Social networking - a new identity for libraries

Social networking seems to me to provide the perfect opportunity for libraries to re-create ourselves, producing an identity that is modern, more accessible and more in touch with society. We need to promote our activities, enable more direct communication. So many times when you speak to members of the public, they say they don't have time to use the library. They don't have time to read, to watch DVDs, to have leisure time. So it seems that the more we can connect with them in their daily activities the better. So many people use Facebook and My Space and the like, including from the demographics we sometimes have difficulty connecting with. These networks, assuming we have 'friends' may also help to change social attitudes about libraries being uncool, boring..... While we're trying to be more accessible and easier to use, why not give the option of posting library materials to them; of having drive-through returns and pick-ups; or returns bins in shopping centres and train stations? Maybe if we can slot in more as part of a daily routine, we can draw in more customers and if that means that we are in fact increasing our online usage rather than visits to the library, so what? Perhaps that indicates that the measures we and our funding bodies are using are out of touch also. Libraries are such a great resource and filled with an incredible group of people who are so dedicated, passionate and inspired in their thinking.