LIBRARIES – A THING OF THE PAST?

I was desperately seeking a book for a long while and have been asking everyone –
voracious readers, habitual readers, petty readers – about the remote possibility of having it in their possession and unfortunately I was met with that same disappointing “no” every time. A “no” was often followed by that dreaded solution, “download the e-book.” “You can try the library” has become an archaic expression.

The reality, however, justifies the possibility of this path to extinction. Readers are harshly aware of what libraries have become, as the digital age has established a new and faster gateway to the world of knowledge. Are libraries dying, then?

While it may not have come down to that yet, libraries are losing their lustre. Borrowing, ordering online or treading the muddy puddles of Nilkhet are not only faster and easier, there is no deadline hovering over our head as we race ourselves to the last page.

Gone are the days when reading was an important pastime and libraries were where people met their soul mates – disagreement and love for that same book created bonds. Internet allows access to more reading materials than the libraries. Use of public libraries has become so rare that stories of how our parents would walk miles to get to the nearest library only to get a copy of their favourite book builds layers of incredulity.

But don't write off libraries just yet. College means expensive books, and those precious morsels of information found within the yellowed pages of that last edition adds the star to your A's. The digital divide exists but there is a reason why museums are often the most beautiful buildings. Standing agape at the royal jewels will send the same chill through your spine as finding a lost edition on a dusty shelf.

It's wonderful to drop by a library on a random day and read the titles. Just the titles. The most profound inspiration in your life is perhaps lying lonely in a dusty corner, awaiting your arrival…