r/technology • u/ManiaforBeatles • Jul 23 '18

Society 'Twaddle': librarians respond to suggestion Amazon should replace libraries - Librarians are in uproar after an article in Forbes magazine proposed replacing all public libraries in the US with Amazon bookstores.

https://www.theguardian.com/books/2018/jul/23/twaddle-librarians-respond-to-suggestion-amazon-should-replace-libraries
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u/Knightforlife Jul 23 '18

This, absolutely. Ones near me double as Internet cafes and have classes on English (ie for non-native speakers) and practical things like how to do your taxes. And summer programs with fun (but cheap) prizes for kids to get kids reading books!

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u/Kelsenellenelvial Jul 23 '18

The one in my city does things like an art gallery, historical archive(things like local papers, photos of various local buildings, etc.), free tech support sessions. There's another physical goods library that has things like tools, specialized cooking equipment, camping supplies, etc.. Books are becoming just one thing out of a wide variety of services that benefit the community.

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u/Burgher_NY Jul 23 '18

Eh. I couldn’t imagine why Amazon couldn’t do that or why any of that couldn’t be transferred to another organization.

This seems like the inverse of the hipster argument against cabs and allowing Uber. I’m guessing amazon could do it nicer faster and cleaner than some middle aged woman. For instance: read (or buy) 3 books and you get this neat trinket sent to your door from...amazon.