How My Library Usage Has Changed.

I used to find all the books I read by browsing at the library. (I am talking about pre-1995 life). I might know that a writer, say Ruth Rendell, had a new book out, but I also scanned all the shelves and often came up with new writers. I had no idea if the book was good usually. I went by the description of the plot on the jacket. About 75% of the books I read came from the library and many others came from their book sales. I rarely bought a new book although I got some for my birthday or Christmas.

Now I never browse books at the library although I still get most of what I read from there. Instead I see books mentioned on the Internet or reviewed in publications like the NYT or elsewhere and go to my library's site and put them on reserve. Some days I get an email that three or four have come in. Right now my library has gotten me the John O'Hara collection GIBBSVILLE from Central Michigan University. Season One of THE WEST WING is also waiting for me. I don't always get to half the books I put on reserve though.

I also get a lot of DVDs, music, and audiobooks from the library. Right now I am listening to BEAUTIFUL RUINS by Jess Walters. 

How has your use of the library changed over time? They say libraries will gradually disappear. I think that makes me even more sick than the bookstores.