On Tuesday May 17, 2011, my library had the pleasure of hosting a show featuring the wizard rock band Harry and the Potters. The show itself was awesome: the music was great, the band was super nice, and everyone had a good time.
The highlight for me had nothing to do with the actual show. Instead, it came from the patrons. The first moment where I noticed that this wasn’t going to be just any old program was when I stepped out to announce to the fans that were waiting for the show to start that the band was just sound checking and would be ready shortly. I expected maybe 20 people tops, but the line stretched all the way from our auditorium up into the library proper. We’re talking at least 100 people here, all with smiles on their faces.
Once the show got underway, I stepped up to the mic to introduce the band to the 203 people that came to the library on a rainy, Tuesday night to see this free show. I was greeted with shouts of “I LOVE LIBRARIES” and “WE LOVE LIBRARIANS”. I felt like a Beatle.
But that’s not what I’m trying to get at. What I’m really trying to say is this: the death of the library has been greatly exaggerated. This event showed me that there are people out there that love their libraries. They know who we are and what we do…and they love us for it. Will 26 ebook circulations be the thing that takes away that love? What about when Seth Godin says that libraries are out of date? Are they gonna listen to him? I don’t think so. People will remember you when you give them positive experiences.
I have a feeling we’re gonna be ok.
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Here’s some video I took at the event with my phone. Sure, the quality isn’t the best, but I think it captures the excitement of the evening.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKTq3L-uRVE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXOloG4S-xs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Ic9GYGIjSM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ThUh4_-B6Kw
-Post by Justin Hoenke, Tame the Web Contributor