There was a news story recently about a book that was finally returned to the Vancouver Public Library, 50 years overdue. What surprised me most was when I realized I was working there when that book was originally checked out! Yes, my connection to libraries goes back a long way.
Before computers and Google and all of that, there were card files and librarians and library assistants like me. If you wanted to do a search for something, you either called or walked up to a librarian and asked your question and she or he did the legwork.
Back then you had librarian intelligence, not the artificial kind. Well, librarians still have plenty of intelligence, don’t get me wrong. Librarians and library technicians have to go through several years of university. Did you know that?
I remember working the occasional Friday night at the library, when there would inevitably be a call from some inebriated guy sitting in a local pub, wanting to settle an argument with his buddy about which sports team won this or that in such-and-such a year.
These days, they can Google it. If they’re not too drunk to spell, that is.
When home computers came along, I remember worrying if digital technology was going to take over the usefulness of libraries.
I didn’t need to worry at all because libraries have adapted and are doing just fine.
Reading is one thing I’ve been doing a lot more of since I’ve retired. Now, don’t start picturing an old grey-haired lady in a rocking chair with a history encyclopedia, please. For your information, I dye my hair.
No, my method of reading is by e-book, either using an e-book reader or Libby, a free app that basically does the same thing. I’ve found and read entire series’ that way.
I got a library card from the Greater Victoria Public Library when I first moved to Victoria in the 80’s. But as life got busier and busier, reading a book was a luxury I couldn’t afford. Except for reading to my small children, that is.
Then a few years back I decided I should renew my library card. I still had it, but it was long, long past the renewal date. I walked in to a branch of GVPL, expecting to go up to a desk and get issued a new one. But when a clerk walked up to me and I told her what I needed to do, she pulled out a hand held device sort of like a credit card reader at a restaurant, and did it all using just that.
I hope I didn’t look too stupefied when she handed my card back.
And that was it. I could now borrow physical books, e-books, magazines, all kinds of things, to my heart’s content. Libraries have a lot more than books, even more so these days.
There are all kinds of programs for adults, kids, tweens and teens including reading groups, information sessions and community support programs. You can learn English, learn how to replace important ID cards, and go for a Summer Story Walk.
There are virtual events like BC Libraries Present where you can log in to meet and listen to award-winning authors. At the Esquimalt Branch, The Lab lets you convert photos, VHS tapes, cassette tapes, and other media to digital formats.
And all of the things you can borrow! Video games (even the Nintendo Switch 2), movies, music, audio books.
I was a computer operator when I left the Vancouver Public Library, which was one of the first library systems in the country to become automated. As a parting gift, my boss, Mr. Peters, handed me a book. Of course.
It was called “Gutenberg Two”. The Gutenberg was the original printing press that revolutionized the world of information. Suddenly, people who could read could learn all kinds of things.
The second Gutenberg, according to this book, was the computer. And boy, has the computer ever changed the world.
But it hasn’t put libraries out of business!
So do yourself a favour and check out our local library some time. You might be surprised at what they have to offer.
Oh, and the family that returned that book 50 years late? The library forgave the fine, which means they can still borrow books.
Phew.
