If you type "library" into your search engine, some of the first article headings you’ll see are “The End of the Library” or “Are Libraries Necessary?” This is entirely unfortunate, as the death of the library could essentially mean the death of the paper and print book, the end of an era. Now is the time for cities, townships and even individuals to decide: Are libraries truly obsolete?
To me, the word "library" gained its place in my vocabulary at age 5 when I was old enough to apply for my own library card. I remember the librarian at the desk telling me to sign my name on the red line, and telling me that I could check up to 25 books out -- 25! This news was awe-inspiring to me, as the books on my shelf at home had been read through a zillion times at least. Now, my options were endless (at least that’s how it seemed) as I scanned through the tall, metal shelves full of numerous possibilities, adventures and discovery.
Not only did the sheer amount of books cause me to fall in love with my local library, but also the copious amounts of programs that were offered to kids and adults in our community. When I started second grade, I signed up for my library’s summer reading program. This only furthered my passion for reading and educational discovery - things that libraries provide aptly to their communities. Attending these summer programs provided me with positive reinforcement that reading is cool, and not only that, it’s also incredibly valuable. Programs involved special guests, crafts and prizes for reading. Each summer was a different theme, but my favorite was based on biology and nature. In this program, I learned about echolocation, what plants are safe to eat, how to identify an animal based on scat (there was a song involved with that last one), and many more interesting and valuable life lessons.
After years of dreaming and waiting, I finally turned 16 and could fulfill my dream of working at my local library. Two years later, I now provide kids, along with the rest of my community, with the inspiration and sense of curiosity and discovery that the library gave me at 5 years old. I work those summer reading programs, and I see how much effort and time goes into planning book signings, gaming clubs and other important events that we provide to our community. I see the faces of kids light up when I hand them their first library card, and I see mothers holding their kids back from sprinting to the “Children’s Room” to exchange their items for 25 new adventures.
I have received and have given the joy and learning experiences that libraries provide to their community. I know firsthand how much a library and a story can inspire individuals to succeed, to live. I have seen literature shape lives. I have seen programs inspire a love for learning. I see a community coming together in order to learn about themselves, their passions and each other. So, are libraries obsolete? Once you have seen the faces of community members who have just found their new favorite book, or kids climbing the step-stool to reach the next book of their go-to series, you will understand that allowing a community to come together to enjoy the beauty of literature and learning will never be obsolete.
