Wednesday, August 3, 2011

reading addict/libraries

I recently read a blog post at Girl Savors Life. She was so close to writing about my own life! I spend most of my free time with my nose in a book. {or magazine, or newspaper...} Reading is a major passion of mine. Don't give me an ereader! I don't want it. I want the written word on paper, thankyouverymuch!

My family is addicted to gadgets, and cable, and You Tube etc, they must be "plugged in" at all times. It drives me batty. {I've suggested canceling the cable, but my life was threatened...ha ha}

My hubby always sits down and immediately turns on the TV. In his defense, he does ask if there's something that I watch. No, I reply. There's nothing that I want to watch. I pick up my book and go to another room. {cant read with the noisy TV}

Like the blog post above, I also volunteer at the library's book sale. I think it's a worthwhile cause. The money raised funds the reading programs. {and I get first pick of the crop!}

The bad news is this: the libraries are in trouble! Our local county is getting ready to close a few more libraries. Most locations are already closed a few days per week. They just laid off so many people.

Neighboring counties are also planning to close locations and lay off more people. They tried going to the voters for help, but the measures didn't pass.

I would be so sad without my library! If your local county puts a measure up for voting this fall, for the library, please consider supporting it.

Thank you

5 comments:

  1. Thanks for the reference. Our library is actually facing a bond issue soon in hopes of building a new library in our town. I'd like to feel confident that it will succeed, but truth is, I wonder if people will back this ballot issue and support their efforts. To me, libraries are a pillar of our community. I hope we vote, not just for the new building, but for providing an inviting place that encourages reading-- for free!

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  2. I agree. We are losing so many bookstores...and now libraries? Yikes!

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  3. I too am a heavy user of our library. We rely on it for so much and I wouldn't be able to do half of what I do without it. Our town voted no to a library expansion a few years ago :( I know that things are getting frustrating for the librarians. Have you read Dewey? Don't know why all the bookstores are closing. Have people stopped reading or do they all have kindles? I'd love to read more of your thoughts on this.

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  4. I haven't read Dewey yet. It is in my "to read" pile. I actually purchased a copy at the library sale. Have you read it then? Did you enjoy it?

    As for bookstores, I'm sure that the ereaders have taken over. Everything seems to be online now. I am quite guilty of going to the bookstore, reading magazines, writing down titles of books to find at the library and then leaving with only buying a coffee. I'm sure that there are many of us doing that. I feel bad, but am on a budget, so buying books can only come from a second hand source. (and only if the price is right)


    I spoke with library staff and they all agreed that they mostly make library cards, for new patrons, just for computer use.

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  5. Whoops...didn't mean to hit "post" yet! Ha ha

    Our local libraries have been trying to become a separate district, in hopes of being able to control their own finances. The county and also the voters have already rejected this. They are tring so hard, to come up with financing, so they don't have to lay off any more people and/or close any more locations. All that I can do is support them and pray.

    I've been told that many people give the librarians a really hard time about paying their late fees. This is a major source of income for them. I mean come on! If you owe $.20, the pay the $0.20! It all helps keep the library open! If we don't pay our fines, and the library closes, you won't have to worry about you late fees after all. Ha ha

    Thank you for you post and your questions! Have a great Sunday

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