Attorney Michael de Broglio on: South Africa, Law, Politics, Attorneys, Sport, Photography, Technology, Gadgets, Media, Crime, Road Accidents Fund,
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Have you, in the last 10 years, been to your Library?
I just wonder how many people use the Libraries in South Africa? I think most of them are under-funded and positioned in places very far away from where people stay. In that regard, I would be particularly interested if you even know where your local Library is? If you have been into it and have taken out a book in the last 10 years, let me know about the experience and what you thought. I have seen some very impressive Libraries in some countries overseas and I think it is just one of those areas where South Africa is lacking and I understand that we need to get basics like water, electricity, etc to more of our people, but without education people will not be able to take the country forward. Most people cannot afford books, especially not at the prices they cost once they have been imported into South Africa and their only hope is the Library. Let me know about your experiences.
Posted by Michael de Broglio on Monday 22-Jan-18
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Comments
Cornelie said:
on Friday 02-Feb-18 10:55 AM
I haven't been to a library since I was in High School I loved smell of a library and the quitness.
Ashleigh said:
on Friday 02-Feb-18 08:54 AM
We have or had one in our area, I need to double check that they are still operating though. I haven't been to a library since I was in primary school. Everyone can get their information on Google and other sites now. My daughter used to hire books from her school's library. I was proud of her because she took the time (which a majority of kids are not interested at all) to hire books, read them and return them. Maybe I should get my children to start supporting our local library. I am actually interested to check it out now.
Lucretia said:
on Wednesday 31-Jan-18 01:48 PM
Google has made our lives way more easier and brought the world to our fingertips, however, I will admit, I loved going to the library. Storm and I used to go twice a month to take out a book or just sit in the library and catch up on some reading in the peace and quite that it offered. I do miss the library and yes, when I have seen movies that have scenes where there are libraries involved, you take a look at what they have and what we have and realize we are lacking in that department. I have always wanted a properly library in my own home, one that has books from floor to wall all around and a reading area where one could just go and get lost in whatever genre of book you take off the shelf.............maybe someday :-)
Henrietta said:
on Wednesday 31-Jan-18 12:53 PM
I haven't been to our local library in ages. I can remember the years when we had assignments and tasks to do my mom would take us to the library to get our information unlike today where google and the internet is just a finger away. Scary but this is an example of technology taking over. I would like to take my son when he is old enough to understand to the library to take out books. I can remember the time we did, every second week i couldn't wait to return the books i've read for new once. Those days the Goosebump books were popular.
Jadine E said:
on Monday 29-Jan-18 06:38 AM
Have not been to the library in more than 8 - 9 years, last time was in high school for a school project, the staff/librarians at my local library are quite helpful when it comes to research and knowledge on the books.
Suzanne said:
on Friday 26-Jan-18 09:58 AM
I don't think I have been to the local library (excluding school library), since primary school. I still remember my mom and myself stopping by there to pick up or drop off books. I don't even know where my closest library is - perhaps I should find out and take my little one.
Brenda Du Toit said:
on Friday 26-Jan-18 08:56 AM
The last time I was in a library was in 2006. I only went to the library for school projects. However my Aunt works for a second hand book shop and i do go there often to get some books to read. People don't go to library anymore they just get everything of the Internet instead.
Mathilda Du Preez said:
on Thursday 25-Jan-18 03:52 PM
Wow the last time I went to a library was in 2007
Everything is so much more convenient now you have the world at your fingertips, you can go on your computer and get any book or research any topic you require
We also have so many book stores all around where you can find most of the books you are looking for
Sinead said:
on Thursday 25-Jan-18 03:05 PM
Wow I haven't even thought about visiting my local library in a while. I used to go there as a child all the time. In Primary School we actually had a "Library" lesson where we would learn about all the information placed on and in a book. That was actually one of my favourite subjects (other than Maths of course). Our librarian teacher was very strict (as they should be) but it was still fun.
The last time I was in a library was when I was in University. So yes, I was in a library less than 10 years ago but that was not my local library.
