It's a Library, Not A Barnes and Noble

These days I don’t go to the library often, although I should because I love being around all those books. I’m someone who enjoys reading, which has me hanging out at the local Barnes and Noble. I peruse the books for hours, never leaving without purchasing at least two books. More often than not, I buy hardbacks. They might cost a bit more, but they are so worth it. Call me crazy, but it makes the reading experience that much more pleasurable. Oh, and they look good in my library too.

Sadly, I’m not one to share books because many people are irresponsible with the return policy. I’m pretty good about returning books I’ve borrowed, except with my friend Michael and that’s just because I like driving him crazy (LOL). However, I have no problem with friends stopping by to sit and read. Music in the background, a little nosh and a glass of wine, and you have the perfect afternoon. If you add a cool rainy day to the mix, it becomes heavenly. Actually, one of my favorite activities to do with a special friend is to lounge and read. It really is a cool experience, settling into a comfortable chair, reading for a few hours and sharing what you’ve read… You can’t beat it! I can only think of two people at the moment who enjoy this as much as me, but I am always on the lookout for other collectors of books and lounging lovers of reading.

Recently, I visited the local library in my community of Roland Park. Major renovations to the library were completed a few years ago, which has enhanced its appeal, making it larger, as well as more functional. Needless to say, it’s become very popular. I thought it might entice me to hang out there more. Unfortunately, there is no chance of that!

Sadly, my library experience was a bit challenged because of the students. There is no doubt in my mind the people present were there to utilize the computers, to study and use reference materials not available online. However, I noticed the students were easily distracted with each other, which created an intense amount of noise pollution. It made me wonder, aren’t we still supposed to be as quiet as possible in the library, with quiet being the key word?

I was standing at the help desk requesting information from a librarian. While she was researching information for me, I made a comment about the noise. She was a bit sarcastic in her response, but oddly in the most appropriate way. She said, “People think they’re at Starbucks or Barnes & Noble.” She referred to these places as the cause for the lack of quiet, the casual attitude and other disruptions now prevalent in the library. (BTW: She looked a bit stressed, and I believe it’s because in addition to being a librarian, she has to play the role of parent, teacher and babysitter too.) I immediately saw her point and agreed. I’m sad to say people think they can pull out drinks, snacks and talk loudly while pretending to read. Maybe mixing books and cafes was not such a good thing. Yet, if I understand the rules for both places, why can’t other people? This generation of children appears not to care. They definitely lack respect, and their attention spans are displaced.

Unfortunately, I’m not sure the children I saw acting out in the library received an education in manners and respect from their parents. If those lessons are not taught and nurtured in the family home, and are only taught in schools by teachers or by librarians, I don’t personally have high hopes for this generation of kids getting it, which perpetuates a bad experience for the rest of us.

I miss the libraries of days gone by. Librarians walked around and interacted with people, because they knew they were there to read and be educated. I’m sure I’ll still pop into a library from time to time. Sadly, I think I am using the wrong term. I grew up with libraries. Today’s libraries should be called media centers. Dear library, I mourn your passing.

This blogger is now going to pour a glass of red wine, prepare a plate of cheese & crackers and grapes, turn on some soft classical music, grab my recent read, Miracles of the Gods by Eric Von Daniken, and plop down into an old comfortable chair in my home library, relax and read, read, read! Learn to read… Really read. It’s more fun than you know. - paerki