Big Changes at the Main Branch Library Downtown |
"The Readers" Sculpture by Clement Renzi greets visitors at the Main Branch Library Downtown Fresno http://clementrenzi.org/ |
My jaw dropped as I walked through the door of the main library recently. What happened to all the books? Where did they go? Are they still here somewhere or did they just get rid of a lot of them? I asked the librarian behind the counter, "yes, they're all still here, but we did get rid of some of them," he said making me wonder if he just told me yes and no at the same time?
Rows of computers where there used to be books |
Used to be newspapers and homeless people here |
Then I noticed where the newspapers used to be there are tax forms
and such the library gives away and a secton for selling the worn,
soiled or obsolete books. 10 cents a book. But, mostly just a big open
space. There also used to be a sofa type of padded chair where usually
sat a homeless person. That's gone. Where will the homeless sit now?
They can still sit on wooden chairs, there's still plenty of them.
Reference department-there's newspapers back there somewhere |
When you can get on the internet and look at just about any newspaper, why would you want to look at a hard copy of it? I guess if you don't have internet access, but the library is providing free internet access at all those dozens of PCs all lined up.
The Newseum website has the front pages of 796 Newspapers from 84 countries:
Wide open spaces |
It still is a nice looking, very functional library. I guess it's
that mid-50s Modern so many Architects like. It makes for a good
atmosphere to read and think.
Wide open spaces and new, modern ergonomic-looking counters makes for
a pleasant library experience. They've also added self-check-out
stations where you scan your own books, DVDs or CDs and walk out without
talking to anyone.
I like the self checkout but there is a little learning curve. I'll
get it down eventually. I'm ok with all
these changes just don't take my
library away.
ds
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