Okay, guys, I’ve got to admit that I used to be pretty down on libraries.   This is what I pictured:  little old ladies punching out library cards, smelly, obscure books no one really read, and worn-out beanbag chairs that had lost a few too many beans.  And being an internet surfing addict & a bookstore/café regular, I thought, who needs a library?  

Today’s libraries are really different than from what I remember.  They’re on twitter. They’re running cool programs and partnering with local businesses & cultural institutions.  They’re doing stuff for autistic kids.   They’ve got online book reservations and local neighborhood pick-up/drop-off.  One library I talked to is even letting members borrow fishing poles. more