Why does the “21st century library” look like it was designed in 1982? That’s a good question for library expert Stephen Abram (above), who will present remarks about the future of libraries next Thursday (June 5) from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Main Library downtown.

Despite what looks like a photo from the Atari era, Abram is renowned for his knowledge of library technology and trend forecasting. He spoke at the 2008 O’Reilly Tools of Change for Publishing conference (presentation slides) and created a vivid Map of Online Communities (below) charting social networking and other Web 2.0 sites on the Internet. Like the rest of us, he’s also a blogger.

Abram’s YouTube confession about his passion for libraries growing up means he probably wasn’t the cool kid on his block, but that’s pretty irrelevant these days. If you’re curious about what is relevant when it comes to libraries in the information age, check out this free event next week.

Note: If you know what’s good for you — and you aren’t the parent of a teenage child — steer clear of the Main Library from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. tonight (May 29), when the library hosts an “extreme” summer reading kickoff party. Unlike any effort to encourage summer reading I can recall from my own childhood, this one will feature “a DJ, food, door prizes and of course, a dance contest.” Of course. You’ve been warned.

For anyone out there compiling a list of things that former Mayor Bill Purcell did not have to worry about (that Mayor Karl Dean now does), here’s one for the stack. A local twitterer says Dean broke out a dead fish of a handshake recently:

Just got back from PRSA meeting where the guest speaker was the mayor. Must say he did not have a very firm handshake. 

Thank goodness this news didn’t break on the campaign trail last year.