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Ray Bradbury is trying to save his local library. Bradbury, author of Fahrenheit 451 and zillions of other works is holding a fundraiser to help cash-strapped libraries in Ventura Country, California. In a New York Times profile of Bradbury’s library work, Bradbury says, “Libraries raised me.” I strongly identify with that remark — I spent nearly every afternoon at the Venice Public Library in Venice, Florida, for the seven years of middle and high school. I did my homework there, read books there, and volunteered there, shelving and checking in books straight from the return slot (a very Zen practice, if you’ve never tried it). Hell, when it was time for college I went and got degree in Library Science! So despite my strong interest in all things internet and high-tech, I love the library. Libraries act as both social spaces and repositories of shared wisdom. We need libraries to survive in the digital age, because they are a rare public space devoted to learning and erudition, mixing generations, and providing invaluable research materials (yes, including materials not on the internet — just try writing a magazine article for mental_floss and you’ll realize how quickly you need to turn to actual books in order to do actual research). Anyway, enough of my ranting. The NYT piece on Bradbury’s work is inspiring, wacky (he’s getting a little kooky in his old age), and worth a few minutes to read. Here’s a snippet:
…among Mr. Bradbury’s passions, none burn quite as hot as his lifelong enthusiasm for halls of books. His most famous novel, “Fahrenheit 451,” which concerns book burning, was written on a pay typewriter in the basement of the University of California, Los Angeles, library; his novel “Something Wicked This Way Comes” contains a seminal library scene.
Mr. Bradbury frequently speaks at libraries across the state, and on Saturday he will make his way here for a benefit for the H. P. Wright Library, which like many others in the state’s public system is in danger of shutting its doors because of budget cuts.
“Libraries raised me,” Mr. Bradbury said. “I don’t believe in colleges and universities. I believe in libraries because most students don’t have any money. When I graduated from high school, it was during the Depression and we had no money. I couldn’t go to college, so I went to the library three days a week for 10 years.”
Read the rest to learn how Bradbury is working for his community. And hopefully we can forgive Bradbury his dismissal of the internet as “meaningless.”
How Have Libraries Affected You?
Were you a “library latchkey kid” like me? Do you take your own kids to libraries now? Do you use library reference services? How about online services? (Where I live, the library’s online resources — including online renewal and free research librarian help — and awesome.) Share your library stories in the comments.
More coverage of libraries on the ‘floss: Historical Libraries Closing Nationwide, 8 Library Cats, Quick 10: 10 Surprising Former Librarians, How Big IS The Library of Congress?, How You Organize Your Home Library.
(Ray Bradbury photo courtesy of Flickr user Time Portal, used under Creative Commons license.)
Comments (32)
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At 27 I STILL go to my local library at least twice a week. I love to get audio books and “read while driving” on my long commute. And checking out *FREE* books as opposed to buying books is ALWAYS better!
posted by Josh on 6-23-2009 at 3:19 pm
I have been a library junkie my entire life. My favorite memories growing up involved the library or books (and the smell of old books brings back those great times!). My favorite activity, way of learning and escape is inside a book. We have moved around a lot and every time we settled into a new community, I found the nearest library and went as frequently as I could (so it stands to reason that I now work in a library!) I’m glad to see that great, legendary authors are going to bat for libraries instead of bookstores!!
posted by Kristi on 6-23-2009 at 3:31 pm
I have to confess that I have just recently rediscovered my library, having loved the process of purchasing books but with the economic turndown, it has not been as fun. It is such a stress reliever for me to just be around books! The library was just a short bike ride away for me as a kid & a safe place for me to go on my own. One of my new discoveries at the library is the large print section. Sometimes the ‘new arrivals’ have not been picked over in the large print section & I can read the large print on my treadmill.
posted by TC on 6-23-2009 at 3:37 pm
I go to the library pretty much once a week, usually to pick up something I requested (books or music). We have to pay a small fee for requesting things because of budget cuts, I must have paid a hundred dollars by now in the last 5 years I’ve been going to my local library. They have so many resources – I find it frustrating how there are very little people my age (I’m 27 too) and younger don’t value libraries. I come from a literary family so I grew up with books. I want a personal library of my own someday. Most of my books are in the attic at my parents. Go libraries!
posted by Abby on 6-23-2009 at 3:45 pm
I finished my MLIS in December and it’s crushing to read about all these libraries losing funding (especially here in Ohio, where we have such a great record for fantastic library services).
In college, nothing beat the stress like trekking down to the Columbus Metropolitan Library and getting lost in the stacks for a few hours.
posted by Andrea on 6-23-2009 at 3:46 pm
I love the peacefulness that comes with libraries. They seem such a forgotten place, which I find sad.
I used to frequent my library while I was still in school. It was the only quiet place I could study. All the books and knowledge and stories around make me wish I could read like Number 5 did in Short Circuit.
posted by Christina on 6-23-2009 at 3:47 pm
My mom is a former children’s librarian, and as a kid we used to go to three different libraries a week in the summers. I currently work in the interlibrary loan section of my university’s library, where we send and borrow books from all over the world. Libraries are so important! What could be better than a big building filled with free knowledge and entertainment? It’s sad that so many libraries are facing budget problems.
posted by Jenny on 6-23-2009 at 3:51 pm
I was definately a “library latch-key” kid, LOL. In fact, during the summers when I was a bit older, I spent so much time at the library every day that they workers jokingly remarked that they were ordering my own desk!
