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Characteristics of an awesome library

SFG75

SFG75

Well-Known Member
So....what characteristics do you think a library should have? Here's my list--

1.)A giant selection-so big, that you could theoretically become lost.
2.)Guest speakers and writers clubs
3.)A great children's area with books, tables, toys, and activities, not to mention a staff that doesn't hate children.
4.)Internet portals
5.)Vast windows and impressive architecture
6.)Couches and chairs of various kinds


I'm sure there's more....
 
:mad: You dare to speak of libraries at a time like this?
"temporary Minneapolis Public Central Library closed December 3, 2005
New Central Library opens May 20, 2006"
 
No Kristocat, but if I were to rank them, the book club and children's section would be one and two.

Stewart-I second that!. Attendance would definitely increase and the bars would empty out. Imagine that.:D
 
The children's section would be in another wing, or even another building. I'm tired of nearly falling over toddlers, having small children carom off my legs, etc. when I'm browsing. In my library, no children under the age of 16 would be allowed. Parents could leave their kids in the children's wing (or building) while they browse. The people supervising the children would be paid very well for what they have to put up with. :D
 
A good website that is easy to use.

Hope I don't mislead you, I love to go to the library but I also spend lots of time using their website.
 
Miss Shelf said:
The children's section would be in another wing, or even another building. I'm tired of nearly falling over toddlers, having small children carom off my legs, etc. when I'm browsing.
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LAUGH!

I've not been a library for a long while, but if I do go to one, I'd expect computer consoles that allows readers to look up scanned pages of out-of-print or books that the library doesn't have a hardcopy of.

Imagine - every piece of work you could possibly want is beyond the library entrance. Cool.

ds
 
Miss Shelf said:
The children's section would be in another wing, or even another building. :D
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Damn right! Another city would do me fine. Brats are the only thing wrong with my current library.

In my fantasy library, Philip Larkin would be Head Librarian.
 
I would like most of the things that others have mentioned.

However speaking as an older person who finds it difficult to hold all the books under her arm and try at the same time to look at some other book that has caught my interest, I would suggest small trolleys to hold books while browsing; something like a miniature supermarket trolley.:)
 
Balmy Westwind said:
I would suggest small trolleys to hold books while browsing; something like a miniature supermarket trolley.:)
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What an excellent idea. In my fantasy library, children would be made to push them about for you.
 
CDA said:
What an excellent idea. In my fantasy library, children would be made to push them about for you.
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LOL-and Cruella D'eville could supervise. Those little good for nothings should be working 15 hours a day.:D
 
Our library is divided into several branches in different parts of the city. What I like is being able to browse for books online and reserve them when I find books I like. The books are then sent to the branch nearest my home and a postcard is sent to me when it’s ready to pick up.
 
My local Library has a sound proofed children's area! Don't get me wrong, I love kids, but not when they choose to scream and throw fits in public.

On the first floor is a a thick set of double doors. The outside of this room is pretty much all windows so you can see in. There are low bookshelves, bean bag chairs, a few toys for kids too small to read just yet, colorful walls and carpeting. Very nice area with regular story times shceduled. Best of all though, this thing is completely sound proof. I can look in the windows, see some 3 year old screeching and arching his back as he thrashes on the floor.... and I can't hear a peep. Fabulous. This complex takes up the majority of the first floor.

The rest of the books are on the second floor. That aspect of the library is great. While they have a wonderful and huge kids section the adult section is lacking. It is library that looks like it was built on the assumption that the only reason someone would be in a library was if they had to do some sort of research for school. The selection just is not the greatest. It must do though, it is the only one I have though.

At least they have lots of big comfy sofas and quiet reading areas.

Duff
 
SFG75 said:
So....what characteristics do you think a library should have? Here's my list--

1.)A giant selection-so big, that you could theoretically become lost.
2.)Guest speakers and writers clubs
3.)A great children's area with books, tables, toys, and activities, not to mention a staff that doesn't hate children.
4.)Internet portals
5.)Vast windows and impressive architecture
6.)Couches and chairs of various kinds


I'm sure there's more....
Click to expand...


These are all excellent! I was a member of a writer's club at the local library when I lived in Pennsylvania. There is no such animal in Delaware. I would like to add a couple of features of my local Library that I am extremely satisfied with: 1) new book requests (to be ordered) - they fulfill about 99% of my requests for new books. 2)Inter-library loans - for when you are looking for those hard-to-find or out-of-print gems that you just have to read!
 
Robert said:
Our library is divided into several branches in different parts of the city. What I like is being able to browse for books online and reserve them when I find books I like. The books are then sent to the branch nearest my home and a postcard is sent to me when it’s ready to pick up.
Click to expand...

This neat little 'perk' saves me tons of money every year! It is specially helpful in my role as a mild-mannered(mostly) homeschooling mom, since I can preview books before making unneccesary purchases. I mean, I still want every book I see, but this helps me weed out the over-rated fluff from the good stuff. It helps me be a better steward of my resources.
 
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