on you, or they may be deadlines. Going to the library these days, is definitely more for fun. My problem is that I sometimes end up taking out 2-30 books at a time, because I can't make up my mind. (lol) Happy New Year, and glad you are well! Hugs...

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  19. I actually get my reading material from all three sources you noted. Our library here in Philadelphia organizes lots of activities for both children and adults. The library holds Storytime for the little kids, After School programs for the older ones, and when seniors need help navigating computers, the library is there to help. Thanks for the post.

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  20. From what I've learned during my school visits, yes, they still do book reports. Kids also check books out from the library a LOT...especially their school libraries. I think many parents still encourage their children to read paper-based books, since "screen time" causes so many issues. Plus, it isn't so easy to get free kids' books on Kindle, I've noticed!

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  21. I used to visit the library a lot when I was younger, when it was still free, when you are an adult here you have to pay for library membership. Back then it was still pretty quiet in the library, although there were a few computers to use and cd's you could rent as well. It's hard to imagine how libraries are now, but I guess sit makes sense that they change with the times as well. I mostly read english books nowadays, so I don't visit the libraries here often anymore.

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  22. I used to work as a librarian assistant with my county library, and I overall prefer libraries... BUT.. I still rely on Amazon primarily, to slate my thirst for actual, physical books. Haha. Great post my dear and happy 2017! <3 - http://www.domesticgeekgirl.com

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