Friday 5: Libraries
Today’s (first) Friday 5 is why you should support your local library. While I feel these reasons should be obvious, not everyone is an avid library user such as I. Therefore, I feel the need to tell you libraries are so much more than musty research books and stuck-up librarians with hair pins, glasses, and that annoying shushing sound.
Libraries are infinite. How? Why? What? Yes. They answer those questions and more. They have computers, free wifi, homework help, tutoring (ESL, computers, literacy), and yes. Free books, CDs, DVDs, audiobooks, and even ebooks.
So here are my 5 reasons why you should support your local library, not just by joining and checking items out, but vocally–on Facebook, Twitter, your local newspaper, city council meetings, and even on the ballot.
While writing this post I found this site where they explain it much better than I could.
They Spur Economic Development
A University of Pennsylvania study found that the Philadelphia library created more than $30 million worth of economic value for the city in fiscal year 2010. A key stat among the findings — nearly 9,000 businesses wouldn’t have been started or nurtured without resources respondents first acquired at the Free Library of Philadelphia.
They Help People Find Jobs
Public libraries offer a suite of free resources to help unemployed or under-employed citizens find gainful employment. Free classes boost education or even teach people how to craft a resume or prepare for an interview. Free Internet access and computer usage allows people to hunt for jobs, interact with potential employers, and prepare applications.
They Help Working Women
Women are far more likely than men (72% versus 58%) to have visited a library in the last year, according to the ALA. Working women, working mothers, and women aged 18 to 54 are the most likely to fall in that group. Those same demographics are also likely to have a library card.
They Open Doors to Education and Entertainment
Public libraries host free book clubs and movie nights, and even have passes for local museums so that card holders can avoid entrance fees. They offer free or inexpensive computer courses, language courses, writing courses, and even after-school learning programs for children.
And for my 5th reason:
They have all the Cool Books
And if they don’t, they usually order them for you. I say that because, while I have NO desire to read it, they bought 6 copies of Fifty Shades of Grey (and 2 copies each of books 2 and 3).