I used to check out totebags full of books–for one week! I would read them all and then come back for more (and I learned a lot, too).
I also met one of my best friends and unofficial mentors at my local library. So libraries are an awesome place!
posted by Heather on 6-23-2009 at 3:56 pm
I am married to a librarian (MLS 2004). She is a sexy, smart woman who keeps getting smarter because she works in a library.
posted by Mike on 6-23-2009 at 4:16 pm
The library is always going to be a major part of me. When I was younger my grandmother worked nights at the local library, and I spent many a night there, wandering in the stacks and the little museuem. More recently my junior and senior years of high school I was an aide in the libray, and we used to joke of me moving into the refernce room. The best thing to do at any library is to go to the stacks, grab a random book and sit and read for hours.
posted by Connie on 6-23-2009 at 4:17 pm
People are always surprised that a bookworm like me doesn’t own many books–I grew up going to the library all the time (actually quite a feat considering we didn’t live in town) and still use it quite frequently. I can’t imagine a world without libraries.
posted by nutmeag on 6-23-2009 at 4:25 pm
I work at a high school library, (Im at my desk now) and I find it startling how teachers do not use this free resource. For their own reading pleasure or for the students… It effing boggles the mind
But yea my mom use to have me in the library all the time. I thank her my my love off books.
Plus men love it… “O sexy librarian eh?” No library aide thank you. :)
posted by Chrystani on 6-23-2009 at 4:34 pm
I used to ride my bike 15 miles to get to a library as a kid. I didnt have my own card for that library because it was in a different city and you had to be a resident. My uncle lived there & I had a card in his name.
We visit the library once or twice a week now with the kids. Love the books on CD. I think it has really helped my kids have an interest in reading. We also have a long commute to listen to books.
posted by Rissa on 6-23-2009 at 4:36 pm
I’m currently working on getting my MLS, and I work in academic publishing so libraries definitely affect me! People sometimes have no idea what libraries can do. Not everything in the world is online, and librarians are TRAINED to help people do research on any topic imaginable (well, ok, there are some things you don’t search in the library!). It’s so sad when you hear of libraries losing funding, or worse, closing. Support our libraries!
posted by Kate on 6-23-2009 at 5:17 pm
I grew up in the library: every summer I made my mom take us at least once every week. I’d get three books, the limit, and then I’d read two of them in one night.
Now, I’m considering getting my MLIS, but I’m concerned about reports like these that libraries are struggling. It’s sad that not enough people recognize the infinite possibilities hidden within the stacks.
posted by Sarah on 6-23-2009 at 6:03 pm
My parents took me to the library every week until I was old enough to go alone. The rule was, “No more books than you can carry.”
I can balance over 40 books in my arms still.
My local librarians know both my name and my library card number (which I also have memorized).
There are too many books to own all the ones you want to read.
posted by Miss Priss on 6-23-2009 at 6:19 pm
My mom brought me to the children’s section of the library all the time when I was little…it turned me into a book junkie.
I must say though, I’m a fan of owning my own books. I’m bad at returning things.
PLUS! The regular part of the library is run by a group of nasty older women who were never nice to me. Therefore, I don’t go anymore. It a shame.
posted by Megan on 6-23-2009 at 6:31 pm
I am such a library kid. Our small local library in the middle of nowhere Oregon was where I found a love of reading EVERY possible book out there. I was able to learn English because of the library and the books that I was able to immerse myself in.
I loved the summer reading programs and getting to keep track of all the books as I would read hundreds of books to fill up my sheet. I became mesmerized by books and I still love books to this day, usually buying them at Powells in downtown Portland but I really need to get to explore my local libraries some more.
Recaptcha: Loving Buys
posted by Lore on 6-23-2009 at 6:49 pm
I have a serious book addiction, but I grew up in a town where the nearest library was a 45 minute drive away, so I missed out on going often. The Bookmobile was my lifeline. The year I was 10, we lived in a suburb of Chicago, I read most of the local branch library.
Now I’m the mom of a three year old boy, and we spend at least 2 days a week at my local library. He asks to go every single morning. The only problem is limiting him to 10 books at a time!
posted by JenC on 6-23-2009 at 7:16 pm
i am a freelance artist and writer and i couldn’t do my job without the library. i go at least 3 days a week. when i lived in chicago i went to the huge library downtown as much as i could. there’s nothing better than discovering a book at a library!
posted by kat on 6-23-2009 at 8:55 pm
My best memories of late-elementary and early junior-high school is the bookmobile that visited all summer. I read the sci-fi (including Mr. Bradbury) from one end of the section to the other. The patient librarian also introduced me to more complex fiction. I learned to do research there and that changed my life. I am a library rat, too!
posted by AlanC on 6-23-2009 at 9:21 pm
I’ve also just finished my MLIS and become a ‘real’ librarian, so it’s lovely to hear all the nice things about libraries (although some of you seem to be not as sold on librarians :)). Some of the interesting things from my perspective are how many people have no clue what librarians do (issue books, that’s the beginning and end of it as far as most are concerned) and all the comments I get when I’m out clubbing or whatever – “*you’re* a librarian!” Yep, we’re not all 60 years old and married to our cats!
posted by Gwan on 6-23-2009 at 10:08 pm
I love the library. My grandfather and I used to go to the library every Tuesday and Thursday for most of my childhood.
