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Ode to libraries (the book ones)

sibervepunk.com

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Re: Ode to libraries (the book ones)

#11

Post by acdha »

dpassens wrote: post #10

> So what to do? Go to nearest coffee shop. You’re lucky if they don’t play tasteless trendy music. You’re lucky if a waiter doesn’t keep asking if you need anything, isn’t intrusive, and doesn’t subtly let you know when it’s time to leave by checking on you constantly . You’re lucky if no teenagers talking loudly about their-whatever-teens-talk-about-these-days. Oh, by the way, pay a lot of money to be here and to d…

That doesn’t sound to me as entitled, more like acknowledging that they’re not the market most coffee shop owners are targeting. I’ve known a few places with target laptop workers but commercial real estate pricing in many markets is brutal in a way that libraries are less exposed to.

Re: Ode to libraries (the book ones)

#12

Post by siberpunk »

dpassens wrote: post #10

> So what to do? Go to nearest coffee shop. You’re lucky if they don’t play tasteless trendy music. You’re lucky if a waiter doesn’t keep asking if you need anything, isn’t intrusive, and doesn’t subtly let you know when it’s time to leave by checking on you constantly . You’re lucky if no teenagers talking loudly about their-whatever-teens-talk-about-these-days. Oh, by the way, pay a lot of money to be here and to d…

Fair point, but we can’t ignore the fact that many coffee shops provide desks with power outlets, and sometimes even dedicated workspaces, and that this has become a clear trend. These coffee shops also earn revenue from customers who want a workspace, and they incorporate this into their marketing. So, cafes don’t rely solely on coffee sales; the environment they provide contributes significantly to their income. Many people choose cafes as an alternative way to spend time outside. Therefore, some bussinesses aim to offer a workspace, some a social space, and some simply create an environment for spending time. And their offer just don't work for me. I'm not demanding anything from them; I just don’t use their business.

Re: Ode to libraries (the book ones)

#13

Post by cyphar »

siberpunk wrote: post #9
philipwhiuk wrote: post #6

Libraries aren't free co-working spaces though. This remote worker is fortunate that no-one else does this because it would rapidly worsen. And I'm sure there's more than a handful of remote workers in their area so it would quickly descend into slots and worsen the 'regular purpose' of the library.

Mentioned in the article, I'm not sure if libraries work the same way in everywhere. But this one has literally free co-working spaces that anyone, including remote workers, students, or readers could use. Also quoting from an aspiring-librarian: "It always makes me happy to see someone using their local library as the community space it was meant to be!" Probably different countries, cities or organizations have dif…

Most libraries in most countries I've been to have community spaces intended for (among other things) study and work. Most have dozens of services completely unrelated to loaning out books.

Re: Ode to libraries (the book ones)

#14

Post by Lu2025 »

dpassens wrote: post #10

> So what to do? Go to nearest coffee shop. You’re lucky if they don’t play tasteless trendy music. You’re lucky if a waiter doesn’t keep asking if you need anything, isn’t intrusive, and doesn’t subtly let you know when it’s time to leave by checking on you constantly . You’re lucky if no teenagers talking loudly about their-whatever-teens-talk-about-these-days. Oh, by the way, pay a lot of money to be here and to d…

Something like 60% of a coffee shop Cost of Goods Sold is rent. You aren't really paying for coffee when you sit down with a cup.

Re: Ode to libraries (the book ones)

#15

Post by hopelite »

dpassens wrote: post #10

> So what to do? Go to nearest coffee shop. You’re lucky if they don’t play tasteless trendy music. You’re lucky if a waiter doesn’t keep asking if you need anything, isn’t intrusive, and doesn’t subtly let you know when it’s time to leave by checking on you constantly . You’re lucky if no teenagers talking loudly about their-whatever-teens-talk-about-these-days. Oh, by the way, pay a lot of money to be here and to d…

I thought you were a bit harsh by calling it entitled, but then I saw “Then rent an office or subscribe to a co-working space? What? I get paid to work, not to pay for it.” Right afterwards, so I’m included to agree that there is definitely some kind of entitlement going on.

The irony is that even as this person complains about “paying to work”, libraries are often immensely expensive and he pays for that library with every paycheck and tax bill.

Re: Ode to libraries (the book ones)

#16

Post by siberpunk »

cyphar wrote: post #13
siberpunk wrote: post #9

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Mentioned in the article, I'm not sure if libraries work the same way in everywhere. But this one has literally free co-working spaces that anyone, including remote workers, students, or readers could use. Also quoting from an aspiring-librarian: "It always makes me happy to see someone using their local library as the community space it was meant to be!" Probably different countries, cities or organizations have dif…

Most libraries in most countries I've been to have community spaces intended for (among other things) study and work. Most have dozens of services completely unrelated to loaning out books.

Yes, another user in the comments mentioned that their library offers streaming services, rental video games and cheap/free snacks. Right when I was thinking I am lucky with mine :)

Re: Ode to libraries (the book ones)

#17

Post by ZeroGravitas »

I find libraries immensely soothing and am lucky enough to have several nearby to rotate through so I have also done this.

Combining a cycle to get there and coming back with a new book in my laptop bag is a good feeling.

Video calls are tricky, since you don't want to disturb others. Audio calls can be an excuse to take a walk outside in the sunlight. But I generally try to plan around calls and make the trip when I want to focus.

I'm also happy with just a laptop, which not all developers are.

I also quite like the background noise of students doing homework and old people getting taught how to use computers and the other human life going on quietly in the background. The occasional group of toddlers having a sing-song is a special treat.

Re: Ode to libraries (the book ones)

#18

Post by siberpunk »

hopelite wrote: post #15
dpassens wrote: post #10

> So what to do? Go to nearest coffee shop. You’re lucky if they don’t play tasteless trendy music. You’re lucky if a waiter doesn’t keep asking if you need anything, isn’t intrusive, and doesn’t subtly let you know when it’s time to leave by checking on you constantly . You’re lucky if no teenagers talking loudly about their-whatever-teens-talk-about-these-days. Oh, by the way, pay a lot of money to be here and to d…

I thought you were a bit harsh by calling it entitled, but then I saw “Then rent an office or subscribe to a co-working space? What? I get paid to work, not to pay for it.” Right afterwards, so I’m included to agree that there is definitely some kind of entitlement going on. The irony is that even as this person complains about “paying to work”, libraries are often immensely expensive and he pays for that library wit…

From this perspective, nothing we call ‘free’ is really free. Isn’t the purpose of taxes to receive some kind of service in return? I gladly use this service, and not having to spend part of my income for an office space (which I don't have to) doesn’t strike me as entitled. Maybe some thoughts are getting lost in conversation here.

Re: Ode to libraries (the book ones)

#19

Post by cyphar »

siberpunk wrote: post #16
cyphar wrote: post #13

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Most libraries in most countries I've been to have community spaces intended for (among other things) study and work. Most have dozens of services completely unrelated to loaning out books.

Yes, another user in the comments mentioned that their library offers streaming services, rental video games and cheap/free snacks. Right when I was thinking I am lucky with mine :)

Oh man, I would've killed for snacks as a student...

Re: Ode to libraries (the book ones)

#20

Post by ctrlp »

In the US, libraries are free, have bathrooms, and you can spend the whole day. Hence, urban libraries have become de facto homeless shelters with all the social problems that implies. Suburban libraries are still pretty great places to work or read, but city libraries are a tragedy compared to what they were when I was growing up.
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