Sourced from the Writers’ & Artists Yearbook Facebook page.
As a kid, I spent most of my Saturday’s in the local Library, and have quite a few fond memories. My only issue with Libraries is this determination to fill the shelves with hardback books over paperback – maybe this is just my Library, and I’m sure there’s a reason for it, but surely paperback would be cheaper for the already stretched department that funds the books?
I still have a huge fondness for Libraries, but can’t help being a right old fuddy duddy in the way that they seem to have changed. I’m not referring to the introduction of PCs, CDs and DVDs, or even replacing staff (to a degree) with technology, because that’s progress and I’m a full supporter of progress.
What I don’t like is the way that Libraries no longer seem to be places of solitude. No longer are people hissed at for speaking louder than a tiny whisper. Now people have loud phone conversations, they listen to music without headphones, children run around like animals, and all the while, Library Assistants no longer bat an eye lid.
Libraries are changing. Both for the good, and for the bad.
