We Need Libraries

What has happened to the world? Seriously, where are all these discussions about public libraries being “obsolete” and “a waste of money” coming from?! Last week, I saw the link to an opinion piece in newspapers, the thought that “Amazon.com should start running libraries, because it would save the taxpayers a ton of coin.” And my brain just kind of exploded.

EXCUSE ME?! In what universe does this concept make any sense!?? Amazon is first and foremost a business, and it does not put profits above serving the community. No, it doesn’t. While there are businesses that effectively do both, most large corporations would happily throw things like employee satisfaction and “giving back” to the wind in favor of ye old almighty currency. Sad but true.

Libraries, on the other hand, were never intended to be moneymakers. Libraries were meant to be places where knowledge could be shared with the masses, whether rich or poor, native or immigrant, young or old. Turning a high profit is not the goal. And that’s okay, for the love of Pete.

Since we live in a culture that has increased literacy but not financial stability or easy access to all forms of technology across the social classes and geographic areas, libraries are more important now than they were 200 years ago, when a lot less people knew how to read.

In a world that’s rapidly changing some aspects of our lives, libraries remain one of the few public institutions that are working tooth and nail to keep up, and stay relevant.

And, oh, my, yes, how relevant they are! Libraries still provide safe and free shelter to after-school and college students from the inner city, who need to do their homework without worrying about being in a violent and possibly unstable neighborhood. Libraries provide computer training to older adults who aren’t sure about using these “new-fangled” mechanisms. Libraries employ people in your community, and train young volunteers in marketable skills.

It’s not just about the appeal of lending free books to well-read individuals. It’s about helping families stretch their budgets further, and still getting to expose their kids to a wide variety of fiction, non-fiction, films and music. About encouraging communities to come together to discuss important themes of our day as we find them in literature and arts.

It’s about keeping kids off the streets. Sharing culture and history with citizens of all economic backgrounds. Passing down information from generation to generation.

Our ancestors took this stuff seriously. There’s a reason The Great Library of Alexandria was considered a nearly sacred building.

When the pursuit of knowledge must be tied into whether or not it makes money, this shows a distinct decline of decency in our society.

No, I am not being too dramatic.

How can you help? If you’re an author, support your local (or the nearest) library — give them free copies of your own work to circulate, and regularly check items out of their system. Indie authors, especially — do this, and share your friends’ publications this way, too.

If you’re a reader, film enthusiast, or music fan — Before you dash to Amazon.com, Redbox, or Pandora, try the library for those new releases. If you have to put an exceptionally popular item on hold, so what? Learning a little patience is a good thing.

Before you consider attending a low-cost movie night or crafts class at a rec center or town hall, check out your regional library. As budgets have shrunk within many areas of the public sector for such things, libraries have sought grants and funding to increase their offerings.

For example, I live in a town with around 13,000 people — but this summer our library has daily free kids’ programs (including lunch), weekly events for teens (registration only, no cost), board games clubs and painting classes for senior citizens, and family storytimes at least once a week. They’re also handing out prizes all summer long to kids who meet their reading goals. (Muffin already has a coupon for free ice cream and a free restaurant meal.)

And write your Congressperson, your town or city council, smart rich people who know how important this cause is. Don’t give in, or give up.

Libraries MATTER. They are an integral part of civilized society. Without them, rather than advance into a utopian ideal, we would surely backslide towards the Dark Ages.