Libraries: How Not to Waste Knowledge

The library that is most familiar to people is a hushed, well-stacked place, commanded—at least in fable—by a hushed, not-very-well-stacked spinster with her hair in a bun and ice in her eyes, and frequented by those who want to browse or drowse, study or doodle, read or simply exchange furtive notes with members of the opposite sex. There are still hundreds of such cozy havens all over the U.S., but they are turning into anachronisms. Their problem is that a technological age demands far more from a library than a quiet place...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!