Do we need libraries anymore?

AddieCake

I would also like to say that I find it interesting that when it comes to the "piling on" thing, people only complain about it when the comments are dissenting. Nobody ever tells people to stop commenting because they have received enough supportive comments. If people truly feel after x number of comments have been made that the discussion should end because enough points have been made, then they should be saying so when they are being supported as well.

pinkshorts27

KeptInStitches said:

I will say as an engineer I have really appreciated the online periodicals that the campus library offers.

yup. Every research article I need is on IEEE. 

lc07

OP, in my county alone there are over 450,000 adults who cannot read and write well enough to manage basic everyday tasks like writing checks, reading their bills in the mail, their medicine labels, fill out forms, etc. Our library provides a free program called READ/San Diego through the public library to teach adults to read and write.

chkmeowt

I have to say, my heart fell out of my chest when I read the title of this post. I'm a librarian. If you haven't been in a library in years, or heaven help me, forever, go to your local library. Visit their webpage, see the services and programs that are available. Yes, there are books, but it is so much more. There are ebooks, audiobooks, eaudiobooks, magazines, emagazines, DVDs, hundreds of children's programs, huge varieties of adult programs, computer classes, internet access, homework help, etc etc.

You might have noticed that a few years ago we were in a recession and unemployment was high. When this happens, library funding goes down, but this is the time when the library is most used. Non-profits will offer free seminars and courses for job seekers. 

I can go on and on...this is the one thing in life I am most passionate about. Public libraries are for everyone, no matter wealth, race, age, status, etc. It is a great equalizer in society. Every person who walks through my door is equally important.

Anyways, go to your library, talk to the librarian, go to programs, join the friends group. The library is a great community.

And just for fun - a calculator for personal return on investment of the public library.  See how much value the library actually provides for you, for the tiny amount of tax dollars it actually gets.

http://www.lrs.org/public/roi/usercalculator.php

My result is: For every $1.00 in taxes you invest in your library, you receive $122.44 of value in return*

smalfrie19

I have a very good friend who is working on her librarian technology degree in hopes of becoming a librarian. I feel terrible because I have not been in any library since I graduated from high school. I turned to my fiance while reading this and told him we should plan a day to go to the library. They are such wonderful resources. 

KeptInStitches

$625.89 in return. I'm really super-impressed.

selenathegreat

My fiancé and many of our friends are librarians, and though he does have some great experiences sharing a great new fiction book idea with a patron, most of his time is spent helping people with no home computer apply for jobs, start a business, research their roots, all kinds of things. He and his fellows teach classes on everything from basic computer skills to arts and crafts. Thank goodness for libraries and for librarians.

nebullama

I would also like to point out that not everyone has the ability to cope with college coursework, even if they can afford it. I have a friend who attempted to go to community college, and was placed into a very low level math class which she failed. I'm talking about elementary level fractions. She studied, did her homework, sought tutoring, nothing helped.

Hard working person though she is, she's going to have a hell of a time achieving any sort of financial stability.

smalfrie19

nebullama said:

I would also like to point out that not everyone has the ability to cope with college coursework, even if they can afford it. I have a friend who attempted to go to community college, and was placed into a very low level math class which she failed. I'm talking about elementary level fractions. She studied, did her homework, sought tutoring, nothing helped. Hard working person though she is, she's going to have a hell of a time achieving any sort of financial stability.

@nebullama Why do you believe that? Because she will not have a college degree? I may have to politely disagree with you. My fiance just got his GED this past year (at 36 years old) and makes $17/hr. I only have my high school diploma and make $12....we are definitely financially stable.

larrygaga

jenna8984 said:

QueerFemme said:

The part of the post that slayed me the most was the whole "ANYONE can go to community college if they just APPLY".  It really goes to show that not everyone understands the difference between not being wealthy and extreme poverty.

Because nobody should ever work for the things they want. No they shouldn't try to win scholarships, no they shouldn't get 2-3 jobs to afford it, no they shouldn't take out student loans to better themselves, they should just go get a job at McDonald's for the rest of their lives. Since they come from poverty it's impossible for them to ever get a higher education is basically what you're saying. 

