I am always amazed when people say they never go to the library. We are especially lucky because Batavia has one of the best libraries in NYS. The library is one of the few places where you really can benefit from your tax dollars. You are already paying for this service why not take advantage of it? If Block Buster offered free movies would you go there and borrow them? I bet you would. Well the library offers DVDs, music CDs, Internet services,magazines, newspapers, downloadable books, programming and much more. Currently there is a reading program for babies, children, teens and adults. If you have not visited the library, come check out what is offered there. I think you will be surprised and find that there really is something for everyone. There is a calendar of events on the webpage: www.batavialibrary.org
Sandy Gillard
Children's Librarian

I'm often in the library doing research. You are right about the caliber of this resource - it is a jewel.
There is a cadre' of regulars who have become friends over the years. One can almost guess who will be there at a certain time.
There seems to be a misgotten pride in saying that one doesn't use the library. I, like you, am amazed.

Being a computer geek, I regard public computers/internet like a used tissue. I don't even know if the Batavia library has free wifi either.

The library offers nothing that I don't already have. I have never been to one that has a book I want and I don't read them fast enough to justify borrowing them. By the time I finish I would have spent the equivalent cost of the book in gas just to renew. Not to mention the selections in the genres I like are always limited. When I am reading a series and the next book is not available what should I do? Wait? Why, when I work in Henrietta and can visit a book store on my way home?

I have internet at home and can surf from the comfort of my couch if I want.

Libraries are not the resource they once were. For many people my age, they are useless.

I'll borrow DVDs from them when they are sent to my door and offer no late fee and I get access to their catalog of over 12,000 movies online.

As I stated before, there seems to be a misgotten pride in saying that one doesn't use the library.
Since I research local history I find the library a valuable resource. You will not find the gems of local family history on the internet or in a book store. They are one of a kind and carefully archived at the library.
The Richmond Library is an established library with a rich history.
I have used the computers on occasion and find them more than adequate for the short time they are needed. I guess it would depend on what you searching.
We, who use the library, are fortunate not to risk running into those who hold it in contempt.
I purchase many books, but there are some - Albion's Seed: Four British Folkways in America by David Hacke Fischer, comes to mind - that I only need for a short time and I can rely on the library to get a copy to me within a day or two of requesting it.
My interests may not be the same as others, but the library has gone out of their way to accomodate my needs.

I like the Library for the magazines. While I subscribe to some, it would cost too much for all the ones I like, so, the Library is a great resource. They also keep a few past issues of each one so you don’t have to go in all the time to catch up.

It’s also a great place to read public documents on pending local issues.

Posted by John Roach on July 1, 2009 - 10:23am
I like the Library for the magazines. While I subscribe to some, it would cost too much for all the ones I like, so, the Library is a great resource. They also keep a few past issues of each one so you don’t have to go in all the time to catch up.

It’s also a great place to read public documents on pending local issues.

John, I am currently reading (actually re-reading) The Seven Daughters of Eve by Bryan Sykes. This is a book I purchased. It has an enormous amount of data and I knew that I would refer to it frequently. In that case, it is better for me to have it on my book shelf.
I, also, like the availability of the magazines and back issues. Especially for magazines that have a hefty subscription fee.
One wonders if the Richmond Library installed a Starbucks would those, used to browsing in big box book stores, come in? The library may not be trendy, but it certainly has stood the test of time.

I don't hold them in contempt, they just offer nothing for me.

I also buy a number of books (Barnes & Noble). I am now reading 1920, The Year of the Six Presidnets. Great book tha proves that there is nothing new in Washington.

"The library may not be trendy, but it certainly has stood the test of time."

So have newspapers...they are on the way out as well.

I would like to point out that the library is a necessary and valuable asset for those of us that are low income. It provides the opportunity to borrow books, movies, and other items that some people might not otherwise get to enjoy and all for FREE. I remember going to the library when I was young and at that time all they had were books, I was excited and amazed to have my own card and being able to check out books about things in life I might not other wise learn or experience. Back then there were no computers. I also remember the bookmobile coming to our school. Now that I am an adult I dont frequent the library much but I dont depend on the computer for knowledge and I am happy to know that the library is there for everyone and believe that any tax dollar that is spent to keep it alive and free is a dollar well spent.

Posted by Gabor Deutsch on July 1, 2009 - 11:11am
.....I dont frequent the library much but I dont depend on the computer for knowledge and I am happy to know that the library is there for everyone and believe that any tax dollar that is spent to keep it alive and free is a dollar well spent.

Well said!
Most adults are capable of reading a borrowed book in the span of two weeks. Gosh, golly...some can even handle 7 or 8 books in that time and retain what they read.
There are a few innovative perks that libraries use if one can't handle the book in two weeks...one is the phone, the other the internet to renew the book for two more weeks. Amazing, isn't it?
I'm sure the New York City Library will be shaking in their boots to learn that they are going the way of the dinosaur. No doubt the wonderful university libraries across the nation are just about ready to close their doors. The Legend has spoken and libraries are on their way out!

If libraries aren't on their way out then why is there all this hoopla about the Bergen libraries? I'm not talking about school libraries or university libraries. I'm talking about local town libraries.

If your life was as busy as mine you wouldn't have the time read either. I find entertainment in more places than just books. I play video games,indoor soccer, gaelic football, outdoor soccer, hockey, and softball. I like to watch documentaries and other tv shows. I like to make my own beer. I like to visit my friends and family who all live in Monroe County. I have season tickets to the Rhinos. I work the Renaissance Faire. I make repairs to my house. I go to RIT in every quarter except the summer session. Tell me where in my schedule I am going to be able to squeeze a book in within a two week period?

You do know many colleges are scanning any books they have on hand into a database and that now students can access whatever info they need from their laptop, in their room, and don't have to set foot in the actual building at all, right? The "good old days" of students at any level of education needing to do research papers using dusty old books at the library are over.

Peter, all you left out is having a servant to take care of the simple things you dont have time for in life. I know many people that cant afford to do all the things you do, I guess they are stupid, lazy, and a drain to the system. Why provide them a book when they dont deserve it ?

Gabor,
I'm not arguing that libraries should be closed. I am stating that they are old and being phased out of society. I have no problem with them being open. I stated my situation and people misread it as an argument for closing them.

I left out the servant because Chelsea is out of town this week ;)

Peter, I had to chuckle about the last sentence. I guess a round of flowers might be in her future ! LOL.
I would like to quote Beyonce : "if ya like den ya should put a ring on it".

She's in Disney this week with her family. She doesn't get along well with her mom or sister so I need to plan something for when she gets back anyways :)

Plenty of time to bury this post !