Libraries

[kentish maid]

Over the last few months I have come across lots of books being recommended on here, from cookery books to books like The Cholesterol Con, and often there is a link to buy them from Amazon. I have sourced a lot of them from the library, and at the end of the day most of them I have read but will not return to. Those that interested me and I might want to refer back to I might then buy.

 

[trophywench]

Used to love it when we had a library near enough to use. However a lot of them don't have anywhere near the number of books - fiction or non-fiction - they did when I was growing up.

 

[grovesy]

Used to love it when we had a library near enough to use. However a lot of them don't have anywhere near the number of books - fiction or non-fiction - they did when I was growing up.

Mine is only small and run mainly be volunteers but you can order books from across the county.

 

[Mark T]

Our local authority has opened lots of little libraries in various parts of the city. However, the issue is that they have just split the books they did have between those new locations meaning less at any one location.

The other problem I've noticed is that if you have a series released over a period of time, the oldest books are likely to get removed from circulation. So you can never find a whole set of the series. At least we have a good online searchable system, so you can find which library has it before trying to hunt it down.

 

[Davein]

Many of the nearby libraries have shut or on restricted opening times because ofCouncil cuts. Apart from the possible threat from paedos, I cannot see why public libraries and school libraries cannot be integrated to save money.

 

[Mark T]

Many of the nearby libraries have shut or on restricted opening times because ofCouncil cuts. Apart from the possible threat from paedos, I cannot see why public libraries and school libraries cannot be integrated to save money.

How would that save money? Are you saying to allow the public to enter any school and borrow books? Or that schools have to take there children to the local library to get books.

The latter would be ridiculous. In KS1 and KS2 the children are supposed to swap over books every morning first thing (as they go up reading levels the books get longer, so it's not every day). Plus the fact the books are divides into about 12 (or more) reading grades which the children progress up. I suspect 90% of adults wouldn't want to read most of the books.

The former, well yes, as a parent, I wouldn't want any random person accessing the school.

 

[Davein]

How would that save money? Are you saying to allow the public to enter any school and borrow books? Or that schools have to take there children to the local library to get books.

The latter would be ridiculous. In KS1 and KS2 the children are supposed to swap over books every morning first thing (as they go up reading levels the books get longer, so it's not every day). Plus the fact the books are divides into about 12 (or more) reading grades which the children progress up. I suspect 90% of adults wouldn't want to read most of the books.

The former, well yes, as a parent, I wouldn't want any random person accessing the school.

Hey, Just trying to cut your council tax bill. But it's been a long time since I went to school and we generally had to share books.

 

[Mark T]

Hey, Just trying to cut your council tax bill. But it's been a long time since I went to school and we generally had to share books.

I'd don't have issues with Council Tax, I'd rather my council provides the services. Some would (and do) complain that we have recycling for plastic/paper/metal/electronic waste/garden waste/food waste/cardboard/glass. That all cost's money to provide!

 

[kentish maid]

I have noticed when we have been on holiday that some libraries now double up as tourist information centres. Guess I'm lucky as we have a small library in the village that is part time. When I come across a book on here I tend to search for it on the library website and if it is available reserve it. If the book has to come from out of area there is a £3 charge, so then I look to see if I can get a second hand copy cheaper from Abe Books. The children from the village school have supervised visits to the library. Ours also gives you access to e books.

 

[Vince_UK]

Used to love it when we had a library near enough to use. However a lot of them don't have anywhere near the number of books - fiction or non-fiction - they did when I was growing up.

I used to love the library also, and I even used to rent LP's the vinyl ones and Cassettes from the one in Gateshead in the 70's. Alas all gone now.
Sadly another useful resource drifitng into obscurity.

 

[Maz2]

I love the library. We are lucky in that we have good ones and they are not closing. There are a lot more computers though so, unfortunately, less books. I prefer with cook books though to have them to hand and also books about diabetes etc.

 

[FM001]

Vitally important that we use our local library services as they are fast disappearing, absolutely no interest in cookery, diet or any other health related books, but do enjoy reading autobiography's, books on history and crime novels.

 

[Mark T]

Just out of interest I poked the Library catalogue for my the central library; it seems we have a few copies of the Gretchen Becker book (all currently out) but also the two recommended Type 1 books as well (copies available).

There is of course a plethora of various diet books.