WOWWW 

lyndausvi

smalfrie19 said:

nebullama said:

I would also like to point out that not everyone has the ability to cope with college coursework, even if they can afford it. I have a friend who attempted to go to community college, and was placed into a very low level math class which she failed. I'm talking about elementary level fractions. She studied, did her homework, sought tutoring, nothing helped. Hard working person though she is, she's going to have a hell of a time achieving any sort of financial stability.

@nebullama Why do you believe that? Because she will not have a college degree? I may have to politely disagree with you. My fiance just got his GED this past year (at 36 years old) and makes $17/hr. I only have my high school diploma and make $12....we are definitely financially stable.

I get why you feel this way, but  I don't feel like that is what she is trying to say.

fact is that a college degree helps, but neither DH or me have one and our combined income is well past the minimum 6 figure income.    It's possible to be financially  stable without a college degree, the industry you work in, what kind of worker you and what kind of spender/saver you are makes a difference.

manillabar

jenna8984 said: QueerFemme said: The part of the post that slayed me the most was the whole "ANYONE can go to community college if they just APPLY".  It really goes to show that not everyone understands the difference between not being wealthy and extreme poverty. Because nobody should ever work for the things they want. No they shouldn't try to win scholarships, no they shouldn't get 2-3 jobs to afford it, no they shouldn't take out student loans to better themselves, they should just go get a job at McDonald's for the rest of their lives. Since they come from poverty it's impossible for them to ever get a higher education is basically what you're saying.  ________________________________________________________________________ Not only are scholarships a finite resource, but not everyone can win them.  Some people have a difficult enough time finding one job, let alone being able to get 2 or 3.  And after working three jobs to attend classes and actually do well enough? That's not easy.  And student loans can be daunting.  There are people with several degrees struggling to pay off those loans and wondering if it was really all worth it. And, honestly, sometimes life just throws you curveballs.  Family, environment, and personal life adds stress in many ways that make it hard to succeed.  Just growing up in certain neighborhoods can make things exponentially difficult.  I think it's wonderful that you were able to more or less pay your way through college and find success.  But you have to be willing to consider the notion that not everyone starts off with the same opportunities and not everyone has the same circumstances.   

Edited: something funky happened to the quote boxes

Angusaur

When I was a kid I couldn't wait to go to the library. We didn't have a ton of money for books, or a computer (and things weren't nearly as advanced then). We didn't have google or nooks or smartphones. We had a library to read books, look on the computer, and listen to cassettes. Of course we have advanced so much since the 90's, but not every family has the priviledges we do. So while yes, a lot of us share these priviledges (of being able to afford the available technologies) not all people are. And standing on your throne saying "well most people can already get these things so why bother with the small people when you could be giving me a free gym membership", does make you sound a little priviledged. It's not to pick on you, or pile on, it's just to give you an idea of how your words are being interpreted by other people. Maybe you should just think about it, re-evaluate, and clarify. Sometimes we come off completely different than intended, which I get, so I'm giving you the benefit of the doubt.

That being said, yes reading can be a hobby. But for a lot of children this is an amazing source of extra knowledge they may have never acquired otherwise. Why should they have to be limited to just "basic education"? I find it very inspirational to see the 10 year old boy in the library reading medical journals instead of glued to his xbox. Or the young mother who's taking her kids there to read ABC books instead of hitting the gym. I'm not saying it trumps physical health in any way, but its definitely not something to be knocked down either. Knowledge and learning is a very powerful thing.

lovesclimbing

This adult goes to the library!

In addition, not all school children have libraries at their schools. Homeschoolers or people who go to small schools don't have their own libraries.

In addition, I know lots of parents who take their children who are younger than school age to the library every week to check out books to take home and read aloud to them. And that is extremely important, I believe. Children are reading less and less these days and it's important to instill a love of reading in children as early as possible.

nebullama

smalfrie19 said:

nebullama said:

I would also like to point out that not everyone has the ability to cope with college coursework, even if they can afford it. I have a friend who attempted to go to community college, and was placed into a very low level math class which she failed. I'm talking about elementary level fractions. She studied, did her homework, sought tutoring, nothing helped.