I’ve brought my 2 year old son to the library once a week since he was a newborn, he loves looking at books and the librarian holds him while I browse (can’t complain there!).
posted by Erin on 6-23-2009 at 10:10 pm
ohh, to be that old man instead of the kid standing there next to greatness.
posted by david on 6-23-2009 at 10:19 pm
Libraries Rock – I couldn’t afford my reading habit if I didn’t belong to one! They’re green too – more than 1 person reads a newspaper before it is tossed away and books are also put to good use.
My pet peeve – people who highlight in library copies of travel guides as if it were their own.
posted by Kim on 6-23-2009 at 11:56 pm
I love libraries. I still visit fairly frequently. But I’m disappointed that many libraries in my area seem to have strayed from their mission. Many libraries here in PA don’t stock most of the classic literature anymore but now have large collections of DVD’s CD’s and even Playstation3 and Wii games. I was surprised to find that my local library didn’t have a copy on hand of the Voltaire’s Candide but they did have the latest copy of the Twilight DVD.
posted by Dan on 6-24-2009 at 10:12 am
Venice Represent! A few years ago in your/our hometown, there was a campaign to increase literacy, which included a propagation of bumper stickers declaring that “Venice Reads.” My cousin thoughtfully added “Good” to the end so that the whole sticker reads “Venice Reads Good.”
posted by PhoneticLorin on 6-24-2009 at 11:25 am
One of my fondest memories of using my public library was when I was a sixth grader and brought the Judy Blume book “Forever” up to the circulation desk to check out. This was back when the librarian or volunteer would take your PAPER library card and place it on the microfilm machine and click!, make a photo of your library card and the checkout card that was housed in an envelope inside the front cover of the book. I thought I was being so covert by acting non-chalant about taking out such a ‘grown-up’ book, but my librarian just casually checked out the book and said that she enjoyed this book as well and hoped I would too.
I guess that was the first of many fascinating encounters I’ve had with librarians throughout my life and perhaps was an added incentive to go to library school (MLIS, 1997) and to continue being a librarian to this day.
Even though I love buying books (to support fledgling and established writers alike), I too love having access to free literature & excellent society through my local public library, and I hope that Mr. Bradbury is able to help save this library. A few years ago, one of my neighborhood libraries caught on fire, and even though I was only working part-time, I didn’t hesitate to donate some of my hard-earned librarian income to help rebuild the library building and its collection. You never really realize how much of a presence your library is in your life until it’s not ready & waiting for you to come and visit it.
posted by Carolyn on 6-24-2009 at 12:39 pm
As a kid, my Mom would take us to our local library -at least- twice a week. I’d proudly step up to the desk every time with a stack of books barely restrained between my fingertips and chin. I wish more people our age, (I’m 25), valued these worlds of wonder we call libraries. I still have my original library card stuck in my mirror.
@Lore: I loved the summer reading programs, too! I went through a second sheet more than once. For me, “Eau de Old Book” will always be right up there with chocolate chip cookies freshly out of the oven and summer thunderstorms.
posted by Valkyrie on 6-24-2009 at 12:49 pm
I’m a library nerd — but I never had less than $10 in fines on my account! I’m terrible at returning things. Thats why I now work as a library aide at my University — they waive all fees for employees! Not to mention, shelving is a spectacular way of finding new reading material. I can’t imagine what I’d do without access to a decent library…
posted by Meghan on 6-24-2009 at 1:45 pm
Some of my favorite memories involve going to the library.
posted by Sara in AL on 6-24-2009 at 2:25 pm
I used to hang out at the Venice Library all the time! That was the go-to place for me and my friends after school, since it wasn’t too short a walk from Venice High School. I never volunteered there, although I should have, but I used to work in a public library for 3 1/2 years and now work in a college library.
It’s truly tragic how library funds are getting slashed. The reason I left the public library is that staff is being cut down as well as library hours, and fines are being raised as well. The loss of the courier position means they can no longer offer any holds on items. I’ve seen good friends lose their jobs, and others, like me, were forced to take part time or nothing. Florida libraries are being hit so hard, my fiance (who still works in the county library) and I are moving out of state. Right now they’re working on letting the patrons know that not only will libraries be cutting hours and some branchs closing, but there won’t be nearly as much new material because there simply is no money for it.
Communities thrive on libraries, especially in such economic times as these. We can only hope that our beloved libraries will find a resurgence in the near future!
posted by Christina W. on 6-27-2009 at 10:47 am