Our public library flooded 6 years ago. All the books were ruined. It gave those in charge a chance to rebuild a library to "21st century" standards.
The result? No reference section. No microfilm. No out-of-print books. What was added? Treadmill-powered computers. A cafe with drive-up window (no joke), a young-adult section without books, outfitted with computers and video games, a bay of DVD-rental vending machines.
And the woodworking section? The bottom two shelves of my Jefferson bookcase at home rivals it. The old library had all the bound back-issues of Fine Woodworking, Krenov, Sloane, Nutting, Kingshott, etc. etc. They made no effort to replace any of these books. None. Want to do some research on local history? Look up an obituary? Find an old newspaper article? Sorry, we don't offer that here. But we can supply you with the latest issue of Weekly World News and a Grande Caramel Macchiatto Panchetta Panini.
What does the future look like for libraries? Who knows. But if our's is any example, it's not good. That's why I'm thankful for the internet. Transferal of knowledge is up to us now. Not that my library ever had any info on old French vocational schools, mind you. But if it weren't for the internet, much of this imagery would be out of reach, gathering dust in boxes and cabinets half a world away.
I gathered these images during our research for our Classic Leg Vise. Hope you enjoy them. We love them.
For the full gallery, click here: French Schools and Shops