libraries

I'm a huge fan of libraries. Some of my best memories from childhood were family trips to the library. I still remember getting my first library card. 

I've been getting most of my books through the library e-book lending system. It's worked pretty well. They had a half way decent selection and it fit my schedule. They've had notices up for months that this summer they will be changing systems so when I checked in the other night and saw the new system was up, I couldn't wait to check it out.

I was disappointed.

Turns out it is the same system I had had in a previous state. I hated it. I never used it. It had no selection and it wasn't user friendly. It looks as if the selection has expanded since then but of the 25 books I had had on my wish list in the old system, I could find only three of them in the new system. I was really upset and angry. It seems as if they library had traded systems for one that was worse than the previous one.

I know this is a first world problem. There is a lot that goes into these decisions. I know they have to try what works for the majority of people, not just me. And I would never want to be the person who had to make that decision. Still, I'm sad. I can't afford to supply my book habit solely with purchasing books. I rely on my library to stay sane, and in a busy world, it's just easier to use digital checkouts, rather than ILL, waiting for a book to ship, then having to drive to the library to pick it up. The closest library is very small and has weird hours (It is actually inside the high school so can't open during school hours.) the next closest library is 1/2 hour away.

Guess I'll have to go old school again, suck it up and ILL everything (My librarians in my previous state didn't like me much) Or, I'll have to sell a book for enough to supply my book habit.

I like that option. 


Do you use the library digital check out system? What do you think of it?