Who here uses their local library?

corkcomp

I honestly dont know where my local library is, or if one even exists .. my only library membership is a graduate membership in college library but never bother

davearthurs

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.

I find I have to scour borrowbooks.ie most times now as so few good books are in the local libraries. They don't seem to watch out for their own catalogue - for example many "classics" aren't even in the libraries or when you go to find them are lost and not replaced. Same goes for any recent popular reads.

Travel is good

crayolastereo wrote: »

I would use my library a lot more if it wasn't entirely made up of whodunnits, dvds and mills and boon where the feminist books should be :S

Oh OK then, it doesn't have books for everyone. Is there a feminist section in any of the Dublin libraries? Have you asked them?

Mike 1972

davearthurs wrote: »

The ILAC library is particularly horrible.

IIRC The ILAC centre in general is pretty horrible..........

Whoever is in charge of ordering/stocking for the music library there seems to be have an obsession with film soundtracks.

Dunjohn wrote: »

Galway's a fiver.

Was in the place once. Thought it was shockingly bad given the size of the city it served. The one in Tuam is actually better.

Jammyc

Tail Wagger wrote: »

I was doing a job in the newly refurbished Greystones Library about two weeks ago, I couldn't believe the amount of people who use the facilities.

At one stage I counted about 35 people in the place, the place was buzzing from 10am until I left it at about 4pm.

Great service and a good facility for everyone, congratulations to Wicklow County Libraries and give credit where it's due...

Waaay! Greystones library!!:D

Travel is good

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.

I find I have to scour borrowbooks.ie most times now as so few good books are in the local libraries. They don't seem to watch out for their own catalogue - for example many "classics" aren't even in the libraries or when you go to find them are lost and not replaced. Same goes for any recent popular reads.

I agree with you on the location of the Central Public Library. Look at how much of a tourist attraction it is in New York, Bryant Library?

I had hoped that we would get a more suitable site, say the Ambassador, or somewhere around the Carlton redevelopment. I suppose that's out of the question now, with reduced funding. It's a shame. I heard a couple of weeks ago that the library in Sallynoggin was going to close, because of reduced staff.

I know the ILAC is looking a bit poor. Maybe we all need to remind our councillors that money should be prioritised for libraries. Then you would get up to date books & building refurbishments.

To be fair, under the circumstances, I think libraries & librarians do a great job. And no, I don't work in a library, I just have always loved them, from childhood.

phasers

Is the Ambassador not becoming a library? I heard that it was a while ago, I remember because I was sad to see it go as a venue for gigs

SugarHigh

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.

How could being full of old books be a bad thing?

Humans have been writing books for 4000 years so I wouldn't look down on a library for not having the latest book because it's not like you've read all the others.:D

vicecreamsundae

Travel is good wrote: »

Oh OK then, it doesn't have books for everyone. Is there a feminist section in any of the Dublin libraries? Have you asked them?

they'll have a section [often in sociology] but in my experience they'll usually have one or two decent texts and then all sorts of other crap like Men are from Mars etc shoved on the same shelf.

segaBOY

Would use it if their opening times were more flexible

mrsdewinter

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

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

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

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

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_

Manga would be aewsum :cool:

Ammonite

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

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

Stephentlig

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

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

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

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

Dionysus wrote: »

topped off by the dead sexy bookworm librarian.

Name this library or else...pics or GTFO

Mike 1972

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

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--

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

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

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

MickShamrock

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

moonflower

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

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

segaBOY wrote: »

Would use it if their opening times were more flexible

What library are you using?

Boxoffrogs

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

the lucan library has a terrible music section

alwaysadub

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

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

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

BluesBerry

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

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

i take 10 books out every 3 days

but not for me

Mike 1972

moonpurple wrote: »

i take 10 books out every 3 days

I hope you bring them back ?

monkeypants

wonton wrote: »

the lucan library has a terrible music section

If there's something particular that you want, ask if they can get it in. My local library (Swords) will get books/CDs/DVDs for me from other libraries if I request them. Each request is 50c, which I don't begrudge them.

up for anything

Travel is good wrote: »

I've just looked up Colum McCann's latest book, "Falling for a dancer"

Is that book not by Deirdre Purcell?

Libraries are great until I've read everything in them and then have to move house to find a new one.

AnonoBoy

up for anything wrote: »

Is that book not by Deirdre Purcell?

Yup it is. McCann has a novel called 'Dancer' but it isn't his latest - it came out about six years ago.

So Travel is Good's local library mustn't be that good after all.

thetonynator

My local library has membership of €15 per year, is very small,has a bad selection of books, haven't got a new book in 2 years due to council cutbacks, have no dvd's, most recent cds are from 2-3 years ago. They will order a book from another library free of charge but they wont get new ones, not even really popular ones.

up for anything

thetonynator wrote: »

My local library has membership of €15 per year, is very small,has a bad selection of books, haven't got a new book in 2 years due to council cutbacks, have no dvd's, most recent cds are from 2-3 years ago. They will order a book from another library free of charge but they wont get new ones, not even really popular ones.

This is a big problem with libraries now. I have a 10 book a week habit and it's hard to keep it fed. I may resort to shoplifting soon.

Gyalist

My local library is full of hot foreign women with netbooks taking advantage of the free net access.

John C

I am a fully paid up member of Cork County Council Library. There I read "da paper", magazines and books. The local branch has four internet terminals with a printer. There I print my boarding pass Cork>Munich. The staff are A1. Great service for 2.50 Euro per year.

In Bavaria I am also a library member. The fee is 10 € per year. It also has a great selection of books, cassettes, DVDs, magazines: Music on headphones and Internet are also on tap. There are big queues on Saturday morning.

Both provides me with a great service.

thesimpsons

my local libraries are free - between myself and kids we take out about 20 books every month. couldn't possibly buy that amount myself to keep them all in reading. Daily newspapers also avail, music, research, dvd, audio books, etc. and plenty of room for studying, internet usage, etc. I thought all libraries were free though. something for nothing - wow. didn't realise how lucky we were.

parker kent

thetonynator wrote: »

My local library has membership of €15 per year, is very small,has a bad selection of books, haven't got a new book in 2 years due to council cutbacks, have no dvd's, most recent cds are from 2-3 years ago. They will order a book from another library free of charge but they wont get new ones, not even really popular ones.

But the libraries are part of a network. Your local library is a branch in a larger network. They are not "ordering" a book from another library, the branch it is coming from is part of your library too. Given the cutbacks etc, they will keep the popular titles in the branches with the highest footfall, but there is noting preventing you using your library to reserve books from other branches.

Use www.borrowbooks.ie to check out the full catalogue nationwide.