Will Public Libraries Become Extinct?

Will Public Libraries Become Extinct?

A Quora user recently asked,“Will public libraries become extinct? Why or why not?” Here is my answer.

I can’t see them going extinct in my lifetime. If anything, I could see the number of libraries shrinking a bit over time. I think libraries will continue to exist for many years to come for several reasons.

1) Apps and programs like Overdrive show a willingness from libraries to invest energy and time into technology that satisfies instant gratification the way Audible and Kindle do. Granted, Overdrive isn’t quite as instant as Audible and Kindle. You sometimes have to wait for audiobooks and ebooks , but it still provides a free, quick, and seamless way for people to get their electronic book fix.

2) In many communities, libraries serve functions far beyond lending books. Many are kid-friendly and act as a meeting place for parents to bring their young children. Kids can play and browse books and parents don’t have to feel the same pressures they might feel in a store that isn’t kid-friendly.

3) People who can’t afford computers or WiFi are able to use their computers to blog, check emails, create a LinkedIn account, use Quora, etc.

4) My local library offers book talks, entrepreneur meetups, movie showings, and yoga classes. Most of these events are well attended from what I’ve seen. Again, my library is serving a community need that goes beyond book lending.

5) We live in an age where people still enjoy the act of browsing books in a physical space. I use Audible and Kindle, but I still read physical books all the time. I appreciate the utility of being able to buy something I want in an instant, but I love a lazy Sunday afternoon when I can walk to my library, talk to the staff, pick their brain for recommendations, and browse books with zero pressure to buy.

6) We must remember that not everyone can afford to own/wants to own/owns a computer or device to read ebooks on. Also, many people cannot afford the luxury of amassing a large personal library. The fact that anyone can check out a book and read it for free is an amazing thing. As a society we must continue to offer ways for people to read for free. We already have an amazing system for doing so with our local libraries.

7) The idea of technology disrupting physical items into extinction is over-hyped. I’ve seen this with cassettes, vinyl, and VHS before. New technologies are introduced that are supposed to eradicate old ones, but nostalgia and emotional connection to physical items are both powerful driving forces. As I stated before, I think the number of libraries may shrink over time. I just can’t see Audible and Kindle leading to their total destruction.

8. People love curation. There are some many books these days, especially with the books in self-publishing. The sheer volume of choices can be suffocating. Sure, we have Amazon, Goodreads, and so on, but people still enjoying going to a space where they can have human interaction and talk to an actual person about book recommendations. This is why some indie bookstores have managed to stay successful despite all the radical changes in the book industry. Libraries offer an accepting, inviting place to find new recommended reads.