It鈥檚 comforting to know that libraries are not diminished by the digital age, but expanded. The Greater Victoria Public Library has added something called Hoopla Digital to its services, allowing patrons access to thousands of digital titles 鈥� movies, TV shows, music and audiobooks 鈥� through their electronic gadgets and by virtue of their library cards.
If you still carry childhood fear of stern looks from an intimidating librarian because of an overdue book, fear no more 鈥� the new service simply deletes the title from your tablet or computer when it鈥檚 due to be returned.
It鈥檚 a further erosion of the image of the library as simply a warehouse for books. That image was never accurate, for a library is an organized repository of knowledge. Libraries have been around since about 1200 BC in one form or another, and the latest embrace of digital convenience ensures that while they will continue to evolve, they will be around for a long time to come.
A library is no longer limited by what sits on its bookshelves.
But no app will ever replace the pleasure of browsing among those shelves loaded with books you can see, handle and smell.
