Libraries have always played an important role in neighborhoods by serving as a site for community building as well as a place for gaining knowledge without barriers. With just a library card, any member of society, rich or poor, can learn just about anything and use any resource available at no charge to transform their lives.
When we think of libraries, we tend to only think of free books, but they offer so much more than that.
WiFi hotspots, laptops, iPads, e-books, DVDs, and video games are all available to be checked out IN ADDITION to the books we know and love.
Language learning apps, family tracing sites, access to otherwise paywalled news publications and research articles, online homework help, and movie and music streaming services are just a few of the digital resources that are available, and all that is required is a library card number.
Computer centers, printing, arts & crafts studios, and studio spaces for podcasts and accompanying equipment are also available at select libraries around the country to enrich creativity and promote art within the community.
Library systems are a blessing to communities across the nation, giving surrounding residents a place to better themselves through knowledge with no boundaries or obstacles. They give us true equal opportunity while also promoting and supporting literacy in future generations.
Because of their importance, the American Library Association celebrated libraries and their contributions this year by hosting National Library Week from April 19 to April 25. Library systems across the country connected with their residents through local events within the community to celebrate all that they do.
These events involved activities catered to members of all ages, with everything from gardening to yoga classes and Banned Book Bingo. Arts and crafts were also available to children and creatives alike.
National Library Week is a yearly event that brings awareness to all that is great about libraries. It’s so important to use your local library system, as they are federally funded and low usage results in reduced funding, which means losing the community lifeline. As tax-paying members of society, it is our obligation to fully utilize what public services are available to us so that we may help ourselves and progress.
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If you're just getting into books OR starting a work from home role, the library IS the place to go. Also, it's summer time, join the library reading challenge at your local branch!
I also feel like Kindles should be more of an at-home thing. If you want to read while you're out and you have the opportunity, enter a library, pick a book, and maybe even make a friend. The world needs more of those right now.