Hard working person though she is, she's going to have a hell of a time achieving any sort of financial stability.

@nebullama Why do you believe that? Because she will not have a college degree? I may have to politely disagree with you. My fiance just got his GED this past year (at 36 years old) and makes $17/hr. I only have my high school diploma and make $12....we are definitely financially stable.

You are quite right. Actually my FI is among those who doesn't have a degree and is stable. I was talking more specifically about her. It's not just about the piece of paper, it's more the fact that, how do I say this without sounding like a cold bitch, she has some pretty significant deficits in aptitude that severely limit her job opportunities.

It's possible that she will find a decent job that suits her, or a specialized adult education program designed for learning disabilities (which is what I think she needs) but it will not be easy. It doesn't help either that she comes from a BSC family that gives her piss poor help and support.

JoanE2012

I love libraries!  I love reading and I wouldn't be able to do it without libraries.  If I bought every book I wanted to read, I'd be in some major debt.  The first thing I did when I moved last summer was sign up for a library card.  I had my library card before we even had the cable in the house hooked up.  

doeydo

Also, some gifs of animals using books and computers:

smalfrie19

nebullama said:

smalfrie19 said:

nebullama said:

I would also like to point out that not everyone has the ability to cope with college coursework, even if they can afford it. I have a friend who attempted to go to community college, and was placed into a very low level math class which she failed. I'm talking about elementary level fractions. She studied, did her homework, sought tutoring, nothing helped.

Hard working person though she is, she's going to have a hell of a time achieving any sort of financial stability.

@nebullama Why do you believe that? Because she will not have a college degree? I may have to politely disagree with you. My fiance just got his GED this past year (at 36 years old) and makes $17/hr. I only have my high school diploma and make $12....we are definitely financially stable.

You are quite right. Actually my FI is among those who doesn't have a degree and is stable. I was talking more specifically about her. It's not just about the piece of paper, it's more the fact that, how do I say this without sounding like a cold bitch, she has some pretty significant deficits in aptitude that severely limit her job opportunities.

It's possible that she will find a decent job that suits her, or a specialized adult education program designed for learning disabilities (which is what I think she needs) but it will not be easy. It doesn't help either that she comes from a BSC family that gives her piss poor help and support.

Ahhh that makes more sense.

aleighc3

PrettyGirlLost said:

jenna8984 said:

I live in what I consider to be a small town (15k residents). We just got approved state funding for a new 11 million dollar library to replace the current one built in 1940. Most people would be excited for their town but I just think it's a giant waste of tax dollars. Honestly, not trying to sound ignorant but who the hell uses a library?  Many, many people of all different socioeconomic backgrounds and ages.  Besides providing access to books and computers the library provides social interaction for people in the form of book clubs, kids' activities, classes, etc.  Every school is equipped with a library and computers that enable to students to research anything they need. Sure, but only during school hours.  Once the school day is over it is closed, and children won't have access to the library or computers to do their homework. . . which they are supposed to be doing in the evening, after school.  There are families who cannot afford a computer or the internet.  And schools are never just open to the public for anyone to juts walk in off of the street. .. that's a huge safety issue.I don't know any adults who go to a library and could they not just use the one in the schools? No, schools are not open to the public.  I'm sorry but set up a few public computers in the town hall for people to use and call it a day. If people really want to read a hard cover book they can sit in the Barnes & Noble and read it or purchase it.   Um, no.  It really pisses me off when people read books cover to cover in B&N's. . . that's theft.  Buy it or rent it from the library.  Enlighten me if I'm missing something here, You are missing a lot.  I suggest you take an afternoon and go to the library and see what goes on for yourself. but 11 million dollars plus the cost of maintenance, utilities, employees does not seem worth it just because a few people don't want to purchase their own books or internet. (again not talking about school children as they have school libraries)  Some people cannot afford computers, internet, or books. . . it has nothing to do with "want."

Isn't physical health as important as mental health? I'd rather see an 11 million dollar workout/ gym complex that I can use for free....why is that not a reality? This is silly logic.  You don't need access to a gym to stay healthy and fit- you can go jogging outside, join an adult sport team, etc.  People managed to stay healthy for decades w/o the invention of gyms.

