[Bring_Back_Shantz]

Originally Posted by Sliver

I haven't read anything about this yet, but has the City commented at all on how a library built this decade will differ from the libraries we all grew up with? With the popularity and economy of e-readers, tablets, computers, the Internet, etc. it seems like a giant building filled with books is a little unnecessary. I get that we need meeting spaces, computers, etc. and obviously those will be an important aspect of the new building, but a full-on library seems a bit 20th Century to me.

Are you honestly wondering why a servie that provides free access to physical books is necessary when an expensive electronic alternative is available?

Now in a non sarcastic way, there are several reasons why it's still necessary. Not all books are available in e-reader formats, some people like physical books, the building itself is an important workspace for some, and there are many more.

That being said, the Calgary Public Library actually does have e-books that you can check out, so they already are modernizing.