Is There a Library in Your Future?

I’ll be honest. My attention span has dwindled drastically since my voracious reading days of high school.

I can’t blame social media and short-form content completely for my lack of attention, however. College demanded me to read prose, sonnets, and anthologies for my English major. Then my various career paths had me read training manuals, handbooks, student writings, peer-written pieces, legal documents, press releases, reports, and interviews. Finally, life became broader and more open in terms of entertainment. New dramas and shows were released regularly — across all the streaming platforms — captivating games always popping up on my never-ending wishlist, and casual mobile apps take up my attention more so than a clunky physical book. I already have enough to carry in my ever-increasingly heavy bag, and the thought of carrying around another item I don’t heavily need makes any e-reader unappealing.

So, what do I do?

I may not be able to read literature like I used to back in my school years, but that doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy reading. From novels to manuscripts to how-tos, digital information allows anyone to discover anything. 

A big reason I don’t read physical books anymore is my phone — and not just because of the games. I’m an avid web comic reader. I’ve always been interested in manga growing up, and with many artists and creators releasing their content on Instagram and WEBTOONS, it’s easier for me to keep up with easy-to-digest updates such as slice-of-life, comedy, drama, and even epics. The artists aren’t the only ones working hard to bring their passion projects to life; writers and support staff work hard too to ensure a well-made experience is consistently being put out there for their dedicated readers.

Reading has always been a passion of mine. Growing up, I have attempted to remedy my lack of motivation to read novels. I got a library card to access their e-book library. It took some hoop jumping to finally get to the site I needed to re-read the series I used to enjoy as a high school student, but having a literal library of titles to choose from right on my phone has been a major help. I’m already on the third novel; I may not read through it as quickly as I used to, but when I get in the zone, I really get re-invested in reading again.

This one might be a cheat, but one major reason I don’t read physical books again is because of my work. I copyedit light novels, and I often read the chapters multiple times to ensure I’m consistent and thorough. After staring at words on my screen for multiple hours at a time, though, it’s nice to take a break and go back to my comics.

Are libraries dead? A little bit dead?

Absolutely not. Libraries are essential to any and every community. I respect libraries and what libraries do to help their patrons find what they need. Additionally, they’re adapting to the times. Broadening their services to e-books, video game rentals, and 3D printers is a bonus to the workshops, story times, crafternoons, and computer services they already provide.

One of the reasons I became an English major was that I used to read a lot. Growing up, I had a lot of downtime after school while my parents worked all day and night. One place they would always make time to take me to was the local library near their workplaces. There, I would grab heaps of books to occupy myself for two weeks before I had to return them — I think my record was twelve books. I was an avid reader; one teacher told me that I was reading above my level and questioned whether I did read as much as I reported on my read-a-thon sheets. I was immersed and rapt by the world found within a stack of books

My mom had to explain that I did indeed just read that much.

It was because of libraries that my world opened up to new ways of thinking, to how sad a book could really become, to far-off places with in-depth lore.

And it’s because of libraries that I believe writers still have a major audience. In this digital age, I’ve become more frugal in where I spend my money. Being able to rent a book and not having to pay $20-$40 is a major steal if I’m only going to read it once. If you still want a physical copy and the location you go to doesn’t have it in stock, the library’s borrowing system can get a copy from another location for pickup.

Of course, let’s not forget the e-library. Signing up for a library card is fast and easy, and it allows you to browse an immense catalog of titles that you can easily rent and re-checkout without having to deal with in-person interactions. And sometimes, you just don’t want to leave the house to grab a book.

But what if I don’t read books?

Printed text is a sure-fire way to spread information for people in a hurry and in need of a break from their phones. Articles, newspapers, and collections of works are fantastic ways of spreading and recording information. Consumers will always have a need to access the written word, whether it be fiction or nonfiction. 

Libraries can help with that too. Some places, such as universities or metropolitan locations, will house records to preserve history or help with research. Instantaneous consumerism and clickbait articles may be rampant, but in-depth journalism takes time, money, and resources. If you’re looking to wind down with something that’s more factual, I’m willing to bet you’ll find at least a few things to pique your interest if you talk with your local librarian.

Let me know what you end up checking out when you do go. I just may be interested in it myself.