Ok, so it's been SEVERAL years since I have darkened the doors of a public library.  This is mostly because I'm somewhat of a "library-fugitive" back in Tennessee.  Long story surrounding an $80 fine for a book on CASSETTE that I returned in 2001, but they have no record of it.  I'm probably on a "10 Most Wanted" list at the Lawson McGhee.

Since I've been doing a lot of reading with all the bus trips and such, I decided to join the local library here in Tallaght.  I have to say, it was the most amazing experience I have ever had at a library.  First of all, they have much more than books there.  From the rows and rows of CD's and DVD's (new stuff too...not just from the 1940's) to beginning Polish lessons, it's a different world than I remember.  They even have a website for downloading audio books to your MP3 player, and your library card acts as a debit card for library fines and printing fees. 

After wandering around in awe for an hour, I made my few selections...three books, a CD and a DVD.  I took them to the counter to check them out and was surprisingly redirected to a "self-checkout" desk.  As I followed the instructions, I stood there dumbfounded!  I inserted my library card and laid my stack of books (etc.) on the counter, and then just watched as the computer began listing each item on the screen.  I didn't have to scan anything!  It knew what I had!   Then before I knew it, a receipt printed thanking me for visiting and telling me what day all my stuff needed to be returned.  I think I closed my dropped jaw sometime before I got back to my car...

 


Comments

Julie
09/16/2008 15:33

I don't know ... sounds like Big Brother in Ireland. :) I'm glad you rediscovered the library. It's changed here at home, too. And do you know that there's usually a "grace" day when you can give a can of food and be "forgiven" your debt? :) One can of pork and beans, and you would've been off the hook!

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Brooke
09/17/2008 05:47

I'm scared...how did it KNOW????

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Libby
09/17/2008 07:30

Fascinating...for real!

Hey, just be glad your situation with the library in Knoxville wasn't with the library in Gwinnett Co. GA.
I hear it would be a mandatory 10 day quarantine, $250.00 fine, AND a morning at the courthouse pleading your case in front of a judge who just happens to look like a blonde surfer girl.
Oh, wait...that's if you bite the Librarian...nevermind.

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Amy
09/17/2008 10:55

That's cool, Steph! Glad you decided to join the public library there! I think I may need to visit my local library again soon. I don't think I have time to read right now, though. Let me know if you find any must-reads! =]

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tara
09/18/2008 05:56

There wasn't the number sequence "666" anywhwere on your receipt was there? :-)

Girl, you know I am somewhat of a fugitive from the library myself... however, sounds like if you play nice, they may even have a service to come retrieve the books when you're done. And ohhhhh yes, they'll know when you're done..... they just know.....

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Mom
09/21/2008 11:16

That sounds like my kind of library! But I'm like you, it would work out better if they came and got the books when they were due. That's service!!!! But only if they want the books back on time.

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C5
09/28/2008 17:10

That's way cool! I've not seen this in libraries here - although i have to admit that i haven't been to one since college. :-) They are using RFID - a radio frequency identification technique that is gaining acceptance over the past few years by large companies (e.g., wal-mart). I'd love to have this at the grocery store!! We'll check back with you in a week to make sure you dont become a fugitive in Ireland! :)

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