What role do you think library programs play in our society today?

What role do you think library programs play in our society today?

Obviously anyone on this site loves books and reading. Libraries enable everyone access to all of the wonderful books out there. I took my kids and grandkids to story time at our local libraries. I think it helped instill in all of them a love of reading. Many of my friends are on a fixed income and the library allows them access to a continuing flow of wonderful books and many other programs

Library programs for children certainly help to educate, but they also are designed to entertain. Many children who attend them in our area have already been read to or are reading on their own. If they are fortunate, they own books and have parents and siblings who read to them. Library programs for adults not only bring people together to discuss books they have read together, but also provide assistance with skills such as doing genealogical research, using ebooks, and planning for retirement. Libraries also provide meeting places for community groups that do everything from yoga to discuss vital community issues. Libraries serve as voting places in some areas. In summary: libraries are community centers, at least in our region. As an example, my husband recently attended an air quality-related meeting at a local library.

Library programs teach and educate. There is the social aspect where children get to know one another and the joy of reading. Baby story time is, and all story times are a bonding time for moms and kids. There are special programs to enjoy for children and adults. Book clubs for children and adults. Author presentations for children and adults. I could go on and on. Book, magazines, newspapers and computers for patrons to use. Also computer classes. And the Stem classes which I still really do not know a lot about!

So many of us grew up with libraries that only provided books, the libraries of today are much expanded. It is hard to compete with everything that claims our attention and our budget in these times. I applaud those libraries whose focus is raising up young readers. They are the library patrons of tomorrow. I wish libraries didn’t have to focus so much attention on entertaining people.

I live in a small rural town in the midwest. Besides the wonderful reading materials provided, there are computers, children's programs, book discussion groups, social gatherings, outreach to the local nursing home, etc. It is really a lifeline to many in the community. I realize that computers have taken over, but there is still nothing like the feel of a good book in one's hands to feed the soul. Libraries feed the soul of the community!

In the most obvious way, we have access to more books and DVD's, etc than we can read in a lifetime. But they offer more than reading material. The library in my town rents instruments to those who can't afford their own, they rent out toys and puzzles. They have computers that anyone can use--and even librarians to help patrons use them. They offer space for after-school tutors and community groups of all sorts and types. A world without libraries would be a poor place.

All of the above list ways the library is a place for all. Our local libraries do all of those things and even have computers for those who don't have internet at home. From toddlers to very senior people all are given hope and social connection. The Pack Horse project showed some of that as well, with the scrapbooks that shared recipes and fix-its for anyone on the route of a book carrier.

I would hope that library programs are valued for all they can add to a community and its people. Our local library is a very important part of our small, Rocky Mountain town. I’m proud of the fact that voters passed an additional 1% sales tax ten years ago to fund our new library. Besides a light, open area for the book collections, there is a children’s library, teen room (soundproofed??), computer lab, DVD and audiobook collections, and conference rooms that community groups can use. The library has many special events and activities for kids and teens. It subscribed to genealogical sites for research, and two digital collections for borrowing online. They have monthly book clubs and even tai chi classes. The old Carnegie library is attached to the new building, and it’s main floor is used as a meeting/concert venue, while the basement houses the used book shop. We are very lucky to have a great library and a community that supports it.

I live in a rural town with one library. The librarians are active in the community promoting reading/literary. There is a constant fear of loss of funding. Thank goodness we don’t have Harriet managing the program.

I am the chair of the board of trustees for our local library. One of the selectmen in our town once asked, "Aren't libraries obsolete now that we have the internet? Why do we need them?" First of all, libraries make books, movies, audio materials, computer and internet use, and museum passes free to everyone in the community, many of whom can't afford to pay for those amenities. The unemployed can use library internet services to hunt for jobs. Libraries also provide a safe haven for lonely teenagers, free story hours and craft activities for kids, and a place to meet for senior groups. They often serve as a designated safe spot during weather emergencies. Someone once said, "If you want answers, consult Google. If you want the right answer, consult a reference librarian." Librarians are also there to guide you towards books you might enjoy and to provide information about their communities to newcomers. Please support your local library! It still plays a vital role in your community.

