Fading Technologies, Libraries, and the Passage of Time

In my free time, two activities usually compete for my attention: a trip to the gym or a visit to the library. Today, I chose the latter and revisited a place that holds a special significance in my life, the very first library I ever visited when I arrived in this country.  

When I first stepped into that library years ago, my initial library card felt like a treasure. It symbolized opportunity and access to a wealth of knowledge. Back then, I eagerly checked out books and DVDs. Later, when I got my first car, a Toyota Avalon, I expanded my library use to include audiobooks. It was a simple yet profound joy. I consumed information like one would never imagine. 

Today’s visit brought back memories, but it also held a surprise. While exploring the catalog, I discovered that the library still had DVDs, audiobooks, and even some cassette tapes available for checkout. It felt like a time capsule from another era. I hadn’t thought about those formats in years, and I was astonished they were still there.  

Why was this surprising? Because the world has moved on. My current car doesn’t even have a CD player, and in many households, DVD players are a thing of the past as everything is now digital and subscription based. Those weren’t thought of just ten years ago. This shift made me wonder: Who is still consuming these formats in 2025?  

The sight of those outdated items sparked a larger reflection. Technology evolves at an incredible pace, rendering what was once indispensable almost obsolete in the blink of an eye. DVDs and CDs, once ubiquitous, are now relics, replaced by streaming services and digital downloads as stated earlier above.  

What’s the takeaway from this? It’s a stark reminder that nothing is permanent. Trends, tools, and even cherished technologies can fade away, often faster than we expect. In a world of rapid innovation, adaptability is key, and nostalgia can serve as a gentle reminder of how far we’ve come.  

I saw and checked the bus schedules for the various routes around the county. These buses are incredibly reliable, and I know this because I relied on them to get to college during my first year and a half in the country. It's been at least ten years since I last used them. God is good.

As I left the library, I couldn’t help but marvel at the impermanence of it all. The world moves fast, and so must we. But perhaps, amidst this change, places like libraries remain constants, adaptable, evolving, yet still grounded in their mission to serve as keepers of knowledge, past, present and future. 

I remain your pal,

Ronnie Law