I used to got to barnes and noble on my lunch break and read books. If they didn't want people to read them, they would not put tables and chairs out for people....

mysticl

aleighc3 said:

PrettyGirlLost said:

jenna8984 said:

I live in what I consider to be a small town (15k residents). We just got approved state funding for a new 11 million dollar library to replace the current one built in 1940. Most people would be excited for their town but I just think it's a giant waste of tax dollars. Honestly, not trying to sound ignorant but who the hell uses a library?  Many, many people of all different socioeconomic backgrounds and ages.  Besides providing access to books and computers the library provides social interaction for people in the form of book clubs, kids' activities, classes, etc.  Every school is equipped with a library and computers that enable to students to research anything they need. Sure, but only during school hours.  Once the school day is over it is closed, and children won't have access to the library or computers to do their homework. . . which they are supposed to be doing in the evening, after school.  There are families who cannot afford a computer or the internet.  And schools are never just open to the public for anyone to juts walk in off of the street. .. that's a huge safety issue.I don't know any adults who go to a library and could they not just use the one in the schools? No, schools are not open to the public.  I'm sorry but set up a few public computers in the town hall for people to use and call it a day. If people really want to read a hard cover book they can sit in the Barnes & Noble and read it or purchase it.   Um, no.  It really pisses me off when people read books cover to cover in B&N's. . . that's theft.  Buy it or rent it from the library.  Enlighten me if I'm missing something here, You are missing a lot.  I suggest you take an afternoon and go to the library and see what goes on for yourself. but 11 million dollars plus the cost of maintenance, utilities, employees does not seem worth it just because a few people don't want to purchase their own books or internet. (again not talking about school children as they have school libraries)  Some people cannot afford computers, internet, or books. . . it has nothing to do with "want."

Isn't physical health as important as mental health? I'd rather see an 11 million dollar workout/ gym complex that I can use for free....why is that not a reality? This is silly logic.  You don't need access to a gym to stay healthy and fit- you can go jogging outside, join an adult sport team, etc.  People managed to stay healthy for decades w/o the invention of gyms.

I used to got to barnes and noble on my lunch break and read books. If they didn't want people to read them, they would not put tables and chairs out for people....

But as a customer if I'm shopping for a new book I don't want to purchase one that someone has broken the spine on, folded back pages, spilled food on, etc.  If they can't sell those books that someone sat and read for free they have to destroy them and take the loss on them.  So it is a form of theft.  

aleighc3

mysticl said:

aleighc3 said:

PrettyGirlLost said:

jenna8984 said:

I live in what I consider to be a small town (15k residents). We just got approved state funding for a new 11 million dollar library to replace the current one built in 1940. Most people would be excited for their town but I just think it's a giant waste of tax dollars. Honestly, not trying to sound ignorant but who the hell uses a library?  Many, many people of all different socioeconomic backgrounds and ages.  Besides providing access to books and computers the library provides social interaction for people in the form of book clubs, kids' activities, classes, etc.  Every school is equipped with a library and computers that enable to students to research anything they need. Sure, but only during school hours.  Once the school day is over it is closed, and children won't have access to the library or computers to do their homework. . . which they are supposed to be doing in the evening, after school.  There are families who cannot afford a computer or the internet.  And schools are never just open to the public for anyone to juts walk in off of the street. .. that's a huge safety issue.I don't know any adults who go to a library and could they not just use the one in the schools? No, schools are not open to the public.  I'm sorry but set up a few public computers in the town hall for people to use and call it a day. If people really want to read a hard cover book they can sit in the Barnes & Noble and read it or purchase it.   Um, no.  It really pisses me off when people read books cover to cover in B&N's. . . that's theft.  Buy it or rent it from the library.  Enlighten me if I'm missing something here, You are missing a lot.  I suggest you take an afternoon and go to the library and see what goes on for yourself. but 11 million dollars plus the cost of maintenance, utilities, employees does not seem worth it just because a few people don't want to purchase their own books or internet. (again not talking about school children as they have school libraries)  Some people cannot afford computers, internet, or books. . . it has nothing to do with "want."

