• Franzia@lemmy.blahaj.zone
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    10 months ago

    Well, it started with libraries not having people volunteering to read to kids. And then adults who did read to kids wanted to make it fun and engaging for them, so they began dressing up in fantasy outfits and effectively cosplay. And then the gay community heard of it and likely just naturally fell into it. Some gay people grt very very excited about dressing up, doing theatrics, and drag.

    • ∟⊔⊤∦∣≶@lemmy.nz
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      10 months ago

      Really?? Huh, well there you go. I’ll switch my status from ‘indifference’ to ‘supporting.’ No one ever took me to the library to have books read to me.

      • Flying Squid@lemmy.world
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        10 months ago

        That’s really sad. I have treasured memories of going to the library and having one of the librarians read a picture book. I took my daughter to the library for the same reason when she was little.

        That’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to libraries these days, by the way. My wife is a library administrator. This town has less than 80,000 people, but the library has three 3D printers 100% free for use, take-home kits of things like a ukulele with an instruction book, an HTC Vive and a PS5 for teens to play with any time they want, and they’re building a new branch that includes a room (one person at a time with a lockable door) with a free washer/dryer and a shower!

        Support your local library. Go there. Have fun. Buy something at the book sale to throw them a few bucks.

        • SamHamilton@lemmy.world
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          10 months ago

          Our library is awesome in that way too. They have 3d printers as well, and they invest a lot in online resources as also. LinkedIn learning, Rosetta stone, O’Reilly’s entire learning catalog, and a ton more, all free with a library card. AND they have a lot of good services for the homeless as well. I actually sent my city councilwoman a letter asking to increase funding to the library.

        • AA5B@lemmy.world
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          10 months ago

          Ours is arguably too good about being online. I haven’t been there since before COViD, but read library books on my Kindle all the time

          • Flying Squid@lemmy.world
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            10 months ago

            Yep. Libraries have ebooks for free. And audiobooks. My wife hasn’t paid for either in years. I only have once because there was no other way to get a specific BBC radio drama I wanted.

            Some libraries even have streaming movies!

    • SamHamilton@lemmy.world
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      10 months ago

      That’s pretty interesting! Do you know of any good articles that trace the history going that far back? Seems like it would be a good read.