[Jeff Chandler]

I have been utilizing the Chandler, Arizona library for nearly 45 years, and have witnessed the changes. When I first moved here it was a tiny — and I mean TINY — library nestled in a small, ancient building. They soon moved to a much larger rented space, then to the massive city-built facility they now occupy.

Over time they embraced all the new technology for cataloging and checking out books, but there were greater changes. The Dewey Decimal Class 900 section changed rather quickly from History and Geography to almost exclusively Oppressed Minority Grievance. Other sections experienced similar changes.

There were changes in how the library is used. Upstairs is the kids floor. Most of the activity seems to be organized little tykes. When searching for books for grandchildren, I see very few kids actually browsing the rows for books.

Downstairs activity goes as follows: the tables and chairs around the perimeter are used by Asian kids with laptop computers, immersed in school work, availing themselves of the free WiFi. In the center is large block of desktop computers. That is where mostly blacks and Hispanics sit, browsing social media.

The actual rows of books? Crickets.

[DallasBiff]

Soon to be a museum piece like the buggy whip.