libraries

[Muzzlehatch]

Do you use a library at all? Is your local library any good?

The Fletcher Free Library in Burlington, VT, is pretty much crap as far as my needs go, but I do spend a fair amount of time here and they do keep up with new political/issues books pretty well -- the kinds of books I usually don't want to buy. Their fiction selection though is very poor, with lots of really major, mainstream works not in evidence. Good DVD selection which I've been availing myself of; not a bad place to sit and read.

Overall I'd rate it a C.

Your libraries?

[Dodd]

Mpls Public library Central Library was rebuilt new about three years ago into what I am told is a dramatic new facility. It's downtown and I have to confess that that inconvenience along with the ease of access to the branches in my neighborhood has kept me away.

Shortly after the Central was completed and the City Library merged with the County system. Again, the merging of the two huge systems is probably a good thing and there is a large Hennepin County library within six miles of my house - so things are really very convenient. Any material in the system can be brought to your local library within a day or two if it is on the shelf, or as soon as it is returned if it is out. Very convenient.

If you want a DVD or a CD that is not in the system, you can often request it and they will buy it. Not as quick as going into Blockbuster and walking out with a movie, but it is really very handy.

You can also request items on line that they will bring to a branch and call you when it is in.

Pretty great service if you ask me.

[Boutip]

I have been so busy lately that I don’t have much time to read so I mostly use the library for DVD or CDs. They recently instituted a rental fees for recent best-sellers and that has dramatically improve selection. I personally don’t mind paying $1 or $2 to get a book for three weeks if that can increase selection even though quite a few people are complaining that library should be totally free…

I probably visit the library every two or three weeks but mostly for my kids and maybe a DVD or a couple of CDs for myself. I kind like the fact that they stock on non-mainstream DVD or CDs.

The only thing I don’t like are opening hours. It doesn’t open before 12 (kids are up early and it would be nice to be able to go on a Sunday morning) during the weekend and close at 8pm during weekdays.

I’d give my library a B

[William]

I can't rate my library because I haven't been it in 10 years. I utilize the internet and sources like paperbackswap or bookmooch for my reading needs.
They recently overhauled our library but then found after it was done that there wasn't any money for furniture or updated inventory (i.e. books). Yes...my tax dollars at work.

[Claude S]

our library is a wonderful haven for the homeless and addicted. They sit there and pretend? to read magazines and occasionally surf the public computers for porn.