The clientele at libraries have changed dramatically since technology became a part of their offerings. Libraries used to be the haven of bookworms, dreamers, and intelligentsia--very mild-mannered folk. It now draws the Internet pervert, unruly teens who want the latest music or movie or to play games on the computers, and the homeless. I realize our mission is to serve the entire community, and I support that, but it comes with its problems. We've had to hire security for the evenings, and now we are going to have to stretch the budget (after several incidents) to have security in the mornings, too (would you believe we've had sexual offenders trolling the children's library? Egads.).

We also have had the report that our funding will be decreased, because the housing market has dipped and the property taxes we count on will be decreased. More outgo for security and less funding is not a pleasant outlook.

Call me a fuddy-duddy, but I remember with fondness when libraries were all books. Each year, it seems the percentage of book shelf space is decreased as computers, conference rooms, tech centers, movies, and music continue their encroachment. We are moving toward a bookless library.