I think people aren't properly taught how to use libraries and that's why they stay away. The other reason is more likely though and that is: our generation rely more on the internet, and books are dying out which is sad.
I always said that I want to be one of those people who spend the day in a book store just reading having coffee or wine :)
Zindy said:
on Thursday 25-Jan-18 07:54 AM
I understand the concept of them being under funded but I have always known libraries to be a place where you can get information freely however the library we have in our town you have to pay an entrance fee which I think is why people don't utilize such services.
Prishani said:
on Wednesday 24-Jan-18 05:13 PM
The last time I was in a library was probably during the time I was at university. I was actually a library monitor in school. I think with the internet taking over many people prefer to go to internet cafes and download the books they want to read. I do think that if the libraries in our country are well maintained and kept updated it will encourage more of the youth to visit.
Liz said:
on Wednesday 24-Jan-18 04:22 PM
I often visited the library before I moved to Johannesburg, I prefer older books and the classics and so I was able to easily find what I was looking for. I also enjoy the feel of a library and the thought of so many thoughts and ideas surrounding you in every page of every book.
I have located my nearest library in Johannesburg but must say that I have now resorted to buying the books I want to read.
I also think that people that would be interested in reading newer books by modern writers would not have much luck at public libraries, as libraries have taken a back seat to other more pressing matters, but also the fact that taking out a book at a library and reading hard copy books has become, for some people, a somewhat antiquated practice.
Megan said:
on Wednesday 24-Jan-18 02:51 PM
I think due to the advancement of technology today, not a lot of people are visiting libraries which has lead to the lack of maintenance because funds aren't being pumped into them. I do however think many students have to, now and again, go to the one on campus or in areas close to them. We used to have on close to home too but I believe its closed down now.
Melissa said:
on Wednesday 24-Jan-18 01:37 PM
The last time I've been to a library was in 2010. I usually get all the information that I need on the internet.
Michelle said:
on Wednesday 24-Jan-18 11:21 AM
We had 2 libraries in our small town. Unfortunately the one closed down about 15 years ago and is now a clinic for the local people. I’ve been in a library almost 9 years ago; I used to love getting books to read for a weekend or so. Nowadays it’s easier to go on the internet when you want to research something or even read a book in pdf form etc. I prefer to buy a book though. Someday when I'm all grown up I will like to have a room in my house filled with books. It will also be such an honor to visit the libraries in New York; they always look so amazing in movies.
Jadine Richards said:
on Wednesday 24-Jan-18 10:08 AM
Shockingly, I have never been to a library in South Africa and I have no idea where one is. I'm fairly certain there is no library in the area around my home. However, even if I did have a library somewhere close by I personally prefer to purchase any book I read. In SA we should push for libraries in the poorer areas so as to provide the youth with an alternative to the things which they are currently doing.
Liat Grindler said:
on Tuesday 23-Jan-18 08:42 AM
I recently visited a few public libraries that were not too far from me. I was very impressed by the Sandton Square Library which opens early and closes late. However, majority of public libraries have early closing hours which isn't very helpful if I'm trying to get some quiet space or study for a test or exam. I have been to the Killarney public library which is particularly small. I have been to the library in Parktown which is a bit outdated with its design and furniture. I also went to the Rosebank library. However this public library is right next to a park where a lot of people drink and make a noise. I would recommend going to Sandton Square library.
Daniella said:
on Monday 22-Jan-18 03:47 PM
We use to have a Library down the road from us in Linden, and it was my favorite place to go to. I actually drove pass it the other day and it seems as thought there is still a lot of people going and it is still in great condition. However I haven't been in a library for quite some time now.
Thabitha said:
on Monday 22-Jan-18 02:11 PM
To be honest I don't remember when was the last time I was in library and there is no library in our area you will have to go far in order to find one
Angelique Jurgens said:
on Monday 22-Jan-18 01:35 PM
My local library use to be the Linden library and it was my favourite thing to do as a kid with my siblings. My mom would take us on Saturdays where we would spend some time there. Most libraries are run down. I had recently been to a library last year in November - The Olivedale Library in Olivedale to study. It was clean, friendly and quiet. The only odd thing I saw was there was metal detectors but I didn't let that shun me away. It closed early but was still able to study in silence.
