Why Do We Need Libraries?

Each week, Miss Kathleen provides links to a variety of stories about libraries, authors, and books. If there's something fun going on in your local library, leave us a comment!

Books as a decorative theme -- there's always something new to see! Here's a great picture a reader shared recently. You can see more great mosaics here.
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Controversy of the week: a high school English teacher has written "adult" novels, and that makes some parents pretty upset. Watch the news clip. Doesn't seem so criminal to me!
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Jennifer Egan just won the Pulitzer Prize, but did she also just start a little female-authors catfight?
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Question of the week, which was asked by reader Ryan under another mental_floss post: why do we need libraries? Here's his whole comment:

"I’m not trying to be inflammatory here, but WHY do we need libraries? We don’t have video stores any more what with Netflix, redbox and streaming movies. I admit, I like libraries too as I’m a big reader, but it seems ridiculous to keep spending tax money on something that’s become obsolete, just because I like it."

Looking forward to reading your responses.

Here's a fun video to end with, and a great idea of what to do with all those leftover or unwanted books -- make a xylophone!
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Don't forget! We are still collecting photos of your own libraries! Email me the pictures of your personal library, or the library you use most (AtTheLibraries@gmail.com) and we’ll compile them as a special post soon. See previous editions of At the Libraries here.