IELTS Speaking part 1 | Libraries

We may go to public libraries a lot as students, but as we get older we usually visit less unless taking our own children.

Think about the following –

1. Are there a lot of public libraries where you live?
2. Did you visit them as a student?
3. Do you visit them now?

Examples

• As a student I used to go to the library every day as I had to do a lot of reading on my university course as we had an extensive reading list. I would try to get there and get the books I needed before others had borrowed them as I didn’t want to spend a lot of money on books if I didn’t have to.
• As a student I used to go to the university library often, but since I left, I don’t go so much now.  Although, I am still an avid reader, I usually download my books to my Kindle as it is more convenient. I know it is cheaper to borrow the books but to honest with work I don’t always have the time to go. Also, due to the pandemic the libraries have been closed for a year now so using my Kindle has been a real lifesaver.

Libraries tend to be very quiet, so the atmosphere makes them a good place to read without getting disturbed.

Look at these questions –

1. What makes libraries a good place to read?
2. Why do some people prefer to read in a library rather than at home?

Examples

• I think the atmosphere in libraries is conducive to reading as they are very quiet places. You can read easily as there is no noise or distractions from others. When I do go I usually go early in the morning and there are few people there, only a few pensioners who go to read the newspapers.
• When I was a student, I would always do my reading in the library simply because it was quieter than my flat. I used to share with two other people and there was always something going on, so I found it very difficult to concentrate on what I was reading. I wouldn’t only read books there either, I often did my revision for exams there as the atmosphere was peaceful.

As libraries have a huge number of books you should be able to think of a lot of examples for this question. If your city has a large library, then it will provide access to a lot of public records also.

Think about these questions –

1. What kind of books might be read at a library but not elsewhere?
2. What else can you find in libraries apart from books?
3. Can libraries be a source of other information?

Examples

• Well, libraries have so many books on every subject that you may not find easily in a bookshop. For example, the library may have rare or out of print books that people would not otherwise have easy access to.
• Some libraries have access to public records, for instance my city library. I remember helping my father a few times when he was trying to research our family tree. We were able to access birth and death certificates from centuries ago which were held on microfilm. It is amazing to think that all those records are stored there. Also, you can look through old newspaper headlines as they often have old copies stored there as well.

Libraries are used by many people and also schools. They can provide many services for the community but who should be responsible for the costs of running them?

1. Libraries are public buildings so should they be sole responsibility of the government?
2. Should the general public contribute to the running costs of libraries?

Examples

• I think the majority of the running costs should be the responsibility of the government as libraries are public facilities. However, where I live people have to purchase a library card for a one-off nominal fee, so they do generate some income from that. Also, if people don’t return books on time, they have to pay a small fine for every day they are late returning the book which is another source of income.
• I think the running costs should be equally shared by both the government and individuals. As public facilities, libraries provide the opportunity for people to learn, not just the younger generation but everyone. People would complain if libraries disappeared so I think they should contribute in some way, it wouldn’t cost a fortune and everyone would benefit.