Isn't physical health as important as mental health? I'd rather see an 11 million dollar workout/ gym complex that I can use for free....why is that not a reality? This is silly logic.  You don't need access to a gym to stay healthy and fit- you can go jogging outside, join an adult sport team, etc.  People managed to stay healthy for decades w/o the invention of gyms.

I used to got to barnes and noble on my lunch break and read books. If they didn't want people to read them, they would not put tables and chairs out for people....

But as a customer if I'm shopping for a new book I don't want to purchase one that someone has broken the spine on, folded back pages, spilled food on, etc.  If they can't sell those books that someone sat and read for free they have to destroy them and take the loss on them.  So it is a form of theft.  

then buy one without a "broken spine". It's not like there is only 1 book of every kind. Like I said, if they were so worried with people reading books in the store, they would not put tables or chairs out...

lc07

I think they want you to buy the book, grab a coffee and sit and read. Or hang out and work on your laptop.

aleighc3

ok, but there are no "no reading the books" signs anywhere....

mysticl

aleighc3 said:

mysticl said:

aleighc3 said:

PrettyGirlLost said:

jenna8984 said:

I live in what I consider to be a small town (15k residents). We just got approved state funding for a new 11 million dollar library to replace the current one built in 1940. Most people would be excited for their town but I just think it's a giant waste of tax dollars. Honestly, not trying to sound ignorant but who the hell uses a library?  Many, many people of all different socioeconomic backgrounds and ages.  Besides providing access to books and computers the library provides social interaction for people in the form of book clubs, kids' activities, classes, etc.  Every school is equipped with a library and computers that enable to students to research anything they need. Sure, but only during school hours.  Once the school day is over it is closed, and children won't have access to the library or computers to do their homework. . . which they are supposed to be doing in the evening, after school.  There are families who cannot afford a computer or the internet.  And schools are never just open to the public for anyone to juts walk in off of the street. .. that's a huge safety issue.I don't know any adults who go to a library and could they not just use the one in the schools? No, schools are not open to the public.  I'm sorry but set up a few public computers in the town hall for people to use and call it a day. If people really want to read a hard cover book they can sit in the Barnes & Noble and read it or purchase it.   Um, no.  It really pisses me off when people read books cover to cover in B&N's. . . that's theft.  Buy it or rent it from the library.  Enlighten me if I'm missing something here, You are missing a lot.  I suggest you take an afternoon and go to the library and see what goes on for yourself. but 11 million dollars plus the cost of maintenance, utilities, employees does not seem worth it just because a few people don't want to purchase their own books or internet. (again not talking about school children as they have school libraries)  Some people cannot afford computers, internet, or books. . . it has nothing to do with "want."

Isn't physical health as important as mental health? I'd rather see an 11 million dollar workout/ gym complex that I can use for free....why is that not a reality? This is silly logic.  You don't need access to a gym to stay healthy and fit- you can go jogging outside, join an adult sport team, etc.  People managed to stay healthy for decades w/o the invention of gyms.

I used to got to barnes and noble on my lunch break and read books. If they didn't want people to read them, they would not put tables and chairs out for people....

But as a customer if I'm shopping for a new book I don't want to purchase one that someone has broken the spine on, folded back pages, spilled food on, etc.  If they can't sell those books that someone sat and read for free they have to destroy them and take the loss on them.  So it is a form of theft.  

then buy one without a "broken spine". It's not like there is only 1 book of every kind. Like I said, if they were so worried with people reading books in the store, they would not put tables or chairs out...

And I don't.  What I'm saying is other people don't want to buy them either which means the store ends up trashing them and they lose money.  Maybe they put those tables and chairs out so you read part of the book and then decide to buy it so you can finish it at home.  And sometimes there is only one copy of the book.  

lyndausvi

aleighc3 said:

ok, but there are no "no reading the books" signs anywhere....