Libraries are one of the few places where everyone is welcome. You can just come in and look at the newspaper, put together a jig saw puzzle, or just sit in a chair and do nothing. It's still a place where people can gather. Often people who don't know each other. I've watched people connect at a library program and long after the program has ended they will be talking out in the parking lot. I love that. I'm a librarian. Our programs range from early literacy storytimes, to a ukulela club, a coding club, a couple of book groups, and we host local community programs on recycling, Lyme disease, resources for seniors etc. All at no cost to attendees. Our programs often bring together people who have very different political views, but they love to play the ukelele, or they want to find out how to use our telescope. Bringing together people who are very different in many ways for a common activity or event is one of the most important things libraries do today.

Libraries foster lifelong learning and are a gathering place for community members. Library programs provide free access to technology and books for underserved populations in the community. They also provide access to materials about cultures that you may not be familiar with, allowing community members to broaden their knowledge of other people and places.

Libraries provide so many services and programs these days. We serve as a community centers, reaching to out folks of all ages. Many older folks come in for technology assistance, while little ones come in with parents for story times and craft programs. I do believe any age can be well served libraries!

Gosh a library is so much more than checking out books these days. Programs from music to computer usage to genealogy... so many things to do and see there. I can’t imagine life without he library.. it is my happy place!

Library programs are key to increasing the vitality of a community. In fact, developing,promoting and staffing a variety of library programs is frequently a major topic at library meetings. Everything from children’s programming to genealogy research and instruction on using computer programs to book clubs our library has it. Including programs for the elderly and books delivered to those who cannot access the library. My daughter spent countless hours at story time and craft time when she was tiny. Then graduated to YA groups and served on teen library council to then assisting the librarians in the very same story and craft times she once attended. She grew as an individual and became an even better member of our community in part due to the opportunities our library provided. A well funded and supported library is an asset of immeasurable worth.

I believe libraries provide multi services today. I never go in without finding many things going on. There are computers for everyone to use free. Children have a big area with story times and librarians to help them pick out books. They have a computer lab for people who want to make videos, etc. There are book groups and group packs for book group members. They have rooms, free of charge, for groups of all kinds that need a place to meet. They have authors come in. They are truly an all service building

I live in a remote area and don't often get into town except for groceries and medical appointments. Fortunately, my county library system has a library by mail program and this is a lifesaver for me. I eagerly await the books I have requested and settle in for a good read, especially in the winter, when bad weather makes my driveway pretty much impassable. Our libraries also provide many other services to the public, but this one is especially important to me.

I am a committed fan of libraries, having access to two in our community and having served on boards and as a volunteer. There are so many programs which help in a community from ESL to children's reading ,computer help and quite simply access to books which otherwise might not be read.
Our local libraries are the hub of our community as well as the source of knowledge.
The larger libraries in universities and major cities across the country are keepers of historical information and past publications which are safely saved.

Libraries are soooo undervalued! Especially by those who provide government funding. Yes, the world is different today than when libraries only loaned books, but I think the libraries are doing a great job keeping up. The role of the library might be more critical in a low income areas, but I live in a semi-rural area and thanks to technology, I can order any book I want from the main library (45 minutes away) and they will notify me when it arrives at my small local library. While I am modestly affluent, I cannot justify spending the money for every book I want to read, especially if I may not like them. This allows me to purchase books several times a year and then donate them to the library when I am done for those who really cannot afford to buy books.

Libraries do not discriminate. There is something for everyone. I work for a Children's Museum and we have a city library on the premises where anyone can come in and check out a book. We have also integrated a program called FLIP kits where you can check the kit out which includes a book and materials for hands on projects related to the book which you can keep and then return the book back to the library. It has been very successful in our local community.

Libraries can play a vital role in communities if the population sees them as something more than just a place to use the internet for free and check out movie DVDs. I was fortunate to grow up in a time when the only artificial distractions to reading, love of nature, appreciation of work, enjoyment of friends and family. etc. was television. Now the distractions by technology and social media are overwhelming. Libraries are doing their best to engage people so that they can learn and expand their horizons. I sincerely hope that individuals realize what a resource to the enrichment of their lives that a library is.