Libraries, you’ve changed — and I love it!
TL;DR Libraries aren’t what they used to be. Those who work to evolve how libraries serve their communities should be commended.
The role of libraries — public libraries, at least — seems to have changed significantly in recent years. Where they used to be primarily sources for books, as well as a few other media that emerged over the years, they have now moved into more of a publicly available (read: free), safe communal space, with internet access. Books and other media seem to now be a secondary offering these days, which is understandable, as the majority of media most people consume is digital these days. The needs of the public have shifted, and libraries have likewise shifted to meet those needs.
As a public service, this is a perfect example of one which serves its people directly. The old system was no longer as useful or functional as it once was, and so that system was adapted to fit the current needs of the people. This adaptation is a testament to the integrity of those who run public libraries, and the services they offer. They seem to recognize they’e there to serve the needs of the public, not to uphold an antiquated system which was no longer useful to the majority.
To respect and maintain the fundamental — and still useful — aspects of an old system, while adapting to so many new and changing factors, is no small thing. There is no-doubt a good amount of trial-and-error, community relations, and compromise with the old guard. I’d be willing to bet there’s a good amount of politics and positioning involved in all of this too; after all, who’s going to pay for all of these new services?
In case you haven’t been to a library in a while, you may not know what I’m talking about. Further, the libraries in your area — if, indeed you have any in your area — may not have made changes like these; I can only speak from my own experience and perspective, but fully recognize yours may be very different than mine.
So, what kinds of things am I talking about? I mentioned how they seem to be primarily quiet/safe spaces with free internet, but they also offer other services, and even some specialized equipment. I’d like to explore all of these areas, but I’ll start with one many of us take for granted: access to the Internet.
Free Internet Access
Access to the Internet is something I absolutely take for granted. It’s so essential to both my personal and professional lives, I don’t consider it to be a luxury I could ever cut. Having a budget which allows for this valuation of internet access is certainly not the case for everyone. There are many people who depend on free, publicly available, and reliable internet access.
You may cite all the restaurant and coffee shops who offer ‘free’ internet access, but I wouldn’t include them here. In order to access the Internet in coffee shops, or other businesses, you’re expected to make a purchase. If the reason you don’t have your own source for the Internet is related to cost, then needing to purchase something may be a barrier to regular and consistent internet access. In libraries, it’s free — period.
The Internet has become so integral to modern life, it is seen to many as being a human right, as opposed to a luxury for those who can afford it — I tend to agree. Libraries, among other places, have decided to step in and fill that role, so those on a fixed or low income are not left out of the infinite conversation that is the Internet. What are libraries, after all, if not hubs of information?
At my local library, anyone can access the Internet on their own device, or they can use one of the freely available desktop computers. They can also sign out a tablet for use within the library, or even to take home with them. Until the Internet is widely adopted as a truly recognized human right, then services such as these are functional enough to keep us all connected.
Safe Communal Spaces
Humans are social critters. Despite our grumblings, our need to socialize and to be around each other is undeniable; even if we only want to sit next to each other in silence. Being near others beats sitting at home alone — most of the time, anyway. Don’t believe me? Go to any coffee shop and take a look around at all the people. They may be keeping to themselves, reading in silence, scrolling on their phones, or staring at a laptop, but they’re doing it in the company of others — why else do you think they’re there, and not at home?
Those who want a quiet and safe space where they can be around others, without a sour bill for their seven-syllable coffee, may want to seek out their local library. This is, in my opinion, one of the more important functions libraries have come to fill.
I’ve mentioned safety a number of times. I think this is also something I take for granted, for more reasons than one. I live in a safe neighbourhood, in a loving home, and have seldom met any risks or threats of violence. Similar to my comments on how income can relate to one’s ability to access the Internet, there are countless factors which may contribute to someone not having access to a space where they can go to fill that social/communal instinct, while feeling safe and secure at the same time.
This can be in contrast to coffee shops and the like, but not absolutely. Generally, coffee shops are a safe space for most people. There are those, however, who may not feel as safe or comfortable as they might in a library setting. Though somewhat social spaces, there is also an air of leaving each other to their own work/reading/relaxing while in a library; that isn’t always the case for other venues.
New Services
This is definitely where my experience of modern libraries is going to differ significantly from those of others. Libraries depend on public funding, for the most-part, so the services they offer, beyond the bare basics, are going to depend greatly on the local government. If you live in an area whose government places a high value on public services, then you might be surprised at all the things they offer.
There are free classes and walkthroughs for subjects as varied as the communities they serve. The staff will help you find whatever resources you might need to learn on your own. You can use their scanners to digitize your old photo libraries, then get access to expensive photography software so you can edit them to be true to life. The one I go to even offers free printing for any kind of government form or document.
If your community has a need, and your library is even half-way decently funded, you’ll likely find a service or program that will help people complete their tasks and achieve their goals.
Video Games
At my local library, you can sign out movies, CDs, and books, of course. But I recently discovered they also have video games (yes, the latest titles)! For parents, or any video game fan really, this is an incredibly valuable service. Modern AAA video games (the big dogs) average between $60-80. For something that may or may not provide hours of entertainment, that’s a big gamble when you’re on a tight budget. Rather than spend that much on a game you might not like, you can borrow it for a few days, then decide if you’d like to purchase your own copy.
Forgetting whether you or your family will enjoy the game or not, that’s simply a luxury many can’t afford. Those who run libraries have, thankfully, recognized the value in including video games in their offerings. The cultural impact of video games is undeniable, even if you’ve never played one in your life. Libraries have grown to recognize this, and ensure all have access to that particular aspect of modern culture, regardless of their income.
Creative Equipment
I’ve yet to really take advantage of these services at my library, but the things they offer are far beyond what I would have expected.
You can sign out lighting setups for making movies with your smartphone, digital projectors, and other modern equipment for creative projects at home. As with everything else here, your mileage may vary, but I think you’d be surprised what’s available, if you take a look.
The thing that made me really take notice was the creative room at my library. This is a room with enough equipment and supplies for anyone to jump into any creative hobby or project they could possibly think of. There’s a staff member on-hand at all times to give advice, show you how to use the equipment, as well as to sell you at-cost (read: no profit) supplies.
When you picture this room, you might be imagining painting easels, or paper cutting boards, and maybe some hot glue guns. Now, they do have those, but they also have 3D printers, vinyl sticker printers and cutters, button makers, and a few other gadgets I haven’t even identified yet. I can’t imagine a creative project — short of woodworking or glass blowing — that you couldn’t at least get started here.
Yet again, libraries have expanded what they offer and, as a consequence, what they are. No longer are they only a place to access knowledge, but they’ve grown to become a place for you to discover new hobbies or crafts, and to learn through doing.
The Wrap-up
I haven’t even mentioned all the programs libraries offer, the classes, access to printers and photocopiers, or play areas for children. But I was never trying to write an all-inclusive overview of modern libraries with this post. The main reason I wanted to write this was to convey the remarkable transformation (many) libraries have undergone in recent decades.
If you haven’t been to a library in a while, I would highly recommend you make a point to do so. I can’t say what you’ll find at each location, but I’m willing to bet libraries are no longer what you thought they were. They’ve grown and evolved with the needs of the communities they serve, and you very well might find they fit into your life more than you expected.
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