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Post by Rachy on Feb 20, 2018 17:51:02 GMT 10
In a month of lovely things, let’s share our love for libraries! I’ve been trying really hard to take advantage of my local libraries and the wonderful request systems they have instead of buying books, and I think they have an excellent array of media available as well as resources like Overdrive! My favourite library has to be the Mortlock Wing of the SA State Library, it’s beautiful and very Hogwarts-esque to study in. What are some of your most loved things about libraries, or your favourite libraries? |
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mageprincess
Squire
books, books books!!!
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Post by mageprincess on Feb 20, 2018 20:11:18 GMT 10
Ah Rachy, are you a South Aussie like me? I haven't had the pleasure of visiting the Mortlock Wing - I initially wanted to get married there but it ended up being really expensive and not great value for said money  . Martindale Hall in Mintaro has a beautiful private library with all sorts of old books - but sadly I don't tend to go to public libraries very often, my local one near my parents' place never seemed to have a complete set of anything ever. |
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Post by Rachy on Feb 20, 2018 20:41:39 GMT 10
I am, mageprincess, and funnily enough, the Mortlock Wing was bequeathed by the same people that bequeathed Martindale Hall! I’ve had a lot of success requesting books through the online library catalogue, as with the One Card system you can request books from anywhere in the state and get them delivered to your local library. |
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Post by devilinthedetails on Feb 21, 2018 10:43:48 GMT 10
I love this topic because I love libraries (as I should since I work in one, though as a law library it’s probably not what most people would call fun).
Anyway, I think that the public libraries around me do a marvelous job. They offer extensive collections of books in different formats (ebook, audio, etc) for people of all ages, and they have activities like summer reading programs for children and books clubs for adults to promote reading. They also host lots of free community events like concerts, lectures, and movies. Around me, many of them also have museum passes you can check out to get free admission to museums throughout NJ and NY (and there are some cool museums you can visit for free that way). In general, libraries also just provide a safe, quiet place for people to study and use the Internet. Many of them serve as repositories of local histories too. Libraries are great resources beyond books in many ways people might not initially think of, and that’s what I love them so much.
A cool public library I went to recently was the Boston Public one last May. Amazing architecture with neat book rooms, a courtyard, and fascinating exhibits. Definitely a nice free place to visit if you’re in Boston.
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Post by Kypriotha on Feb 22, 2018 14:10:05 GMT 10
I love this topic because I love libraries (as I should since I work in one, though as a law library it’s probably not what most people would call fun). I will share the law library love! The law library was my favourite library at uni, because it wasn't as busy, I was almost guaranteed to get a computer and the librarians were really friendly and helpful. I would do some of my non-law work there because it was more convenient. I rarely used the physical collection after first year though... The thing I missed most after leaving uni was access to the library's online collection, particularly the journal subscriptions. They were so useful at uni! I think they've recently enabled access for alumni, but I get what I need through work now, so haven signed up. I go through phases of using my local library a lot and then phases where I won't use it for months. I'm currently in a using it phase and have borrowed some really good books (definitely good for saving money and space at home!). I was very excited when I discovered the request function, although I haven't used it as much as I possibly could have. |
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Post by devilinthedetails on Feb 23, 2018 1:49:05 GMT 10
Glad you liked the law library at your university, Kypriotha. Like your law library, we tend to have computers that are always available for student use (since we are a bit out of the way on campus). We do try our best to be friendly to everyone and will do all we can to meet student or faculty needs. I think we're actually a pretty laid back environment (our policy on overdue books is mainly just bring them back eventually and we won't fine you). It's really just the materials that we have that our intense and intimidating. I think a lot of people would believe that we are a very formal environment, but we are not actually that strict. We just don't have the exciting materials you'd see in a public library.
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Post by Rosie on Feb 28, 2018 2:45:14 GMT 10
I have not been a library person for a while, shamefully, but I do love the British Library, which has claim to all sorts of interesting and beautiful manuscripts, and airs exhibitions. |
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mageprincess
Squire
books, books books!!!
Posts: 1,133
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Post by mageprincess on Feb 28, 2018 22:41:13 GMT 10
while sharing law library love - I am not a law student or lawyer, but I work in a construction law firm - but one of my solicitors sent me to the Supreme Court Library a few months back and man, that is my dream job. the computers were suuuper old but it was so quiet and just lined with books.
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Post by Idleness on Mar 2, 2018 16:52:53 GMT 10
I like the Wellington City Library. I was in a crap relationship when I was a student, and I spent about a year going there, often until closing time, to escape and read novels until I worked up the courage to cut the guy loose haha. They also had a really good orange and yoghurt cake in their mezzanine level cafe, where I'd sit and drink tea and eat cake and watch people and read. I don't live in town anymore though, so I don't really go there now.
Though, my work is close to the National Library of New Zealand. It's this great big concrete concrete building in the brutalist style, and their cafe has the best cheese scones I've ever encountered. They also have a free arcade game machine with old video games from the 80s, and a nice gift shop.
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Post by devilinthedetails on Mar 2, 2018 23:06:31 GMT 10
Mageprincess, I'm glad that you also had a positive experience at a law library. I've never been to the Supreme Court Library, but the way you describe it makes it sound amazing. I love when libraries have that quiet air about them and are just filled with tons of books.
Idleness, both the Wellington City Library and the National Library of new Zealand sound really neat. It is nice to hear that you were able to take refuge in a library during a not-so-great relationship. That's one of the best things about libraries: they can be very comforting environments.
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Maybe once we'd have seen it during Smackdown!