I don't like Public Libraries

[GuyFawkes38]

I haven't vented in a while here. And it's very therapeutic.

The concept behind the public library is great. Most people don't read books twice. So why purchase and own them.

But I hate going to public libraries for a couple reasons:

1. Most of the people who use them are annoying and smell. This is a big drawback. Conversely, it's kind of fun to go a nice bookstore and strike up a conversation with a girl...maybe a date. There's that possibility. And that possibility is not there at your public library.

2. Most public library employees are rude and not helpful. Maybe it's because they have to deal with annoying and smelly people. I think more likely it's because they don't face the threat of being fired easily and library management simply doesn't care because they have no competition.

(Yes, someone will object saying, "my wife works at the library and she's great" or "I go to the library and I don't smell." I don't doubt you. I'm just saying on the whole the two statements above are true).

How to deal with this:

1. Charge people to take out books (something in the 3-5 dollar range) and cut libraries public funding. Libraries will have a clear incentive to improve their customer service. And the people who use the library would be more agreeable to me.

2. Make public libraries more like Barnes and Noble. Have an expensive cafe. Make the library more visually pleasing. etc....

discuss

[X-band '01]

You have to understand where the degenerates like BearChatter use the library for free computer internet access and loads of free porn.

Public libraries rock.

[Emp]

Eagerly awaiting the "I dont Like Motherhood OR apple pie" thread.

Seriously, have used public libraries all my life. Greatest tool for the education of the general polulation, even before public schools.

Regretably, I have moved from Cincinnati and Ham Co, the site of one of the best local public library systems in the world, if not the US.

I can only guess, , I suspect you "get what you give" at the reference desk, Guy. Alternatively, might have something to do with reducing librarians to hourly min wage no benefit status, in which case we are getting what we pay for.

I'm with you on the stinkiness...esp the smell of gunpowder. It makes me nauseous.

[GuyFawkes38]

Eagerly awaiting the "I dont Like Motherhood OR apple pie" thread.

Seriously, have used public libraries all my life. Greatest tool for the education of the general polulation, even before public schools.

Regretably, I have moved from Cincinnati and Ham Co, the site of one of the best local public library systems in the world, if not the US.

I can only guess, , I suspect you "get what you give" at the reference desk, Guy. Alternatively, might have something to do with reducing librarians to hourly min wage no benefit status, in which case we are getting what we pay for.

I'm with you on the stinkiness...esp the smell of gunpowder. It makes me nauseous.


I've heard that the Cincinnati public library is one of the best in the country too. It makes me wonder how awful other public library systems are.

There's been a couple times I've feared for my safety inside the main library downtown (now I have my books sent to my branch library which is an admittedly awesome feature).

I don't think it's good to have people just hang out at the main library. That's what the YMCA is for. Should the public library really be a homeless shelter? I don't think it's a good idea.

It doesn't really bother me how bad the customer service I get at the library is. What bothers me is how rude it is.

I wish there was a netflix for books. I know the shipping cost would be too high. But with the amazon kindle, maybe in the future we will be able to rent books electronically.

[muskienick]

I prefer my own private library. It is in the same room as my computer and contains all the books I have enjoyed reading in the past and all those on my "reading waiting list." When I see my reserve list getting small, I add to it myself, receive others as gifts from my family, or trade some of mine to by brother-in-law (who has similar taste in reading matter).

I do occasionally go to a local branch of the Hamilton County library (in Mt. Healthy, College Hill, or Groesbeck) to pick out books on CD (that we enjoy while on road trips) or movies for my grandkids to watch. As stated earlier in this thread, ours is among the best in the Country as far as convenience, assistance, and selection are concerned. (I have never been "stiffed" by a library employee. And, more often than not, their demeanors have been both smiling and friendly.)

[XU05and07]

I like that I can rent full seasons of shows like "24" or "Simpsons" for free because of public libraries

[MADXSTER]

Sorry Guy but I do not have any issues with the Public Library.

[Kahns Krazy]

I don't even know where to start with how retarded this is.

[Raoul Duke]

I don't even know where to start with how retarded this is.

Good point, but I'll go ahead and try.

