[arunima]

It is now a thing of past when people, especially book lovers would spend countless hours browsing the library shelves. India as such could never level up to the public library system in Western worlds despite having some of the oldest and biggest libraries in the world. Bangalore, the silicon city always had a vibrant library system compared to other places in India and these libraries were very much in business till the last decade. But then digitalization changed it. The city has numerous libraries including the Goethe Institut Library. A recent public library walk by few library lovers came as a heartbreaking surprise that most residents of the city were not even aware of public libraries of the locality. So, they are working hard to revive these dying public libraries. They are working on ideas that would make these libraries more happening places than just being some place of learning. They are aiming to build communities and make them cultural spaces by organizing events like cultural ones, workshops on various art and craft from India, musical events and other literary events. Most of these are happening on weekends and some scattered during weekday for a minimal payment or a membership. This is helping families and communities to come together, do something creative together, chat and go for a digital detoxification on weekends.
More and more families are coming forward for enrolling to such programs. The business of these dying public libraries are slowly picking up. And in a very subtle way, they are encouraging love for books, culture, creativity and culture.
How about your place? How are public libraries doing? Are they trying something to revamp?

[Netherrealmer]

Only senior highschool students and college students allowed so I will rather use internet

[Jem Smith]

Public libraries are alive and well where I live - in Queensland, Australia specifically. They're a community hub, and have meeting rooms, classes and events. People go there to study, to borrow books, DVDs and music and use the computers and gaming consoles. They have a lot of free stuff on for children which encourages parents to bring them. In my city there is a separate children's library opposite the main library.

[ptrikha21]

I heard of one or two such initiatives in Delhi NCR.
I think one popular cafe tried to do it in one location.
But no more.
As of now, book reading or any long format reading is getting less attention as majorly social media is feeding content that is lowering attention span.
So, I think that is something to be tackled.

Plus for working professionals and employees, things are getting so busy that Reading time gets further reduced.

As an example, I have not read a Novel or book actively since last few months which is much below my average. And reasons are many !

[eldavis]

Am pretty sure most people would still prefer using the Internet for their reading and research, especially now that they have access to AI platforms like chatGPT.

[Tendz]

Public libraries here are also facing challenges because of the internet. It’s great that libraries in Bangalore are revamping with events and workshops.

[mrki444]

Libraries must offer something more than just come and read books. I can read books from my home. If you want people there then you need some activity.

[eldavis]

You are right, there needs to be something different from the experience they get from home. Same way people go to the movies cause they get to watch it on a bigger screen with a bunch of crowds and some other perks.

[Tendz]

That's right. To make libraries more appealing, you need to create unique experiences that can't be replicated at home.

[eldavis]

Maybe create some sort of offline event, this might attract readers to come offline.

[Spontaneo]

The local library is so good to myself. As I write alot of articles about cookbooks, the librarians make sure that I get cookbooks promptly, as even there are days when I order up to 40 cookbooks!

For Christmas this year, I am going to give money to the library.

[mrki444]

How about this idea. Bring kids into library and using ChatGpt read short version of book and make some debate. If they like it they have to read paper version until next week and next book. If they need more informations for debate, they can read it right on place.

[eldavis]

That's a good idea, but why would most want to leave their houses to come here you use chatGPT to give them a shorter version when they can do this themselves at home.

[Tendz]

Libraries could become more of a community hub that way, not just a place for books.

[eldavis]

Libraries could become more of a community hub that way, not just a place for books.

That might help, they need to be able to give the readers something different from their experience online.

[Tendz]

Yeah, fun activities and discussions along with the books could really bring more people in.

[mrki444]

That's a good idea, but why would most want to leave their houses to come here you use chatGPT to give them a shorter version when they can do this themselves at home.

They can debate in live with others.

[Spontaneo]

Libraries could become more of a community hub that way, not just a place for books.

I do not understand?