The Importance of Libraries

I wanted to discuss a subject that I feel very passionate about this is Public Libraries and why they are important for the younger and older generation.

With more and more libraries being shut down due to budget cuts and governments trying to save money it would seem that a library is no longer considered an essential part of the community, even in primary schools a library is not a compulsory requirement.

Nowadays kids can just pull out their phone or tablet read an e-book or look up that piece of information needed for homework etc.

I feel this is a step in the wrong direction it takes away the excitement of getting your first library card going down to the library and getting to choose the books for yourself. Picking books that you like the look of rather than books that are what everyone else is reading.

I remember when I was younger I used to love going down to library with my nan and taking out as many books as possible. Not to mention the added extras held at a library the events one example being the summer reading challenge. When your young there's nothing more exciting than reading some books and getting a 'medal' for it. What could be a greater incentive to get children into reading?

What with the social media generation e-books are becoming increasingly popular what with the kindle tablets and the ease of use - one click and you've purchased a new book without leaving your sofa.
While this is highly convenient every child should experience a library the social aspects of interacting with other book lovers, the discovery of new stories and books that may not be found in the school library.

Libraries are very much a part of a community not just for children but for pensioners as well with selections of large print books. For these people the library could be their one trip out a week- take this away what are they going to do? They are not part of the tablet/eBook generation and may be unable to make it into town for example to buy books. There are even some services in libraries that send out books for the elderly as part of community care. Take this away you take away a part of their independence, their freedom.

If you have a public library near you use it or it will be lost, depriving many people of a wonderful underrated community service.

Classic Fiction Challenge

Hi All,

For those of you that don't know I work in a library this means that the majority of the conversations between staff are about books, books and more books.

Being an avid reader this does not bother me in the slightest - however the other day we were discussing Harper Lee's new book Go Set a Watchmen which is in effect the sequel to the well known classic To Kill a Mockingbird (even though it was written beforehand).

It occurred to me as this conversation was going on that I have never read To Kill a Mockingbird - I vaguely remembered watching the film once in school but have never read it cover to cover.

I then went on to think well what stories that are considered classics have I read?

I could count the number of these on one hand! Two! Pride and Prejudice and Frankenstein.

How is it that I have grown up being an avid reader and yet I've read hardly any classic literature!?

So I have set myself a challenge the next lot of books I read will only be classic books and once I have read them I will post a review of each on this blog.

My list to read is:

1. To Kill a Mockingbird (this is downloaded and waiting on my Kindle)

2. 1984

3. The Hobbit

4. Jane Eyre

5. Great Expectations

6. Tess of the D'ubervilles

7. Lolita (Not pictured need to buy this)

8. Sense and Sensibility (also need to get this one)

 

How many of the classics have you read?? Which ones would you recommend??