Thread

Japan's book scene is moving from bookstores to libraries

241 points · 113 comments · herbertl

akman · 1789595265 · 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://sccl.bibliocommons.com/v2/events?_gl=1*11u0hec*_ga*MTI0MTAxODk0NS4xNzg2NTEyMjY1*_ga_G99DMMNG39*czE3ODk1OTQ5MTMkbzMkZzAkdDE3ODk1OTQ5MTQkajU5JGwwJGgw*_ga_C5XQHLX1NN*czE3ODk1OTQ5MTMkbzMkZzAkdDE3ODk1OTQ5MTQkajU5JGwwJGgw*_ga_C79ES1D7Q4*czE3ODcyODU5NjUkbzIkZzAkdDE3ODcyODU5NjUkajYwJGwwJGgw" rel="nofollow">https://sccl.bibliocommons.com/v2/events?_gl=1*11u0hec*_ga*M...
Many events aren't even book related-- see events for Lego building, homework help, even Dungeons and Dragons events.
I wonder if there's a resurgence across the world where libraries are places of community sharing.
1. carabiner · 1789595571 · focus · HN ↗
  In Seattle they're mostly homeless shelters.
  1. popalchemist · 1789596130 · focus · HN ↗
    In LA, it's about 50/50. But in case you aren't aware, this is one of the purposes of libraries.
    cube00 · 1789597106 · focus · HN ↗
    Depends on the library.
    If you appear to be sleeping, staff will check on your welfare, and wake you up.
    <a href="https://www.spl.org/about-us/policies/community-use-agreement" rel="nofollow">https://www.spl.org/about-us/policies/community-use-agreemen...
    popalchemist · 1789609728 · focus · HN ↗
    I don't mean it's a shelter for them in the literal sense. As in a place to sleep. It IS however meant to be a safe harbor - a place they are welcome to simply EXIST.
    Ask google "is the ethos of libraries to help the homeless"
    Here's what it says: The core ethos of libraries is to provide universal, equitable access to information, resources, and safe spaces for all members of a community, including people experiencing homelessness. While public libraries are not specifically designed to be homeless shelters or social service agencies, their foundational commitment to inclusivity means they naturally serve as a vital lifeline for marginalized populations.
    This has always been the case.
    carefree-bob · 1789610761 · focus · HN ↗
    I'm not sure what you mean by "ethos of libraries", but this was not the original intent of libraries, or the "ethos" that most voters would use when deciding whether to fund a library or not.
    The problem with reimagining the role of publicly funded institutions and ascribing a new "ethos" to them that is not supported by the public is that funding gets cut and libraries get shut down.
    If you want to know the original ethos of libraries, it was to disseminate knowledge at low cost to members of the community. Not to be socially inclusive. Not to make people feel welcome. Not to provide "safe spaces". But to provide access to knowledge. By subverting this ethos, we have also subverted a lot of the funding model and political support, which is why libraries are having a difficult time right now.
    popalchemist · 1789620193 · focus · HN ↗
    Perhaps you do not know anyone who works in a library. Go ask one. This has been the ethos for over 100 years in America.
    carefree-bob · 1789620445 · focus · HN ↗
    [dead]
    popalchemist · 1789622059 · focus · HN ↗
    <a href="https://www.ala.org/advocacy/diversity/librariesrespond/services-poor-homeless" rel="nofollow">https://www.ala.org/advocacy/diversity/librariesrespond/serv...
    it was formalized in the 60's but there was a precedent going back AT LEAST to the wild west.
    carefree-bob · 1789622831 · focus · HN ↗
    [flagged]
    popalchemist · 1789623689 · focus · HN ↗
    The ALA is the canonical answer as to what is official policy of American libraries. Whether you agree with its politics or not, those policies and the ethos underlying them are not something new.
    You're clearly a right wing nut (since "libraries are more than buildings with books" is something you find "poltiical" and facts are something to be rejected), just come out and say it.

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