Thing 20: Books 2.0

Thing 20: Books 2.0 First I must say that if you want to enjoy your empty calories on my blog, you are so welcome. I do tend to write in a straight line and don't encrypt my posts or use pictures in the stead of words, but I'm working on that! I think I was taken-aback when I read that first article on Literacy Debate: Online R U Really Reading? WOW are they for real? Times they are a changin'! OOhhh look out the Fahrenheit is rising! That's a catch22 you know... We aren't exactly burning books but we are finding ways around the published word. Isn't that what we are supposed to do? Save a tree, download a book? What a great bumper sticker slogan! It's great how technology is moving, directing us. And, our language is changing. I don't think the Internet is dumbing us up, quite the opposite! There is a wealth of information out there. Too bad the computer screen is square- ya know the whole- thinking outside the box? The box is loaded! And, you have to read it. Why are they saying our kids aren't reading? You have to read to navigate the net. I know this because my seven year old LOVEs the net. She has such a hard time going anywhere because she doesn't stop to read the screen prompts. The net is more than just clicking!!! It's reading!!! Now, off the soap box...

What I am observing in my library about books and reading is it's better than ever! People come from near and far to read whether it be the morning paper, a best seller, or the Internet. Yes, even the Internet. People come to our library to READ all kinds of materials. I am glad we can offer; really glad they come. In defense of paper books, hey, I work in a library! I know that our library will advance as technology advances. Look where we are now... I think Book 2.0 enhances one's reading experience especially because it's a lot of reading...and clicking... What can I say, the Internet... the "BOX" is loaded! I visited each and every site that would load on my computer. WOW lots of stuff in this Thing! Many are appealing. Most, redundant. Hey, not everyone likes that same thing and variety is the spice and I love to cook so, what's a few more ingredients....? If I had time, I might go looking for sites you don't know about, but I don't. You win the "Know it all" prize. Lastly, libraries aren't going away... Sorry all you Nay-Sayers... We started with just a few books years ago and have evolved to meet the needs. We won't stop. We may have to be creative (Thank you Web 2.0) but we will be there...