First U.S. Bookless Public Library to Look Like an Apple Store

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Posted January 13, 2013 at 9:16pm by Shalom Levytam

Bexar County, Texas has unveiled plans to open the country's first completely bookless library, reports MySanAntonio.

The library system, called BiblioTech, will launch with a prototype location on the South Side opening this the fall.

“If you want to get an idea what it looks like, go into an Apple store,” Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff said.

Wolff says he was inspired when reading the biography of Steve Jobs and he envisions more bookless libraries around the county.

“It's not a replacement for the (city) library system, it's an enhancement,” Wolff said. “People are always going to want books, but we won't be doing that in ours.”

About $250,000 will need to be spent for the first 10,000 book titles. Design and construction costs aren't set yet; however, money will be saved by using a county-owned building.

Read More [via Verge]

First U.S. Bookless Public Library to Look Like an Apple Store

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nickp - January 14, 2013 at 11:07pm

new era for Bookless Public Library

chris - January 14, 2013 at 1:30pm

Looks too dense for me. And need place for BYOD!

Kev - January 14, 2013 at 9:34am

Oh dear ... I see a lawsuit coming ... I think apple have the patent for a room with tables and chairs featuring the ability to use a user input device (namely a computer) to access information.

Roshan - January 14, 2013 at 3:20am

Sure people might say "who reads these days?" but there are professional field where studying is required. Also people like to gain knowledge and not rely on google / internet for everything. The more knowledge you have the more creative you can get. Steve Jobs took technology already created and combined them together. Used it in a way that wasn't intended yet fluid. Library is not just about books it's about creative and informative collection of ideas under one place. It targets a very selective group of people and if you are not that group you will not understand or care. It's more then a place you were forced to go during elementary school. I think this is a wonderful way to upgrade the library system.

Bobby - January 14, 2013 at 12:09am

It's for people who don't have a device or the Internet. Or who don't know how to find book titles online for free. Or as a place to get away. To focus. I'd say it would make a lot of sense if a Starbucks were included inside.

Tunger - January 13, 2013 at 11:27pm

I'm going with stupid - sort of. Yes, a bookless library is indeed the future and its certain time to investigate how we get there as a supplement to standard libraries. However, isn't the beauty of the concept that it is digital and thereby eliminates the need for a brick and mortar facility? That's the real benefit - municipalities save a lot of capital expense and residents get much greater convenience and access to resources paid for by their tax dollars. The concept of a brick and mortar digital library makes no sense whatsoever from a technological perspective, cost-benefit perspective, etc.

onmy4s - January 13, 2013 at 11:26pm

It is the future, very soon we will not be using paper anyhow, save the world. Gr8 idea

Adcpolo - January 13, 2013 at 11:19pm

So, why do you have to go in there? To borrow books or to read?

ChingChong - January 13, 2013 at 11:18pm

IT's a great idea.... it's the future. Adapt or you will be left behind

Regardless of what your opinion is, this is the future. So adapt... It's time... or you will be left behind. Peace

MaFo - January 14, 2013 at 1:24am

Horrible idea. A whole library with no books and only computers? Pointless. Just use your own computer.