I suppose it says something that the best library in my city has a Wii and there are actually children standing around in a line waiting to use it and complaining they're bored right in front of a large and shiny display of the latest and greatest books in children's literature...

I hope that libraries don't die in the same way I hope Barnes & Noble doesn't die. I think perhaps they'll disappear entirely, but I don't know very much, so maybe it'll be okay after all.

Which, sadly, most people aren't well aware of, and for the worse.

Libraries are important cornerstones in our society- and this recession has been utterly terrible for something that is so important. That comment defending libraries is one of many, thankfully, against a growing attempt- that is often successful in many areas- to defund public libraries, or cut where they can. What this means, overall, is less help for people who need it, and lowered standards.

There are many libraries out there now that have skeleton staffs where they can barely help the public for the lack of people, or they're staffed by people who are purposefully picked up because they don't have the training so they don't have to be paid well or given full time hours, or they can't replace the books and equipment they have. Libraries all across the US- and in other countries as well- are experiencing this woe.

That article's hypothetical person does exist. Libraries are often the first line of defense for people who need help that they can't otherwise get; supplementary education, access to a place to get those important forms filled out and help with doing them, access to improving their lives, overall.

Public libraries are one of the equalizers of the world, because they represent free knowledge, and the guaranteed access to that knowledge.

That's chilling. I don't even know what else to say. That's... chilling.

(Also? It's a good thing to post interesting links that aren't asking for Permission. This is something that is a very, very, very good thing to have on our 'Board. Thank you for posting it.)

It is a well-written post, but I'm stunned at the conversation that prompted it. California did what? And... people don't see the problem with this? Granted, plenty of folks in the discussion do, and I applaud them, but wow. *shakes head* California, you make me sad.

~Neshomeh