I can't speak for public libraries in general, only the Cincinnati one. One thing you haven't mentioned, Guy, is the online system. Link. (http://www.cincinnatilibrary.org/) It is outstanding, especially for a public site. You can search books and other media (including branch location of books, a picture of many books, book reviews, summaries, etc.). The search function in my experience is pretty accurate. You can also renew books, place holds, and do a bunch of other stuff. Here (http://www.cincinnatilibrary.org/resources/) is an entire section devoted to research projects and homework if that's what you're looking for.

I have had no problems finding the books I am looking for using the online tools, which leads me to my next point. Guy, what background research are you doing on your own before approaching someone at the reference desk? If they see you have somewhat of a clue what you're doing - or at least that you made an effort to find it on your own - they'll be much more willing to help out. Generally, this is true in other aspects of life too.

I don't smell people at libraries, so I can't comment on that.

I think the main branch has a cafe.

There is (http://www.cincinnatilibrary.org/spotlight/mylibrarydvfaqs.html) a library program similar to netflix. This, and DVD checkout in general, is the only library program I'm not sure I'm wild about. Sometimes it just seems like a subsidized Blockbuster. I think literature - even if it's pulp fiction - tends to have more inherent educational quality, justifying it being free to the public.

[Kahns Krazy]

Seriously, I re-read the original post. Guy's argument here is that he likes Barnes and Noble but dislikes the library. He suggests they should make it more like Barnes and Noble, and charge you for books. They have that already. It's called Barnes and Noble.

I'm in the downtown library fairly often. Occasionally, I'll come across someone that does in fact smell. Big freakin whoop. Just move. Other than that, I have no problems down there, and have never had any kind of safety concern. By no means are "most" people smelly.

I have never had a library employee be anything but friendly. These are people who choose to spend their days in library's at below market wages or as volunteers. I've had people go above and beyond more at the library than in any other service business. I really don't believe or understand how you could make an argument to the contrary.

[GuyFawkes38]

I kid you not. I just came back from my library branch to pick up a book I ordered. It took 20 minutes to checkout my book because all Cincinnati library cards expire after a year and she had to reapply me.

The good news is that my library branch doesn't smell as much as other branches and the main library do (I think they use air fresheners).

Maybe I should be more appreciative.

It's just I know the X library receives much less funding than the Cincinnati public system. Yet, they seem to do a much, much better job.

[Juice]

I think you hit the nail on the head: A place funded by the government or a place that receives much less government funding and has to compete with other universities.

[xeus]

It's just I know the X library receives much less funding than the Cincinnati public system. Yet, they seem to do a much, much better job.

You can't seriously be comparing the two. Not even close to a valid comparison.

[GuyFawkes38]

You can't seriously be comparing the two. Not even close to a valid comparison.

Really????

Why is that a bad comparison.

[xeus]

Maybe if you made your comparison more specifically I'd better understand your point.

Explain to me why it's a good comparison.

[GuyFawkes38]

The X library has much, much better hours of service (as seen here: http://www.cincinnatilibrary.org/info/hours.asp)

I really get the sense that the Cincinnati public library system is bloated. It would be worth it to close down some of their 41 (!!!!) branches. They could keep the best, most helpful employees and with the savings extend hours (most people work...closing the main library at 6:00pm 4 days a week is inexcusable).

quality, not quantity. Give me 1 phenomenally great main branch and 15 excellent branches.

[xeus]

quality, not quantity. Give me 1 phenomenally great main branch and 15 excellent branches.

Quality in a public library system depends largely on circulation to all parts and demographics of the community. Keeping branches open in as many neighborhoods as possible is critical to the survival of the public library system. It increases access, which increases circulation. Circulation, in large part, drives public funding.

The public library has some phenomenal and historic buildings, including a number donated by Andrew Carnegie (walnut hills and avondale for example). The downtown library is excellent. Most (not all) of the branches are very well maintained, clean, safe, and up to date on titles.

In short, we already have 1 phenomenally great main branch, more than 15 excellent branches, and a whole bunch more great locations. Why do you want to close locations?

It is rather fascist of you to suggest limiting access to books (knowledge) to the few rather than the masses.

[GuyFawkes38]

The hours component is a big issue which you won't address.