Jolene said:
on Monday 22-Jan-18 11:06 AM
I actually don’t know where my local library is but I’ve been to the one at Tuks a few times when I was a student there. I think most people especially students rather use the internet than the library to do research.
Helen said:
on Monday 22-Jan-18 10:07 AM
Telling the truth I miss times when I used to read and getting ready in the library for the next university assessment or the exam. South Africa does not have the same luxury of reach libraries and with today's internet lots of students gets information online. Recently I managed to register Irene in our local Rensburg Library, I was very impressed, Heidelberg community is small and I would say this library was very well looked after
Clare said:
on Monday 22-Jan-18 09:18 AM
To be totally honest I cant tell you if our Library is still open, I remember the days of having to go to the Library to do research for a project that was given to me by the school and when I attempted to read more. I think I could still have my Library card in one of my boxes in my store room.
Nicolle said:
on Monday 22-Jan-18 09:11 AM
Libraries! Who doesn't love the feeling of walking into a library! Shelves and shelves of books, and, even better, the smell of books! In order to get my fix of books, I go to Charity Shops, most of which contain hundreds of books, at extremely cheap prices. I have created my own "library" at home.
Yes, I know where my local library is. No, I haven't used the facility. In a day and age where most of your resources may be sourced online, the idea of a "library" is fleeting. I can almost guarantee that most Gen Y's, or Z's wouldn't be able to utilise the index system of a library.
Nina said:
on Monday 22-Jan-18 08:41 AM
I know where my local library is and as far as I know, it is quite well maintained, but I also haven't been there in many years. Would be interesting to see how it looks now. I think if libraries are maintained well, or if a little more effort is taken to actually make them more attractive, more people would most likely spend a bit more time there.
Bianca N said:
on Monday 22-Jan-18 08:35 AM
I used to visit the library often to read as well as for homework. When I did take out a book, most of them were not in good condition and were torn here and there. This was a few years ago and I saw that the one I used to visit is closed now, and the nearest one is about 15 minutes away and still looks pretty empty.
patrick said:
on Monday 22-Jan-18 08:30 AM
I know were my local library is but the last time I was there was ten years ago . I agree that if we need to take the nation forward, we need education and the usage of library and reading should be encouraged .
Alexis said:
on Monday 22-Jan-18 08:25 AM
Sjoe, now that is a question. I have a funny feeling I may have been - but probably not. I used to go all the time when in school for research etc and loved going as well. I suppose with technology and Google around, it is not necessary. However i will encourage my boy to do so esp when attending to assignments and all of that,
Bianca R said:
on Monday 22-Jan-18 08:25 AM
I used to visit our local library very often when I was still in school, I used to take books out, make copies for projects and do research for speeches that I had to prepare. I unfortunately have not visited a library since leaving school, despite driving past our local library every week. What's nice is that the parking area is almost always full, which means that people are still making use of the service.
Sarah said:
on Monday 22-Jan-18 08:12 AM
I haven't been to a library in ages, but when I was younger my parents always took me to a library in town and they had so many books. I spent hours in there, trying to make up my mind which books I want to read.
Jessica Apfel said:
on Monday 22-Jan-18 07:48 AM
During my final year of University, I found that the library on campus became far too full so I made use of the Library in Nelson Mandela Square - it is fantastic! The facilities are impeccable and they stock the most recent Law text books. I also made use of the public library in Edenvale and found that the facilities there were just as good! This may be some of the few libraries that are kept in a decent condition and are still very much in use.
david said:
on Monday 22-Jan-18 07:03 AM
i cannot even remember when i last read a book, forget about go to a library. all my reading is of news media, and all of it is done online.
Johannesburg based attorney specializing in personal injury matters including Road Accident Fund claims and medical negligence matters. My interests include golf, reading and the internet and the way it is constantly developing. I have a passion for life and a desire for less stress!
