As a child, Elizabeth Zott had no formal education, and yet she was able to self-educate, thanks to her library card. With the advent of technology, the library almost seems outdated, though many would argue that the library is more important than ever. Do you think libraries are important? If so, why?
Absolutely. Just because the majority can afford phones, tablets and computers, doesn’t mean that everyone can. The pandemic was a great illuminator for that disparity. I think the library is an undeniable gift to any community.
Libraries are crucial places to communities! They provide so many more services than just a place to find a book. I live in a small town (~7000 residents) and our library offers programs for the youngest to the oldest; art exhibits; book clubs; and lots more along with access to computers and internet. They provide space for tutoring and other small (and large) groups to meet. Plus, they are known as safe spaces. People in trouble can get help from a librarian!
Libraries offer so much more than books to borrow. Our local libraries provide community resources, special programs and classes for all ages. Presenting job offerings is a huge function of our local library. Also, I was able to use our library as a meeting place to help children.
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I agree with the other responses saying libraries are great community resources! There are so many supports and activities that libraries offer, beyond sharing books. While technology can also be a great resource, I don’t think it will ever replace libraries.
So important! As the others who responded said, they are the source of so much in a community but to me, they provide information for anyone who wants it and any book banning destroys the breadth of information needed in a democracy. The way the funds for libraries was just slashed shows the fear autocrats have of knowledge and information. Libraries do so much more than entertain, provide opportunities to socialize etc- they allow us to learn and make up our own minds instead of only what some other people what us to know.
I agree with Mary S. I also live in a small rural town of about 7,500. Our Library is a center of our community. Besides the obvious lending of books and videos, it is a meeting place for community groups, a theater and concert venue, a teen center, and leader in the local fight against book banning. It has classes for all ages for different interests and kids clubs for computer literacy, Legos, and chess. The Story Hour Players have been performing for generations in the Children’s Theater.
Libraries are very important. They provide many important resources often for free or a very minimal fee.