Hello Yvette: It is a sad state of affairs in the UK that so many libraries are closing due to financial constraints rather than lack of use. At their best, libraries are wonderful places full not only of books but all other manner of educational resources. How wonderful that the case for libraries is being publicised in this way.
Another casualty of UK cost cutting is the closure of the British Council library in Budapest. This was an amazing resource for all English speakers or would-be speakers and is now no longer.
Bombay, and the rest of India, still have a few century-old national and private libraries but I'm not a member at any of these libraries in my city because I just don't have the time to commute to and from there. Besides, I have a pile of 50-odd unread books at any point of time. Let's say, I read one, buy three, when ideally it should have been the other way around. I liked the National Library quote: it reminded me of a newspaper column that ran for several years which went, "A life in the day of..." rather than "A day in the life of..."
How is it that I didn't even know this "week" existed until just now? I feel so behind the times, and a bit cheated that I haven't been observing it all these years! Then again, EVERY week is library week for me, so I guess that counts. Anyway, thanks for letting me know! I'll be paying close attention to it from now on.
I couldn't agree more. Libraries are so important. Sometimes I travel around NYC just to see other branches and their "loot."
I got my card in Greenwich Village many decades ago when I was 3, and I was the youngest person to have gotten one at that branch. I've never been without one, no matter where I have lived.
When I think of what I would have lost had I been without one it makes me shiver.
And I'd say government budget cuts here, too, are impacting on libraries. Programs have been cut in my city, including afterschool programs for children and more. It is a priority and should be saved at all costs.
Children without books and reading programs, adults without books, not a good world to contemplate.
Hello Yvette:
ReplyDeleteIt is a sad state of affairs in the UK that so many libraries are closing due to financial constraints rather than lack of use. At their best, libraries are wonderful places full not only of books but all other manner of educational resources. How wonderful that the case for libraries is being publicised in this way.
Another casualty of UK cost cutting is the closure of the British Council library in Budapest. This was an amazing resource for all English speakers or would-be speakers and is now no longer.
"I've had a library card since I was 5 or 6 and couldn't imagine a life without libraries."
ReplyDeleteSame here.
Bombay, and the rest of India, still have a few century-old national and private libraries but I'm not a member at any of these libraries in my city because I just don't have the time to commute to and from there. Besides, I have a pile of 50-odd unread books at any point of time. Let's say, I read one, buy three, when ideally it should have been the other way around. I liked the National Library quote: it reminded me of a newspaper column that ran for several years which went, "A life in the day of..." rather than "A day in the life of..."
ReplyDeleteWhat awful news, Jane and Lance. The Brits are acting very short-sighted and all these closings of libraries will definitely come back to haunt them.
ReplyDeleteFor me, libraries are the last bastion of civilization.
We agree again, Jacqueline. :) A library card is an essential.
ReplyDeletePrashant: At least you have those 50 odd books lying around waiting to be read. You can make your own library.:)
ReplyDeleteHow is it that I didn't even know this "week" existed until just now? I feel so behind the times, and a bit cheated that I haven't been observing it all these years! Then again, EVERY week is library week for me, so I guess that counts. Anyway, thanks for letting me know! I'll be paying close attention to it from now on.
ReplyDeleteI lose track of it now and then too, JNCL. :)
ReplyDeleteI think it's on a different date every year, that's why.
But like you, every week here for me is library week.
Thanks to Andrew Carnegie who built
ReplyDeleteLibraries 2,509 between 1883-1929
Ours is sooo beautiful.
Yvonne
Oh I'm so jealous, Yvonne! I've never been inside a Carnegie library. But I did watch the pbs special on Carnegie done a few years ago. Amazing.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more. Libraries are so important. Sometimes I travel around NYC just to see other branches and their "loot."
ReplyDeleteI got my card in Greenwich Village many decades ago when I was 3, and I was the youngest person to have gotten one at that branch. I've never been without one, no matter where I have lived.
When I think of what I would have lost had I been without one it makes me shiver.
And I'd say government budget cuts here, too, are impacting on libraries. Programs have been cut in my city, including afterschool programs for children and more. It is a priority and should be saved at all costs.
Children without books and reading programs, adults without books, not a good world to contemplate.
I agree Kathy. Not a good world to contemplate. Libraries are essential tools of an enlightened society.
ReplyDeleteWhat are we without books?