in praise of public libraries

[joneschick]

my back is crapping out on me, I'm staying in bed with a heating pad and perusing the Saturday morning lounge. I've found recommendations for books, songs and movies so far....and every one that sounded good to me I've ordered online from my library. Then they send me an email to let me know when they arrive! Does it get any BETTER???
The bagel with lox and cream cheese helps too, but the Darvocet is calling to me.........

[qnr]

1. I agree. Hope you feel better soon n/t

[patricia92243]

2. I don't think most people realize how important libraries are. Even with

the internet, libraries offer books, references etc. that a LOT of us can not afford and would never have access to. Libraries have done a lot toward helping our society to advance.

I love the public library.

[cwydro]

3. i love libraries

And I work at one! How lucky am I? Here's a link to our library...you can take a virtual tour of the Keys and other stuff....http://www.monroecounty-fl.gov/Pages/MonroeCoFL_Library/index

[joneschick]

7. thanks for sharing!

now I can love your library too! visit mine www.mpl.org

[cwydro]

4. and I hope you feel better

soon.

[skygazer]

5. I'm sorry you don't feel well

But you're right about libraries. The first thing I do when I move to a new town (and I've lived in many new towns) is get a library card. I have rather a collection of cards from Vermont to Alabama to California.

Do you know what causes your back pain? I have a bulging disc and arthritis in my lower back and find that gentle walking actually helps it more than rest (though rest is ALWAYS more tempting). At any rate, I hope you feel better soon. Back pain is a bitch. :hug:

[joneschick]

10. so far

I have been diagnosed with kidney stones and gallstones and fibroids, though I've been assured that the gallstones and fibroids wouldn't produce the type of back pain that's stopping me in my tracks. Being rear-ended by a semi 25 years ago may also be a participant...right now any weight bearing movement is just plain ugly. thank heavens for the lounge (and libraries)

[skygazer]

12. Youch!

I had several kidney infections back to back years ago when I was carrying my son (he was always a problem child). It was some of the most excruciating pain I've ever felt and was localized right in my lower back. Horrible.

Many, many :hug: 's to you. I hope it's resolved soon.

[Ptah]

6. I love my library branch.

It's less than two miles away, so I sometimes walk.
There is also A bus route that takes me nearly door to door.
Almost every Saturday I check out four or five books,
usually mysteries.
What ever your literary likes, I agree that the public
library system in the US is one of the best parts of our civilization.
The internet sure makes it easy to use the resources.

:thumbsup:

[Callalily]

8. Hope you feel better soon joneschick

and as far as libraries? I patronize three, and yes on-line searching, reserving, etc. is great! Hooray for libraries!

[joneschick]

11. omg! is your smiley reading a newspaper?? I love it!

[southlandshari]

9. I love my public library!

It keeps me out of terrible debt - if I had to buy every book I read in any given month...

:scared:

That's a great email service yours has. Ours does all kind of cool stuff for kids and the community!

:thumbsup:

[hfojvt]

14. I sorta did not like the fact that they competed with my store

but then again, who didn't? I swear almost any store with four square feet of retail space would have a spin rack of books. Then there was the campus bookstore, which the college put alot of money into AFTER I opened my store.

But I still love libraries. I kinda wish I could work for one, but only kinda, since I understand the pay sucks. I started my store with 700 books I bought from the library for a dime apiece, and when I finally went out of business I gave them about 20 boxes of books and also gave one to the campus library and another 15 boxes to the thrift shop and still had to load about sixteen tons of books. But I now have eight bookshelves in my living room, and I do love that.

[southlandshari]

16. You owned a used book store?

:wow:

:loveya:


























Really. :loveya:

:D

[hfojvt]

17. that's me

failed entrepeneur, with seven years in the busyness.

I still kinda miss it. Although it was alot of work, it sorta gave my life more meaning. Plus it was like Clausmas every week when I got a new box of books, or when I went to a rummage sale and found a whole bunch of Twain or other good books. I had a new and used bookstore, getting new books from Ingram, Dover, Random House, and also The Texas Bookman, wholesaler for Half Priced Books. It was a small store in a small town, but I was proud of my selection. I gave alot of the good books away when I moved, because I think good books should be read.

[southlandshari]

18. I'm very impressed.

I mean it. I love books (and the fact that you mention Mark Twain - my favorite writer - specifically, makes me swoon, btw!) and the only shopping I actually enjoy is for books. Preferably in locally owned shops without an espresso bar and shoeshine stand!

;)


:hug:

[hfojvt]

19. does that mean

that I am invited for the big new years party?

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=105&topic_id=4350061&mesg_id=4350655

It's like going on an explore to find the South Pole.

[southlandshari]

20. LOL - Now that I know that I am having one

You shall be the guest of honor!

:D

[Wapsie B]

13. I love libraries!

I envy you being able to work in one.

[RevCheesehead]

15. sorry to hear about your pain...

Tell Scruff and the other bunnies they need to wait on you hand and foot. It's the progressive thing to do. :)

Feel better, JC! :hug:

[joneschick]

21. thanks Rev

Scruff doesn't get home from Stuttgart 'til 12/18, so I'm trying to get the other 2 to be useful. In the meantime, online library and pbs cooking. and fortunes at www.thinkgeek.com, dammit addictive!

[RevCheesehead]

23. I'll bet you're excited about her coming home.

Every time I hear Stuttgart, I think of Hogan's Heroes....
"Honey Hornberg and her Stuttgart Steppers." :)

[joneschick]

25. I got to visit her the 1st week of November

my first trip to Germany. It was so good to see her. Is there a DU meetup during the holiday break perhaps?

[u4ic]

22. I love my library

I've been getting the email notices for years - they're also great for buying requested books, and their inter-library loan program is phenomenal. There were 2 very hard to find books they got for me - one was from an Ottawa library, and another one was from an American one.

They also have a movie section that's second to none.

Can't say enough good things about my city's library! :loveya:

[tjwmason]

24. They are wonderful things

I love just walking to a particular subject area and picking up a pretty random book. If one goes to the right place, then it's bound to be on a subject which one finds interesting - and may well challenge one's prejudices &c. on that topic.

I'm afraid that all I can do for your pain is to give you a quick cyber :hug:

[trof]

26. When I move to a new town, the first two things I do

are get a library card and subscribe to the local newspaper.
Matter of fact, I'm on the board of our Friends of the Library group.
Our little town library ranks in the top 1% nationwide for our population size.
I love libraries.

[DerekG]

27. The library: the most democratic institution in the country

Although it's disheartening to think of the imbeciles and moral midgets who walk away with college degrees, I've drawn a great deal of inspiration from the scant few auto-didactics I've known.

[southlandshari]

28. Truer words were never spoken

:applause:

[MaineDem]

29. I'm a library volunteer

I get to help shape what the librarian orders (she didn't want to order Clinton's bio. for example.)

I'm glad you're using your library. They are terrific, underused, resources.

[benny05]

30. This is great news

Considering I was feeling a little down about the profession. I'm glad to hear your public library is relevant to you and why. I love your story and others that have posted. Hope to see more! Big Hug and get well!

[NMMNG]

31. I'm sorry you're feeling bad

:hug:

As to public libraries, I think they are one of the greatest inventions of humankind. I plan to get a MLIS when finances allow, and hope to work in on as soon as possible. I've adored books since I was a toddler, so it's only natural that I should work in a library.