Published on 12, July, 2020
When I was young I used to enjoy visits to libraries, they were a place of refuge. Peaceful, quiet, a nice atmosphere, the smell of books. And I enjoyed reading.
Now .it's all changed.
My local library ( as have most of the libraries in the city) has been refurbished and renamed a community hub.
Now there are few books, .lots of computers, uniformed security guards, meeting rooms, help and advice experts on council services, jobs & benefits. And finally the local post office has closed down and moved into this library itself.
On one side of the room there is a bookcase and next to it a queue of people using the post office.
I miss the old traditional libraries. With wooden bookshelves, books, a librarian and cardboard library tickets in books with dated stamps.
A post office in a library. What a bizarre idea.
Although I like reading, I've always found libraries quite overwhelming places. Too much choice maybe? I'm also not very good at finding things. Even in a really logical system I can't find what I'm looking for.
I also don't like really quiet places. Although busy and loud is too much for me. I find silence really unsettling. I like background noise. The only place I read is in my bed.
It is a shame though, for those that did enjoy visiting the library that they have changed so much.
One of our post offices is in a pub now! The post woman comes with a little money box and just takes a pew and the people line up! I expect one or two might grab a pint while they’re at it!
In a pub? That's just crazy. I understand postoffices being within shops but libraries and pubs? What is this insanity?!?!?
The funniest part is how she just sits at one of the little round tables, like it’s the most normal thing on earth! It felt a bit surreal and I almost starting looking for my post office book to get some money out, then I remembered I don’t have one anymore! I was just getting excited and carried away with the whole thing. It’s was almost like a throw back in time, seeing her with her little cash box and books of stamps! I’ll make a note of going there one day and taking a photo