In the age of internet, do we still need libraries?

Now I suppose you want me to justify that reaction? Well, let's start with the computer. Most monitors still in use have lights that modulate on close frequencies, so that you don't notice the modulation, but your eyes do, and tire more easily reading from the screen than reading from a hard copy page. Now that is being rectified, as the newer screens are made, they are designed with that in mind.

Then we need to address the accessibility of computers for all. That is only a dream, not yet a reality, though MIT is certainly trying to bring it about. Though this project is actually centered on third world countries and does not even address the fact that there are probably still at least 40% of US households that do not have a computer.

All of that being said, let me speak for those of us that grew up reading old fashioned books, borrowed from the library. I treasure those times and memories. The books lead me on several journies that were literally out of this world. I know, the computer can do the same, but I am not so sure of that. I have eye problems. They are not so severe that I cannot read a book with a magnifying glass in bright light, but there are times when it is actually easier to read something on the computer because with a scrolling mouse, and a control button, I can bring the print up to the size where it is easy to read.

Yet! The memories of the smell and the feel of the book add to the memories of those rainy days when reading was the fun option for entertainment. I know there are many households that do not worry about turning off their computers when there is bad weather, but, if there is electricity in the air, if you are not completely backed up and on surge protectors, you need to. So, if you do not have a book in the house, and the weather is bad, do you sit and twiddle your thumbs? Well, if you don't have someone to play an old fashioned board game or game of cards with, I should guess so.

And that brings up the last point in still keeping books around. It's sort of like the engineer that never learned to use a slide rule. He is completely out of luck when he is out in the field and his calculator quits. Not a good place to be. At least for a while, until we have a better handle on the technology that brings us the internet. I still want my books, thank you.