Putting cows on the front page since 1885.
As librarians, we know the value of our community services, and our patrons appreciate their importance as well. But in an increasingly digital world, we see the role of libraries as community and cultural centers at times undervalued, and occasionally under fire. When shrinking budgets combine with the nonstop technological revolution, public library services that focus on building community face-to-face, inspiring and educating patrons about art, literature, and music, and helping patrons engage can seem quaint.
But it is precisely those shrinking budgets and the onslaught of technologically mediated life that make public libraries’ cultural and community offerings more important than ever.
Public libraries are engaged in incredible work. From tiny public libraries to huge city institutions with multiple branches, libraries are building community and supporting local culture in exciting ways. Those who argue that libraries are becoming obsolete don’t know what public libraries do in the 21st century. Spread the message. Libraries are more than books and technology. Libraries build citizens. They educate individuals and foster thoughtful communities. They are essential components of communities – worth fighting for and worth funding.
Reasons why Libraries are Community Builders
• Libraries help revitalize struggling or depressed neighborhoods and downtowns.
• Libraries are important partners in sustainability.
• Libraries’ special collections grow out of specific community needs.
• Archives preserve historic artifacts, oral histories, digital history projects, and monographs relevant to the community, including minority groups.
• Libraries are places where people come to know themselves and their communities.
• Libraries serve as catalysts for addressing social problems.
• Library buildings as architectural structures are culturally relevant.
• Libraries provide important business resources, especially for small local businesses.
• Libraries teach teens important life skills.
• Libraries are important partners in child development.
• Story hour and summer reading programs for kids and teens help bridge the economic divide that impacts students’ academic performance.
• Libraries offer opportunities for remote access, making it possible for those who can’t get to the library to still access the library’s cultural and educational offering.
• Libraries provide access to the arts for all, not just those who can afford them.
• Libraries serve as the “people’s university.”
These reasons are just a few of the many amazing things public libraries are doing to build and maintain strong community connections. We encourage you to try some of these ideas in your own libraries, and we hope that these ideas will help you be better able to convince your community leaders of the important role that public libraries play in communities large and small.
Reader Comments(0)