I feel like it's another example of people taking advantage of certain situations.   Like the person who buys one coffee and then sits at the coffee shop for 8 hours for the free WiFi.  Too many people start doing it and they started taking away the "benefit".  Once in a while is one thing, when people do it all the time it can become a problem.

bride2b71614

I personally love the library. Granted, technology is making resources and articles more accessible via the internet...BUT technology is a luxury, and not everyone has access to these resources. Where can you access free computers? The library. Where can you get free books/dvds/free classes/activities? The library. So, the library is a great resource. 

Plusalso, I used to own a dog that participated in a "read to a therapy dog" activity every Saturday at our local library. He and I would sit on a mat while a child would read to us. This increased reading comprehension and created a fun way for kids to show off their reading skills. While I may have heard walter the farting dog over three thousand times, I still think that it was a wonderful program arranged through the library. This library would have been unable to conduct this program without public funding, so I am a firm believer that the decision to put resources into a library is a good one. 

aleighc3

mysticl said:

aleighc3 said:

mysticl said:

aleighc3 said:

PrettyGirlLost said:

jenna8984 said:

I live in what I consider to be a small town (15k residents). We just got approved state funding for a new 11 million dollar library to replace the current one built in 1940. Most people would be excited for their town but I just think it's a giant waste of tax dollars. Honestly, not trying to sound ignorant but who the hell uses a library?  Many, many people of all different socioeconomic backgrounds and ages.  Besides providing access to books and computers the library provides social interaction for people in the form of book clubs, kids' activities, classes, etc.  Every school is equipped with a library and computers that enable to students to research anything they need. Sure, but only during school hours.  Once the school day is over it is closed, and children won't have access to the library or computers to do their homework. . . which they are supposed to be doing in the evening, after school.  There are families who cannot afford a computer or the internet.  And schools are never just open to the public for anyone to juts walk in off of the street. .. that's a huge safety issue.I don't know any adults who go to a library and could they not just use the one in the schools? No, schools are not open to the public.  I'm sorry but set up a few public computers in the town hall for people to use and call it a day. If people really want to read a hard cover book they can sit in the Barnes & Noble and read it or purchase it.   Um, no.  It really pisses me off when people read books cover to cover in B&N's. . . that's theft.  Buy it or rent it from the library.  Enlighten me if I'm missing something here, You are missing a lot.  I suggest you take an afternoon and go to the library and see what goes on for yourself. but 11 million dollars plus the cost of maintenance, utilities, employees does not seem worth it just because a few people don't want to purchase their own books or internet. (again not talking about school children as they have school libraries)  Some people cannot afford computers, internet, or books. . . it has nothing to do with "want."

Isn't physical health as important as mental health? I'd rather see an 11 million dollar workout/ gym complex that I can use for free....why is that not a reality? This is silly logic.  You don't need access to a gym to stay healthy and fit- you can go jogging outside, join an adult sport team, etc.  People managed to stay healthy for decades w/o the invention of gyms.

I used to got to barnes and noble on my lunch break and read books. If they didn't want people to read them, they would not put tables and chairs out for people....

But as a customer if I'm shopping for a new book I don't want to purchase one that someone has broken the spine on, folded back pages, spilled food on, etc.  If they can't sell those books that someone sat and read for free they have to destroy them and take the loss on them.  So it is a form of theft.  

then buy one without a "broken spine". It's not like there is only 1 book of every kind. Like I said, if they were so worried with people reading books in the store, they would not put tables or chairs out...

And I don't.  What I'm saying is other people don't want to buy them either which means the store ends up trashing them and they lose money.  Maybe they put those tables and chairs out so you read part of the book and then decide to buy it so you can finish it at home.  And sometimes there is only one copy of the book.  

