Red Room Where the Writers Are

A couple of weeks ago I got to do the most amazing thing. I had 24 hours with no responsibilities, no one needing me so I checked into a motel and slept for 12 hours, then went to a park and finished reading a book. Ate lunch alone and went to a library (go figure) and just watched the people and was grateful that our small town library doesn't deal with the issues that a large metro library does.

Libraries are a-changin' that's for sure. Gone are the quiet bastion's with tight-lipped women walking around saying "Shhhh!" Todays libraries are busy, bustling places for young mothers to meet and talk while their kids play, business men to hang out with their laptops and cell phones while waiting for their next appointment. It's where students come to get on the internet to play video games, or do research for their next assignment. College students take classes, travelers check their e-mail or get directions, geneologist research family history.

The battle rages about whether libraries are obsolete. Some libraries choose to change with the times and become less libraries and more recreation centers providing entertainment. Some libraries (like ours) try and walk the fine line between providing the activities and programs the community wants and maintaining the library atmosphere of a peaceful place to work, read and study.

The challenge for me is to learn as much as I can about technology, use what I can as I can and take advantage of every opportunity to develop the skills to change with the times and provide the best service available to our patrons.