I read with some sadness today about the South Windham Public Library closing down permanently. I guess it's partly my fault--I never went there, but I hate to think of a library closing its doors. It feels like something is being lost; a resource to go to for information or even just for entertainment.
I love to wander around a library and think of all the possible books I could read. Everything from literature to history to self help to sci-fi to today's best sellers, all can generally be found in a public library. My problem is that I want to try to read everything before I die. It's not going to happen, but I'm going to give it a shot anyway. Libraries are a source of joy for me just because of the endless options, although sometimes it can be overwhelming. Plus the librarians in Windham (the regular Windham Public Library) are very helpful and friendly. One helped me figure out how to check out books from the download library available online for my Nook. While we're on that subject, I don't think e-readers will entirely replace books because paper books do not need to have their batteries recharged. You don't get the same experience pressing a button that you do turning a page. And while technology is available so you can highlight passages, make notes, etc. it's not the same as writing stuff down. So, while I have a Nook, and will use it for traveling, and I do use it regularly, I'm not giving up on regular paper books, and I'm not giving up on libraries.