Library vs. Technology
Hannah Bruer
Ms. Taylor
English 10/3X, p.6
21 November 2012
To Have Libraries or Not to Have Libraries Open up any old book, there is a certain smell—“the finest pollen in the world”—and an experience that cannot be matched by anything else in the world (Novak). Today’s children do not experience this old joy known by many for centuries; they have video games, tablets, or computers taking all their interest. Some say libraries are no longer needed in a tech-suave world, but in reality libraries are still needed. Perhaps those who say libraries are no longer needed just simply do not want to pay the taxes they bring. As a daughter of a former language arts teacher and relative of die-hard reading fanatics, my standpoint is that libraries are still needed for many reasons. Those against libraries may argue that printed books are not necessary when there are plenty of electronic books out there. They insist that with access to the Internet, no one needs to go out and buy or rent a book (Moran). “Do you know why books such as this are so important? Because they have quality. And what does the word quality mean? To me it means texture. This book has pores. It has features”(Bradbury). Libraries cannot be replaced by technology simply because no matter what people say, there will always be those book lovers—book lovers like Ben Franklin helped make the first library in America (Singer). They would say: you can curl up with a book but not a metal object that lights up. Holding a book and hearing the swish of turning pages will just bring instantaneous joy. Libraries were the first places computers went; now, they’re going to over run the libraries (Moran). Because of the economy there are families that barely have enough money to buy dinner, let alone a computer. If libraries disappear, where would they go to get books when they need them? Where could they get access to a computer? If libraries fade away, what will take their place? Where would all those books
Ms. Taylor
English 10/3X, p.6
21 November 2012
To Have Libraries or Not to Have Libraries Open up any old book, there is a certain smell—“the finest pollen in the world”—and an experience that cannot be matched by anything else in the world (Novak). Today’s children do not experience this old joy known by many for centuries; they have video games, tablets, or computers taking all their interest. Some say libraries are no longer needed in a tech-suave world, but in reality libraries are still needed. Perhaps those who say libraries are no longer needed just simply do not want to pay the taxes they bring. As a daughter of a former language arts teacher and relative of die-hard reading fanatics, my standpoint is that libraries are still needed for many reasons. Those against libraries may argue that printed books are not necessary when there are plenty of electronic books out there. They insist that with access to the Internet, no one needs to go out and buy or rent a book (Moran). “Do you know why books such as this are so important? Because they have quality. And what does the word quality mean? To me it means texture. This book has pores. It has features”(Bradbury). Libraries cannot be replaced by technology simply because no matter what people say, there will always be those book lovers—book lovers like Ben Franklin helped make the first library in America (Singer). They would say: you can curl up with a book but not a metal object that lights up. Holding a book and hearing the swish of turning pages will just bring instantaneous joy. Libraries were the first places computers went; now, they’re going to over run the libraries (Moran). Because of the economy there are families that barely have enough money to buy dinner, let alone a computer. If libraries disappear, where would they go to get books when they need them? Where could they get access to a computer? If libraries fade away, what will take their place? Where would all those books