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.
    mulakosag · 1789617169 · focus · HN ↗
    Then don't call it a library, call it a homeless support center with books. i see the same thing here in austin, the central library is full of homeless people, shouting in silent room, shooting guns in restrooms. I love books and libraries more than anything but it saddens when place for knowledge are converted into daytime homeless shelters.
    tokai · 1789628370 · focus · HN ↗
    You can always spot the Americans because any talk about libraries will turn into whining about homeless people existing. You should fix your social system.
    trollbridge · 1789650923 · focus · HN ↗
    It should be possible to have public libraries without fixing all other social ills first.

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