I didn't sit there and read a whole book, but still, even if I read part of it the "spine is broken". So that makes all the words and sentences in the book unreadable?

mysticl

aleighc3 said:

mysticl said:

aleighc3 said:

mysticl said:

aleighc3 said:

PrettyGirlLost said:

jenna8984 said:

I live in what I consider to be a small town (15k residents). We just got approved state funding for a new 11 million dollar library to replace the current one built in 1940. Most people would be excited for their town but I just think it's a giant waste of tax dollars. Honestly, not trying to sound ignorant but who the hell uses a library?  Many, many people of all different socioeconomic backgrounds and ages.  Besides providing access to books and computers the library provides social interaction for people in the form of book clubs, kids' activities, classes, etc.  Every school is equipped with a library and computers that enable to students to research anything they need. Sure, but only during school hours.  Once the school day is over it is closed, and children won't have access to the library or computers to do their homework. . . which they are supposed to be doing in the evening, after school.  There are families who cannot afford a computer or the internet.  And schools are never just open to the public for anyone to juts walk in off of the street. .. that's a huge safety issue.I don't know any adults who go to a library and could they not just use the one in the schools? No, schools are not open to the public.  I'm sorry but set up a few public computers in the town hall for people to use and call it a day. If people really want to read a hard cover book they can sit in the Barnes & Noble and read it or purchase it.   Um, no.  It really pisses me off when people read books cover to cover in B&N's. . . that's theft.  Buy it or rent it from the library.  Enlighten me if I'm missing something here, You are missing a lot.  I suggest you take an afternoon and go to the library and see what goes on for yourself. but 11 million dollars plus the cost of maintenance, utilities, employees does not seem worth it just because a few people don't want to purchase their own books or internet. (again not talking about school children as they have school libraries)  Some people cannot afford computers, internet, or books. . . it has nothing to do with "want."

Isn't physical health as important as mental health? I'd rather see an 11 million dollar workout/ gym complex that I can use for free....why is that not a reality? This is silly logic.  You don't need access to a gym to stay healthy and fit- you can go jogging outside, join an adult sport team, etc.  People managed to stay healthy for decades w/o the invention of gyms.

I used to got to barnes and noble on my lunch break and read books. If they didn't want people to read them, they would not put tables and chairs out for people....

But as a customer if I'm shopping for a new book I don't want to purchase one that someone has broken the spine on, folded back pages, spilled food on, etc.  If they can't sell those books that someone sat and read for free they have to destroy them and take the loss on them.  So it is a form of theft.  

then buy one without a "broken spine". It's not like there is only 1 book of every kind. Like I said, if they were so worried with people reading books in the store, they would not put tables or chairs out...

And I don't.  What I'm saying is other people don't want to buy them either which means the store ends up trashing them and they lose money.  Maybe they put those tables and chairs out so you read part of the book and then decide to buy it so you can finish it at home.  And sometimes there is only one copy of the book.  

I didn't sit there and read a whole book, but still, even if I read part of it the "spine is broken". So that makes all the words and sentences in the book unreadable?

Just reading part of the book doesn't automatically break the spine but you may have caused other damage to it.  The book is not unreadable if the spine is broken, however it is damaged.  If I am going to spend my money to purchase a new book I expect it to be in new condition and not damaged.  

aleighc3

lyndausvi said:

aleighc3 said:

ok, but there are no "no reading the books" signs anywhere....

I feel like it's another example of people taking advantage of certain situations.   Like the person who buys one coffee and then sits at the coffee shop for 8 hours for the free WiFi.  Too many people start doing it and they started taking away the "benefit".  Once in a while is one thing, when people do it all the time it can become a problem.

ok, so next time you are in there, ask the manager why there are so many chairs and tables.....if they didn't want people to read, they would not put a place for people sit down and do that. If it was theft and if b&n thought of it as theft the police would be there all day every day...

mysticl

aleighc3 said:

lyndausvi said:

aleighc3 said:

ok, but there are no "no reading the books" signs anywhere....

I feel like it's another example of people taking advantage of certain situations.   Like the person who buys one coffee and then sits at the coffee shop for 8 hours for the free WiFi.  Too many people start doing it and they started taking away the "benefit".  Once in a while is one thing, when people do it all the time it can become a problem.

ok, so next time you are in there, ask the manager why there are so many chairs and tables.....if they didn't want people to read, they would not put a place for people sit down and do that. If it was theft and if b&n thought of it as theft the police would be there all day every day…

Well, the ones I go to just have chairs and tables in the cafe so people can sit down and eat and drink the items they purchased.  They don't have the comfy chairs scattered around the store.  So I guess they don't want people to sit and read.