I saw a headline in the local paper that the public library was holding a raffle to help fund their summer reading program, and I thought, "Ooooh, I wonder what books they're giving away? Or maybe it will be gift cards to Books A Million!"
What a fool I am. According to the newspaper, "The lucky ticket holder will receive The Game Plan Entertainment Package, which consists of a Samsung 65-inch LED Smart 4K UHD TV with HDR, a Nintendo Switch game console, a Super Nintendo Classic game console, an LG 2.1-channel soundbar system and a $150 gift card from Target."
I hate this place.
I don't think this is just a regional issue. If you want a successful event you must offer what the public wants and most of the public are into those gadgets. So the majority of tech addicted individuals will provide for the minority of remaining readers. Sad, but I think true pretty much everywhere, not just Texas.
ReplyDeleteI'm on the email list for four public libraries - one in Scotland, one in Colorado Springs, one in Connecticut, and one in Houston - and this is my first time seeing something like this. Most of the people who are going to hear about this raffle are people who visit the library, and I imagine that the people who want to help support the library through purchasing an expensive raffle ticket are people who value the library. I don't think this problem is with the public but with the misguided librarians who think that the only way to reach the public is through modern technology. I think it's an issue of having a condescending attitude toward the public, and it's a disservice to the community.
ReplyDeleteSo they have made a presumption about their patrons. I guess I have too...
ReplyDeleteMy instinct is to make the same presumption about their patrons; then I realize that my family is included in that group. I have to give the benefit of the doubt to this community otherwise I'll feel even lonelier.
ReplyDeleteBut if it is true that the majority of people here prefer video games over books, then the library should challenge them to stretch beyond those limited interests. If any institution should hold high standards and create opportunities to expand the horizons of their patrons, the public library should be it. I suppose it's silly of me to get worked up over a raffle.
As a patron of the Library here I would not be much interested in a raffle that offered electronic gadgets. But I do wonder if most children today do prefer such things. But if they do it is the fault of parents who don't read themselves or value reading. Not sure what is available in Longview but a Nook, or Kindle would have been a better compromise for a raffle award, along with some great books and gift cards to a bookstore. I think there are ways around caving to the electronic mentality. Or maybe they weren't able to get any other people to donate? Usually raffle awards are donated locally. I don't know, it is disconcerting to be sure. :( I did read recently that more people are actually reading real books today than ever before, which surprised me. Perhaps the info was in error, but I like to believe that people still find pleasure and respite in the pages of a book. :) I am always thrilled to see that Morley, Dashiell and Eyvind have a love of books.:)
ReplyDelete