Books!

We made a trip to the library yesterday looking for apple books.  As we were leaving the house the question came to my mind, "Can the boys have their own library card?"  
I felt like they could, after all I have seen Caillou, Little Bill and I think Franklin get their own library card.
(Note: those are all characters in children's shows)
So I ask the boys what they thought about getting their own card.   I was pretty sure what the answer would be, but had to see the faces.  OF COURSE they wanted their own card!!
I had two little boys even more excited to go to the library now. Two little boys who had a new outlook on the library.
We entered the library and went to the lady at the desk.  I ask her if they were too young to have their own card.  She said, "As long as they are alive they can have one."
Great!  Sign them up.  And I did.  As I filled out the paper work I could see the nervous, anxious feelings stirring in their little heads. The lady at the desk took their information and proceeded to get them their own card.  She was finally done and handed Ryan his first.  And then Matthew.
They were SO proud!  Since it was their first time to use their card they were allowed to only check out five books.

Off they went! They were in search of just the right five books.  I was in search of apple books.  I asked a library lady to help me and we started talking.  We talked about homeschooling and she informed me that her grandchildren are going to the new "Green School" up the road.  This is one of very few schools in the United States where everything is done on computers.  NOT one book! I was shocked and stood there ready to fire off my opinions. (there is that self-control issue!!)
It was by the Grace of God that someone walked up and interrupted us because I had some ugly thoughts about to come from my mouth.
NO BOOKS!!!  Are you kidding me?!?!?!
Before that person walked up I did get the impression she thought this was great. 
I was shocked a second time that she worked at a library and felt her grandchildren's new "Green School" was great.  With NO books!
I have heard more and more about schools going to an all computer based education.  And I don't get it.
Just another reason I am thrilled we decided to homeschool.  Now, don't get me wrong, computers are a wonderful tool.  I use mine a lot. And I am sure these children are getting an education bu computers.
But I personally feel our children are missing out on some very important and basic lessons that a computer can not teach.
Handwriting for instance.  Have you seen the way some kids write these days?  I blame it on the increased use of computers in school.
And what happened to the joy of holding a book in your hand?? 
I know for our family we are thrilled to sit and read a book. To hold it in our hands.  To turn the page ever so gently and look at the pictures.  Right now as I type the boys are sitting around me looking through all their library books.  Trying to decide what we will read tonight.
Sure I guess I could take my laptop, unplug it, but make sure it is fully charged first and sit on their bed or the couch and find some books online to read. 
No thanks, I suppose I am "old school" when it comes to learning.  I prefer to do it in a book. 

Anyway, I didn't intend to go off on computers or this new "green school", but it made me sad that these sweet children just may miss out on some fundamentals of education.
OK back to my happy boys and their new library cards.

They can not wait to go next week.  We are changing up our schedule a bit to allow time at the library.   So we will now go once a week.  Matthew asked me last night if next time he can check out more books.  He is already planning his next library day.
My hope is the boys will love to read and cherish books.

What are your thoughts on NO BOOKS?  I would love for you to share them.