Who here uses their local library?

mrsdewinter · 15-04-2010 09:49AM

Don't know why people give out about the ILAC library being full of old books and old people. It's not a reading room, or a bespoke book boutique for People Like Us, it's a community resource. I've found Dublin library service fairly quick off the mark with hot new releases (love the reserve function on their website) and even if I can't find the very latest Paul Auster down there, as someone else said, it's not as if I'll run out of reading material in this lifetime. By the way, in my limited experience, Cabra library is the best. Bright, bustling, fab staff... it's been too long: I think I'll nip down today.

parker kent · 15-04-2010 09:53AM

davearthurs wrote: »

I dunno, most Dublin libraries I've been in are pretty poor, especially for any recent books. The ILAC library is particularly horrible IMO. Full of old books and old weirdos. I get the impression Dublin Council has zero funds for looking after libraries, like with the swimming pools etc., It's high time Dublin had a large decent central public library. In fact it's kinda criminal it hasn't - literary city and all that.

The idea was to move from the ILAC to the Ambassador but that is on hold for the minute. It should hopefully still happen though.

Funding is an issue, it is difficult to keep everybody happy. To create the ideal central library you want, smaller ones around the city would have to close. I know there are holes in the catalogue but you can borrow any book from any library in Ireland if you want. It is a pain but it is worth it in the end. I think the catalogue is pretty decent in DCC. I'd be a bit of literary snob but it has most of what I have ever wanted.

Earthhorse · 15-04-2010 12:03PM

Haven't used a library since my college days. I prefer to buy and own books. Guess I'm just stupid with money.

Ruu wrote: »

If you like inside the city limits, then part of your property tax already pays for your card.

Yeah, sure I like inside the city limits, I like 'em just fine.

<_<
>_>

monkeypants · 15-04-2010 12:21PM

Bonito wrote: »

Mine keeps saying I have this book. http://www.wodonga.vic.gov.au/storytime/images/003.jpg

Even though I was never a member!!! I can't join 'til they get this book back. :mad:

Own up. I know it's your favourite book, but just give it back.

Dunjohn · 15-04-2010 01:06PM

Well, apparently a lot of libraries have had their funding for new books cut back drastically. So that's actually an interesting way to bring new stuff in. "Sure, you can join... but first, you must bring us this volume."

*pictures Indiana Jones map sequence*

Awesome.

Totoro_ · 15-04-2010 02:54PM

Manga would be aewsum :cool:

Ammonite · 15-04-2010 08:25PM

parker kent wrote: »

Do you have any letters from college or work etc? Or any letter from an official source? Even proof of where you are working will be enough, you just have to live or work in the area to join. If not, you can get your housemate as a guarantor. You just join using a different form when you go to the library, best to bring her with you when you join and have her bring the proof of address.

As for paying to join a library....where have you guys had to do that? I'm a librarian and have not heard of any public libraries doing that in Ireland. Would be interested to find out.

Libraries are awesome

I have letters addressed to me at work, I didn't know you could join based on that. I'll try that then first, thanks:D

I remember the old library at home was ancient. It was a huge musty room with a row of old bookshelfs against the wall on one side only, like something out of the 40's. The librarian probably dated from around the same time. I remember thinking as a kid that the selection of books was pretty terrible, they clearly had no money to buy any.

I love libraries too:cool:

mucker55 · 15-04-2010 08:41PM

I do use my local Video Library quite often, Yes.;)

Stephentlig · 15-04-2010 08:45PM

Not a lot, I used it for quite a while but only for the internet and the odd book or two.

Your post has also reminded me to leave them back!!!:eek:

Pax Christi
Stephen

parker kent · 15-04-2010 09:50PM

Ammonite wrote: »

I have letters addressed to me at work, I didn't know you could join based on that. I'll try that then first, thanks:D

I remember the old library at home was ancient. It was a huge musty room with a row of old bookshelfs against the wall on one side only, like something out of the 40's. The librarian probably dated from around the same time. I remember thinking as a kid that the selection of books was pretty terrible, they clearly had no money to buy any.

I love libraries too:cool:

Well it should be enough anyway but keep your housemate as backup. She can be your guarantor like I said. But I'd let you join anyway once I saw photo ID and proof you worked in Dublin.

davearthurs · 15-04-2010 11:57PM

Well, apparently a lot of libraries have had their funding for new books cut back drastically. So that's actually an interesting way to bring new stuff in. "Sure, you can join... but first, you must bring us this volume."

I've asked before if I could donate books to the library system and they said no - they don't allow it. It would certainly help if they did I think. They could probably build it into their web system as requests. They are especially lacking many classic works by US writers I've found. Their art book collection is particularly weak.

Sure , you'll find 40 copies of Dan Brown novels in the system, but often you are lucky to find one copy of a work by Mailer, Didion, John McPhee etc.,

Dionysus · 16-04-2010 12:33AM

Libraries are the nearest thing to heaven on this planet. I absolutely adore locking myself away reading dusty old manuscripts and books. The scent, the peace, the solace, topped off by the dead sexy bookworm librarian who loves the silence of the library as much as you.

They are definitely one of the few publicly-funded sanctuaries left in modern societies.

parker kent · 16-04-2010 02:52PM

Dionysus wrote: »

topped off by the dead sexy bookworm librarian.

Name this library or else...pics or GTFO

Mike 1972 · 16-04-2010 03:08PM

davearthurs wrote: »

I've asked before if I could donate books to the library system and they said no - they don't allow it. It would certainly help if they did I think.

Its stupid that they dont.

