On my drive home today I heard this interesting story on NPR about how libraries are finding ways to be creative in the digital age. Some will lend you not just books but maybe a fishing pole and tackle and another library had the idea of checking out a human.
Instead of checking out a book to read about a subject you meet with an “expert” for 30 minutes or so. Isn’t that neat? There’s even an international HUMAN Library system. I’d never heard of this.
Anyway, of course to me a library is all about books but I know that libraries are changing and adjusting always to serve communities better. As a matter of fact I can’t wait to go to San Antonio later this year and see BiblioTech, the country’s first bookless public library!
Now all this talk about libraries makes me want to go visit mine but I’m actually on a library ban. My bookshelves are overflowing, vacation is coming, etc. so no more library books for the time being. So what do you think of all this library talk? Would you like to be “checked” out?
Library ban?! I actually did a serious weeding of my own library pile and have a much more manageable stack–I can’t quite let them all go! I do need to read more from my stacks, though–or maybe finish a few that are already on my reading pile! In this day and age libraries definitely need to be creative to get and keep their patrons–but I think I’ll stick with the traditional book! Love your new blog design–your husband did a great job!
I love my library…it is huge, and has a million audios! And they deliver to your doorstep! But I have never heard of checking out a human. It’s actually not a bad idea. I mean, the alternative would be to Google an expert and probably payi for their advice so why not? There would be a creep factor. You’d have to meet them at the library, just in case they are an ax murderer! And now that I mention it, I am surprised a library would be willing to take on that risk. Hmmm.
This sounds so interesting. I’d be curious to learn more about the “book less library” –sounds so sad:)
Oh yes, I’ve heard about libraries that have people for checkout. None of my local libraries do. I would totally volunteer if anyone wanted to checkout a vegan!
This sounds interesting! so you check out a human and talk with them for 30 mins? If people want to check out a Crocheter, I’m available.
Fascinating! In my library, we go around to classes if faculty members request that, so I guess we can be checked out. Maybe we should think about expanding!
Danielle – I know, it’s no fun being on a library ban but desperate times 🙂 Well and I’m going on vacation soon so I guess I shouldn’t be holding up books someone else may want to check out! haha… And, yes, I’m with you I’ll stick with a library with books!
Sandy – Your library sounds very nice! I was thinking that too about the risks – maybe I read too many scary crime books! haha….
Diane@BibiliophileByTheSea – I totally agree. I am curious to see what it will look like – from the design it looks very “modern”. I guess I’ll have to go find out once it opens. I’ll report back!
Stefanie – You’d be perfect! I think it could be kind of fun and plus you are really building a community. It seems like the places that have tried this were really pleased with the results.
Bookworm – Yes, it’s like an appointment. You’d be perfect for that!
Tiffany – That is sort of like that! I love it. It’s so interesting to hear what other libraries do. Makes me feel like I need to explore my library a bit more to see what else they have.
I’m trying to imagine why I’d want to check out a human . . . Maybe to help me learn to enjoy cooking? Haha
Literary Feline – Oh me too! I’d have to check out that human right after you 🙂