Reading the Future of the Public Library

Abstract

SUMMARY The goal of this article is to underscore the fact that books and reading remain absolutely central to the purpose of the library, no matter what decisions we make about technology, and that providing books remains a service patrons should expect and demand. Unfortunately, many librarians and libraries appear reluctant to acknowledge the interests of fiction readers. The author explores reasons for this phenomenon and acknowledges the growing importance of readers' advisory in the profession. She also addresses ways to promote books and reading, justifications for supporting reading and the concomitant technology that helps us serve patrons and their reading interests better, and validation of the personal pleasure found in what we read and in the service we provide to other readers.