this post was submitted on 12 Jan 2024

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Gen Z and millennials have an unlikely love affair with their local libraries (theconversation.com)

submitted 11 months ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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[–] captainlezbian 51 points 11 months ago (1 children)

Is it unlikely or do boomers just not get that libraries fucking rule? Where else am I going to have a goth hand me a book about woodworking, 5 novels, and my tax forms before telling me how to register to vote all for free?

Seriously, im currently listening to an audiobook for free, legally, with the author getting compensated. And all I have to do is wait for it and pay my fair share of taxes to ensure this resource continues to exist for everyone.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 11 months ago

I don't know about anyone else, but this boomer basically grew up in libraries. The local village's library is one of the more popular places in town for pretty much everyone of all ages.

[–] Therealgoodjanet 33 points 11 months ago (3 children)

Hell yeah! Free books, magazines, games etc. to borrow. They offer free activities and programs for children and adults. It’s for everyone, regardless of your social status or income, what’s not to like?!

[–] captainlezbian 15 points 11 months ago

And it’s a place you can just exist. And access a computer. It’s a great resource when you’re unable to go home

[–] EdibleFriend 9 points 11 months ago

The librarian won't let her hair down no matter how many times I ask. I just want to see what happens :(

[+] [email protected] -10 points 11 months ago (4 children)

You have every free book, magazine, game, etc. on the Internet.

I fail to see why one would go to a physical location to get this instead.

[–] Olhonestjim 24 points 11 months ago* (last edited 11 months ago)

Libraries aren't just places for lending books, movies, and games to the public. They are importantly one of the few third places still available in most towns, alongside parks. Third places allow the public a place to gather and relax together at zero cost. Many have also branched out to lending expensive physical objects like tools, 3d printers, and such. Furthermore, librarians aren't just old ladies who check out books for kids. They are trained professionals who systematically arrange and assist researchers in finding information sources. Libraries store local news stories, public information, and vast quantities of other esoteric info long term, that you will never, ever find online. Do you need to find a map of the local area from a century ago? The Internet won't help you much with that. Librarians know exactly how to find that stuff. These days, searches just serve ads to buy stuff you don't need.

[–] [email protected] 9 points 11 months ago

You can go online for your library as well but some things may not be available digitally for free that are on location.

[–] [email protected] 7 points 11 months ago (1 children)

not everyone can access internet

[–] captainlezbian 13 points 11 months ago (1 children)

Actually they can! They just have to go to the library to use it!

[–] [email protected] 6 points 11 months ago (1 children)

And for those who can’t get into your local library, many of them offer services online.

[–] [email protected] 5 points 11 months ago

Wait a minute

[–] [email protected] 2 points 11 months ago

Not everything is available on the internet. It tends to bias towards recent publications.

[–] Kiwi 28 points 11 months ago (1 children)

How is it unlikely? Libraries are the shit and we were taught how to use them in public school. We also have a significantly lower stigma about using public services unlike the shit ass generations before us

[–] [email protected] 9 points 11 months ago

I totally agree. And for two generations screwed out of so much else, it’s the only place any of us can get stuff for free.

[–] laverabe 16 points 11 months ago

It's one of the few public community gathering places that exist for those generations. Older generations had their churches. Most younger people are non religious, so if someone wants to go somewhere and not have to spend money, a library is the only place I can think of that it is socially acceptable to loiter and do whatever you please (as long as it's quite).

[–] [email protected] 13 points 11 months ago

Dude. I am 33 and love my library. I joined their book clubs and walking groups. I am the only one under 65, but it is so much fun.

[–] [email protected] 7 points 11 months ago

Inexpensive entertainment.

[–] [email protected] 6 points 11 months ago

Good.