A lot of people have dozens/hundreds of books lying around that realistically theyll never read again. Other people could be enjoying them. Charity shops are okay for getting rid of popular fiction type stuff but for those of us with more minority interests the charity shops would probably just chuck our books in the bin.

davearthurs · 16-04-2010 04:08PM

Exactly. I mean I like the idea of a personal library anyway, and watching out for good writers and good books to add to it, as opposed to just 'popular' books - which I still like to read but which rarely warrant keeping on a shelf long term.

But I don't get a sense Dublin libraries actually try to build up a collection of the 'good stuff'. it's something I only really noticed the more I go searching on their website. And a lot you go looking for that are listed as there turn out to be lost/missing in reality. Their catalog system seems pretty shaky at best.

In term of libraries as spaces worth hanging around in, I find many of the central dublin libraries are cramped, and give too much space over to computers with no where to sit, so they probably should close some of them and create one big new central library. The Blanchardstown library is the only one I've seen that actually seems to get the balance right, but it's out of my way. There are some lovely old library buildings but I'm not sure how well they really function as decent libraries. Space is a huge factor needed in modern libraries I think to allow for a lot of activities. I know a few are closed at the moment as they retro fit lifts etc., into them. But a bit like the natural history museum being a 'museum of a museum' I wonder if they aren't just keeping alive retro libraries for the sake of it.

--LOS-- · 16-04-2010 05:02PM

Ammonite wrote: »

I have letters addressed to me at work, I didn't know you could join based on that. I'll try that then first, thanks:D

bank statement either.

Pearse street library is pretty good for study coz once you get a space you can leave your study space card on the table to save your seat if you want to head off. Although the guy at the desk that has to buzz you in and out of the gate is annoying, always takes his sweet time.I find the internet really slow in there though.

It's always a race for a seat in the ilac but the weird old people provide good laughs

vicecreamsundae · 01-06-2010 12:00AM

davearthurs wrote: »

I've asked before if I could donate books to the library system and they said no - they don't allow it. It would certainly help if they did I think. They could probably build it into their web system as requests. They are especially lacking many classic works by US writers I've found. Their art book collection is particularly weak.

they don't allow it?! that's so strange! i know Clare libraries accept donations.

Totoro, most libraries should have manga, i know my local one has a good selection of manga and graphic novels.

Mr Benevolent · 01-06-2010 01:11AM

Have to say Irish libraries are great compared to Australian libraries, which are all show and no good books.

MickShamrock · 01-06-2010 01:55AM

I use it for the odd book or dvd every now and then.

moonflower · 01-06-2010 02:03AM

Dunjohn wrote: »

Two euro? Bargain. Galway's a fiver.

Didn't check if it was for a year or for life. The card's laminated, so that's a good sign.

It's €2 if you're unemployed, €5 if you're working and it's an annual charge. They forgot to charge me this year though

davearthurs wrote: »

I've asked before if I could donate books to the library system and they said no - they don't allow it. It would certainly help if they did I think. They could probably build it into their web system as requests. They are especially lacking many classic works by US writers I've found. Their art book collection is particularly weak.

Galway library allows donations afaik. Last time I was in the one in town I overheard one of the librarians on the phone saying a set of Twilight books had been donated, she was ringing the other libraries trying to get rid of them.

MardiB · 01-06-2010 05:24PM

nucking futs wrote: »

Eh, the library I assume? Membership does cost money you know

Not in all libraries. the one I work in has free membership.

MardiB · 01-06-2010 05:28PM

segaBOY wrote: »

Would use it if their opening times were more flexible

What library are you using?

Boxoffrogs · 01-06-2010 05:41PM

I use South Dublin libraries, you can borrow from one library and return to another. Although I live in Lucan, Tallaght is much better so I would use it quite a bit.

I've never paid a cent apart from overdue/reservation fees. It seems unfair that you might have to pay in some areas and not others.

I response to someone saying that the reading list is quite restrictive, I don't find this to be the case. If a book is not available, they will usually get you a copy somehow. I pestered them for a book that was out of print and they bought in a copy. They will go to some lengths.

wonton · 01-06-2010 06:23PM

the lucan library has a terrible music section

alwaysadub · 01-06-2010 06:29PM

I keep meaning to join my local one since i moved(18 months ago

) but never got round to it. Now i'm unemployed,i really have no excuse!!

Mike 1972 · 01-06-2010 06:32PM

wonton wrote: »

the lucan library has a terrible music section

A lot of libraries still have none at all

You can still use your card in other branches or request stuff though

owenc · 01-06-2010 06:33PM

I use it the odd time, like twice a year.

BluesBerry · 01-06-2010 07:53PM

Damn My local library charged me €6.50 :mad: although it is for 3 years membership still thoufgh reading this thread and seeing people avail of the library for free it saddens me

:P

Anyway the library is great, sometimes they put on little things like story telling and arts and crafts for kids, but since the work to rule thing they had there a while ago they put a stop to that :mad::(:mad::(

BlanchLibrary · 24-06-2010 03:41PM

You can now join Fingal Libraries from the comfort of your own home - we have just introduced Online Registration!

http://library.fingalcoco.ie/cgi-bin/vps2.6_selfreg.sh?session_no=1483647&sess_id=N8GHLZGdyBvzkMpiFnPl6Up1pArdwk31iBkl7tXmzdmy4ycyRD7v6h8jppqdR4he

Free of charge to join!

Adults can borrow 10 items (Books, CDs, DVDs, etc.)

Free Internet Access

Fingal Libraries include Blanchardstown, Balbriggan, Malahide, Swords, Howth, Skerries, Baldoyle & Garristown.

We look forward to meeting all of our new members!

moonpurple · 24-06-2010 04:58PM

i take 10 books out every 3 days

but not for me

Who here uses their local library?

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