Books are a thing of the past:  unless they are online, electronic, or get made into movies.

Everyone is gaming.  No one is reading.

The library is too quiet.  The library’s not quiet enough.

Personally, I find that libraries are worth a visit.  When I need a place to go for a bit of respite, if I need to get my hands on elusive information or an exclusive tool– and often, when I just want, need and/or crave a little or inspiration –online or in-person–I choose a library.

For starters, The Morgan Library on Madison Avenue, is not just a library, it’s a museum.  http://www.themorgan.org/.  I don’t know what your budget looks like, but free culture and entertainment is difficult to come by on my budget.  Hit their website, and find out how much you can do here, without spending a dime, unless you so choose.

Then there’s the New York Public Library–wow!  Fun fact:  part of the library’s collection runs beneath Bryant park–between Fifth and Sixth Avenues and 40th and 42nd Streets.  They have a great digital collection that you can even access without a library card.  See:  nypl.org.  And if you want something more interactive see their press site: http://www.nypl.org/press/.  There are all kinds of things available at the library, including theatre, lectures, and classes.  So we can all be better informed.

Speaking of the NYPL, they provide great lists of recommended children’s books.  Adults can find recommended databases.  Learners of all ages can find recommended websites, organized by category.

If the web is your thing:  you may also want to check out the ALA, also known as the American Library Association.  This group (perhaps best know for those infamous READ signs featuring celebrities, such as Bill Cosby and Oprah Winfrew)  links to several useful websites.

And while I’m talking about great websites, I highly recommend the IMLS website.  The Institute of Museum and Library Services provides library and information-related grants, resources, initiatives, and even podcasts to inspire the library-lovers among us.  Here’s a nice little PowerPoint presentation:  The Romance of Lost Causes: Preserving Digital Art

Are you a library-lover?  Not sure?  This may be just the time to find out.  Sign up for a library card.  It’s National Library Card Month, after all:    Many public and research libraries will provide you with a keytag, for those who need to travel light.  If you’re really smart, and you don’t think you will actually step foot in the library. . .  you can memorize your number – and enter it at your website for access to books, movies and all kinds of subscription databases online.  Why not?  It’s  National Library Month after all.    http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/advocacy/publicawareness/alainitiatives/otherinitiatives/card/librarycard.cfmMaybe

Perhaps, libraries just need better PR.

I know, I know libraries are old-fashioned.  Libraries are dirty and/or stuffy. . . .  So what! I am going to enjoy them while they last.