Just think. There's both a Hyde Park and Oakly library branch (less than 2 miles apart). Call me crazy, but I think it would be great to combine them, which would allow them to have the staff and financial resources to keep it open on sunday and open until 10 pm every night.

The main library is only open until 5pm on Sunday and until 6 pm 3 other days of the week. That's awful. Period. It's inexcusable. If rectifying that problem means closing down some branches then so be it.

[xeus]

Not sure there's a demand for the public library on weeknights 'til 10. The library's hours are adequate. I don't disagree the Sat-Sun hours could be better - esp Sunday, 10-6 downtown would be nice. No need to open the branches on Sunday.

You made your original argument based on a comparison to the Xavier library. Here's why you can't compare the 2, particularly based on the hours they are open. Most college libraries are open late, late hours. Heck, I had 24 hour access to the UC law library. There simply is no comparing the hours of a university library and a public system.

[Fred Garvin]

I'm in the downtown library fairly often.

Did I see you and Xeus in the coffee shop comparing notes on "Marley and Me"?

[Snipe]

Huge fan of the public library.

They do have a lot of homeless looking people hanging out at the main, especially in the periodical section that goes over the street. Often people are playing chess. Is there a homeless chess club? And how do you scare up a game of chess down there?


I am in the main library more than once a week. My kids love the children's library but they play too many games. Storytime for kids is cool. I love the drive thru window. I can select my books online and have them waiting for my at the drive thru. What an amazing public service.

I am quite the socialist when it comes to libraries and public parks. Cincinnati boasts incredible assets in these respects and people should take advantage of them.

Ben Franklin was a big fan of libraries, and he may be the Greatest American ever known.

Cincinnati has the second oldest system of public libraries (1856). Our public library is 152 years old. Boston beat us by two years.

Here are the 19 Largest Cities op the U. S. in 1890 and the Dates When They Established Public Library Service:

Boston 1854
Cincinnati 1856
St. Louis 1865
Detroit 1865
Cleveland 1869
Chicago 1872
Milwaukee 1875
San Francisco 1879
Pittsburgh 1881
Baltimore 1882
Newark 1889
Minneapolis 1889
Jersey 1889
Philadelphia 1891
Brooklyn 1892
New York 1895
New Orleans 1896
Buffalo 1897
Washington DC 1898

Charles Williams once went to the UC Library to do research and interpretation of NCAA regulations.

[Kahns Krazy]

Guy, library cards don't expire every year. I called them and told them you were no longer a patron and they should cancel your card and enroll you in the Barnes and Noble pretentious ass club. I don't understand why you would condescend to enter one of our smelly, unsafe libraries, and I'd appreciate it if you'd just stay out from now on.

I guess maybe you're just trying to bait an argument, but boy is your act really old. Your arguments are either weak and unfunny (Library users are smelly and annoying) or flat out wrong (Most public library employees are rude and not helpful.) (Obama is proposing a tax plan that will make it better to earn less money).

It's a free country, so you're welcome to keep spewing your crap all over the board, and I'll just keep appreciating it as much as I enjoyed the bronze medalist in the olympic wrestling.

[Smooth]

This weekend is the big warehouse sale @ 8456 Vine St in Hartwell. You can still get there Saturday 10-6 and Sunday noon-3. Guaranteed that you will get caught in a narrow aisle with a smelly person or four. You will also walk out of there with 8 books for $20. You will also get a good workout carrying those books 3 blocks back to your car. I can't think of a better way to spend a beautiful weekend.

[chico]

I'll tell you what, one of my kids' favorite trips is when we go to the Madeira library. They absolutely love that place. The two older ones have become voracious readers because of the easy access to all kinds of books. The two younger ones love the fact that they can go and find all sorts of books to look at and have read to them.

They also love going to the downtown library - the kids section there is great. Granted, it's not the best place to go on a regular basis but weekend afternoons are generally fine.

Plus, when the kids have a question, the librarians are more than helpful. I have yet to come across a librarian who is rude or unfriendly.

Personally, I love the fact that I can find all sorts of music that I can try out.

[X-band '01]

I like that I can rent full seasons of shows like "24" or "Simpsons" for free because of public libraries

The reason I don't get stuff from the library like that is because I once rented a Monty Python DVD set from the library several years ago that was corrupted and also screwed up my DVD player.