What's your library like??

I was reading a blogger that I follow because it concerned the closing of a library. If you are interested in visiting that blog, check out the Book Chase.

The article titled, Camden Closing Library System, highlighted much on the state of finances of the city and closing a number of branches. In tough times, like our current economy, libraries are the hub for the unemployed looking for jobs, refreshing their resumes; the individuals and/or families that are on tighter budgets can check out the latest books, audios and even DVDs... for FREE!! (unless those materials are late, pending library policies across the country).

One statement in this article I completely disagree with... here's what was stated: New York library customer Elle Byram said she's trying to avoid coffee shops where she'll end up spending money. She said the library "is spacious, it has free internet access. You meet cool people, but it's not really supposed to be a social place."

Maybe I'm missing her point, then again, maybe this is left to interpretation. Libraries are very much a social place, the libraries of today that is. We have moved beyond the times of the ssssshhhhhhhhhh sound, where the only sound would be that of a pen dropping. With big box book retailers inviting us to step beyond the doors with presenting us with coffee shops and large comfy chairs- this just takes away from a library. So, it's not uncommon to see libraries borrow those ideas with their own coffee shop version, all offering free internet access, free materials to check out (FREE services), a gathering place for friends/classmates/business professionals. Libraries have changed and they have to in order to be competitive in a sense with the big box retailers. Librarians constantly have to think outside the box, which isn't a bad thing either. And if that means the library is becoming more of a social place, and that is what draws users in the doors, then that's what it takes.