For the past five years, I have worked at a public library and have absolutely loved every minute. When I was young, my bookshelf was organized by the author’s last name in every house I lived in. My dad is an English teacher and my stepmom is the director of a library, so it makes a lot of sense that I loved working at a library, but the job isn’t for everyone.
Luckily, public libraries are for everyone. Public libraries are some of the greatest places on earth with tons of resources and really lovely people. Reading to children is a vital action, but not all families can have a library in their house. However, public libraries always have a children’s section to enhance the child’s reading ability. The foundation for learning new material and processing language is almost entirely determined by the time a child is three years of age.
There is a huge lack of literature in low income areas, but public libraries help to fill those gaps. In low income neighborhood, there is only 1 age appropriate book per 300 children. Public libraries offer multitudes of books in all age ranges and is free for those who live in the area they serve.
Public libraries not only house material for children, but for any person of any age. Libraries offer fiction, non-fiction, mystery, young adult, and many other kinds of books. In addition to books, most libraries have local newspapers and magazines. Reading is one of the best ways to escape reality, learn a new skill or stay up to date on what’s happening in the world.
In addition to the fairly obvious fact that libraries are full of books, public libraries host a plethora of other resources. Most have free Wi-Fi and public access computers which can be used for anything from games, to homework, to filing taxes or applying for social security benefits. In most cases, the librarians can offer help navigating through websites and applications as people work through them.
In rural areas, libraries are often the only place that has free Wi-Fi, so they act as a source of information and a place to do work. Libraries will have a variety of spaces where people can do work and will give no judgement for staying the whole day, because that’s what the Wi-Fi is for. Public libraries are also the key into a world of other resources. Many libraries are part of online resources that are free for patrons to use, such as OverDrive or Hoopla, that provide audiobooks, movies, music, and e-books so you can get materials on your phone or other devices. These materials may also be ones that aren’t physically available at your library, but is something now available.
In addition to online resources, most states have some sort of interlibrary web wherein a patron from one library can borrow a book that their home library doesn’t have. This is yet another way that libraries try to give patrons access to as much information as possible.
Public libraries host no end of programs that appeal to many age groups, as well as allow outside organizations to host meetings in conference rooms or just in the library. Programming can teach people new skills and give new information to the people attending. Summer reading programs focus on enhancing children’s learning while they aren’t at school, but similar programs are held year long.
Public libraries are havens in any community that provide no end of resources and information to all patrons. Libraries foster a welcoming community for growing and learning.
Emma Farina
Opinions Columnist