Library as Community Center
Via Library Link of the Day comes Libraries blamed for their own decline. This article from the British The Guardian announces the results of a recent report on the state of British libraries and what they need to change.
It appears that changing from a less traditional book-lending role into more of a community center is what is recommended. This is what the library I direct is becoming. We have a fireplace, casual seating, board games, Internet access, a computer and games for the kids, etc. People comment all the time about the "feel" of our library. It is definitely something that we are very proud of and very aware of.
Wireless Internet has helped a lot with that feeling, because people can take laptops throughout the library. Parents can be near their children, others can be in the casual seating area, and friends can share a laptop at a large table.