This Ain’t Your Grandma’s Library
One of the first times I saw the library in media was when I was maybe three years old watching PBS. The show Arthur had several episodes starring his local library, showcasing how exciting it is to get your library card and getting to check out whatever books you want.
And, of course, that the library is a quiet space; every other library setting on TV included people forced to be quiet, lest they invoke the “SHHH!” of a disapproving librarian.
That’s the image libraries continue to embody: a place for books where you have to be quiet.
But in the 21st century, that’s no longer quite the case. They’ve overwhelmingly evolved into community centers with so much more to offer than what you might think. In the past few years I’ve watched hit movies, found online courses, and attending fascinating lectures via the libraries near me. And they give this to me without asking for much of anything in return.
The Library Now Opens MORE Worlds for You
The reality is, libraries are no longer those archetypal temples of silence. Today, they’re near-bursting with activity. A lot of it gets cordoned off to the children’s or teen’s sections, leaving the rest of the place for everyone else.
And that “rest of the place” doesn’t just include rows and rows of books. Here’s just a quick, basic list of everything you can get from the library:
- Books! (duh, Darcy)
- AUDIObooks as well!
- Movies on DVD/Bluray
- Video games, board games, and puzzles
- Newspapers and magazines
- Music albums, or other recordings
- Ebooks straight to your Kindle/Nook/other reading device
And more, depending on where your library is located. I’ve seen CRAZY offerings you can get from your local library. A friend of mine, who grew up in rural New York, has a hometown library with a 3D printer. My local library does not, but it makes up for it with telescopes and VR headsets ready to check out. And MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS, TOO! Catch me checking out a whole-ass guitar, INCLUDING all the accessories, to go annoy serenade my neighbors with terrible tunes! Or checking out a sewing machine to get my tailoring skills up to par! Or a metal detector to find hidden treasure in my neighborhood!! This is only a smattering of things I can go get from my local library, right now:
But you don’t have to go balls-to-the-wall and check out this stuff; if you’re nervous you can start slow and go for a book. Let’s say there’s this book on your Amazon wishlist you really want to read. The library will get it to you, even if they don’t have it in their own collection. All you have to do is request it, and they’ll do the legwork of requesting it from another library and getting it sent over at no further cost to you.
Did I Mention the Services?
And the programming libraries now have, hoo boy. There’s always book groups (again, duh Darcy) but that’s barely scratching the surface. Did you know your local library (probably) can help you out with free tax assistance? Mine does. Did you know they also have museum passes? Both my rural hometown library and fancy rich city library offer these; they’re amazing when you want to visit car museums or see fine art for free. Did you know they offer movie nights of the latest and greatest in theaters? I’ve personally caught screenings of Parasite and The Incredibles 2 before they were released on DVD, amongst other films. FOR FREE.
Not even social distancing can keep them down for long. There’s still a great selection of virtual classes, meetups, exhibitions and other events for you to fully enjoy. If you’re not really sure what libraries can offer you, feel free to ask a librarian at the front desk or on the phone. Those superheroes are rivaled only by the Internet in terms of helpfulness and dispensing information.
Once they can fully reopen safely you can also head over there for using their study rooms, or even full meeting rooms if there’s an event you want to organize. One of the most interesting things I’ve seen in my local library was some small film crew holding acting auditions – it really is the place for whatever you need.
Why You Need to Support Libraries
At most points in history, libraries were only available to the elite. Which makes sense, considering how the ability to read was also only available to elites. That’s not the case nowadays. Libraries are a refuge unlike anywhere else. Besides maybe parks, it’s the only place you can go hang out at for free – no need to buy a membership, a product, or a latte here!
In high school the library was my own personal haven; I tried spending as little time at home as possible in those years (bad family situation) which meant I needed to find a safe place to be once school let out. That quickly became the local library, which was maybe a mile from the school. There wasn’t a sidewalk the whole way there, so I’d have to scurry through parking lots and lawns to reach it, but it was worth it! There I could get homework done and read to my heart’s content in blissful, respectful quiet. I treasured that time, and even participated in events they’d put on when I heard about them.
I loved the library when I was five years old and analyzing the Junie B. Jones collection they had. I loved it when I was fourteen and their doors were open to me. And I love it now when it continues to give me – and every other patron – so much more.
I’m not the only one that ever needed that safe space.
Through 2020 I’d see folks from all walks of life come to the library.
- Harried parents relieved to come for children’s play time.
- People with an unstable housing situation that needed a place to warm up for a few hours.
- Hopeful job-seekers using the wifi to send out their resumes.
- Immigrants learning this new, complicated language.
- Elderly retirees content with the paper and a seat in the sun.
The list goes on, and rightfully so. Libraries are centers for wisdom just as much as they are for community. Everyone, without exception, is welcome. They’re there for YOUR benefit, with a slew of programs, perks, and resources for the taking.
And they’re also in serious danger.
Library funding has been continuously shrinking, and that’s been the case before COVID-19 accelerated the trend. Library usage also isn’t what it once was; I blame bad marketing. These amazing places have completely transformed what they can offer their communities in terms of educational, entrepreneurial, employment, and entertainment opportunities. But almost NO ONE realizes it!
Some people go their entire lives without visiting their local library, which is both shocking and utterly, utterly sad. A former boss of mine revealed he didn’t know how to use a library card, having never gone to one since he was preschool-aged. That’s so messed up, and exactly why they need more public support. Very little of your tax money actually goes to libraries, disproportionate in your favor to the value you get in return.
That support doesn’t need to be demanding more funding from Congress or your local government (though that would be freaking AWESOME and spotlight-worthy). Support can be as much as just stepping foot in one. Libraries do keep track of the number of guests, which affects the amount of funding they get. The library that sees hundreds of guests each week will get more than the one that only sees dozens.
If you’re serious about building wealth, you’re also serious about using all resources available to you while walking this path. That inherently includes libraries, which eases it for EVERYONE in your community. That is, if they know to utilize it.
So do yourself a favor and start using it.
Grab books from the curbside pickup. Peruse the shelves, if they’re semi-open to the public. Phone the front desk and talk with them about setting yourself up with a library card, or to run you through the resources they offer. It’s a win-win-win for everyone involved: you, the library’s longevity, and your overall community. Let’s keep sharing the wealth they proffer, and keep them alive for those that come after us.