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Japan's book scene is moving from bookstores to libraries

241 points · 113 comments · herbertl

  1. akman · · focus · HN ↗
    As the author noted, I see libraries becoming more and more centers of community, notably in the Bay Area (California, USA). Just check out the events at all of the Santa Clara County library system (8 libraries that share books): <a href="https:&#x2F;&#x2F;sccl.bibliocommons.com&#x2F;v2&#x2F;events?_gl=1*11u0hec*_ga*MTI0MTAxODk0NS4xNzg2NTEyMjY1*_ga_G99DMMNG39*czE3ODk1OTQ5MTMkbzMkZzAkdDE3ODk1OTQ5MTQkajU5JGwwJGgw*_ga_C5XQHLX1NN*czE3ODk1OTQ5MTMkbzMkZzAkdDE3ODk1OTQ5MTQkajU5JGwwJGgw*_ga_C79ES1D7Q4*czE3ODcyODU5NjUkbzIkZzAkdDE3ODcyODU5NjUkajYwJGwwJGgw" rel="nofollow">https:&#x2F;&#x2F;sccl.bibliocommons.com&#x2F;v2&#x2F;events?_gl=1*11u0hec*_ga*M...

    Many events aren&#x27;t even book related-- see events for Lego building, homework help, even Dungeons and Dragons events.

    I wonder if there&#x27;s a resurgence across the world where libraries are places of community sharing.

    1. carabiner · · focus · HN ↗
      In Seattle they&#x27;re mostly homeless shelters.
      1. popalchemist · · focus · HN ↗
        In LA, it&#x27;s about 50&#x2F;50. But in case you aren&#x27;t aware, this is one of the purposes of libraries.
        1. TulliusCicero · · focus · HN ↗
          It really shouldn&#x27;t be. We should have dedicated shelters for that.

          Relying on libraries to be de facto homeless shelters is bad for everyone compared to the alternative of dedicated facilities. It&#x27;s worse for homeless people, worse for the library and staff, and worse for patrons.

          1. popalchemist · · focus · HN ↗

            [dead]

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