On this blog we spend a lot of time talking about the roles that public libraries play in their communities, and for good reason; it's always a timely topic because those roles are constantly shifting and evolving.
Whether it's a global health crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic or the emergence of era-defining technologies such as generative AI, something always seems to come along to drive this evolution, and libraries are uniquely positioned to take a leadership role.
Community members have always counted on the local library as an invaluable source of information and a center for lifelong learning, but today's libraries offer much more.
As a September 2024 editorial from The Guardian ponders:
Where else can you find craft workshops, Lego, coding and chess clubs alongside reading challenges and author events, all for free? Rhyme times offer desperately needed company to isolated parents, as well as stimulation for children. Libraries can be a lifeline, not just to those unable, or unwilling, to spend £20 on the new Sally Rooney novel. If you don’t have access to the internet or a printer, if you struggle with English or can’t keep warm in winter, libraries are not simply somewhere to borrow books. And you don’t even need to buy a cup of tea to spend a whole day there.
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Community hubs for health and wellness
In some US cities and rural communities libraries have become community health providers, as Newsweek recently reported.
These health hubs are now situated across the country's under-supplied regions, offering community members everything from mobile clinics and mental health support to fitness classes and food pantries.
According to Newsweek, public libraries are uniquely positioned to connect with communities:
No insurance, identification, or specific qualifications are required to access these services, making them a lifeline for those who might otherwise fall through the cracks.
As Jaime Placht, a health and well-being specialist at the Kansas City Public Library system in Kansas City, Missouri, pointed out, the public library is "the last true public institution."
Library resources for disaster response
A recent Fast Company article highlighted the fact that many libraries across the United States have added services, made sustainability improvements, and launched initiatives to help their communities respond to natural disasters such as hurricanes, wildfires and earthquakes.
“We’re seeing more and more libraries get whole-building generators so they can serve their community during extended power outages and [doing] significant work on stormwater management to ensure library facilities do not flood,” the article quoted Sustainable Libraries Initiative sustainability coordinator Alex Blend as saying. “My observation is that more federal, state, and local agencies are noting that libraries are a community asset when thinking about disaster preparation and disaster recovery work.”
Spaces for social connection
Library Journal cites research from the Cigna Group indicating that more than half (58%) of American adults are considered lonely.
People with lower incomes report higher levels of loneliness than those with higher incomes; and, while older adults are often considered the most affected by social isolation, it’s young adults (18–24) who are twice as likely to be lonely as seniors (55+).
Many libraries serve as de facto community centers for young people, who use them as a "third place".
What do we mean by that? To define the concept of the third place, let's go to the source: urban sociologist Ray Oldenburg, who coined the term. Oldenburg is the author of The Great Good Place (1991) and Celebrating The Third Place (2000).
Oldenburg writes that "third places" are public spaces where people gather and interact. In contrast to first places (home) and second places (work or school), third places are neutral ground, allowing people to set aside their concerns and enjoy company and conversation.
Even non-readers love the library
In November 2023, the American Library Association released a report titled "Gen Z and Millennials: How They Use Public Libraries and Identify Through Media Use". Based on a nationally representative survey conducted by researchers at Portland State University, the report found that 43% of Gen Z and millennials don’t identify as readers. Of that “non-reader” group, however, 54% have been to their local library in the past 12 months.
The ALA report explains the appeal of libraries to non-readers in this way:
The library provides a number of things beyond books: a safe, free place to hang out; important resources and advice during big life changes such as career transition, parenthood, new language acquisition, or learning to read; Wi-Fi enabled work spaces; and creativity resources like makerspaces and media production equipment.
Some people, of course, just see the library as a place to hang out. The interior and environmental design of a library are vital ingredients in creating an inviting place to do just that. No matter how it’s decorated, a library will always play an important role in a community as a free, safe, public space to gather, but a beautiful, comfortable, engaging atmosphere will go a long way to attracting even more visitors.
Bridging the digital divide
Libraries also play a crucial role in addressing the "digital divide," the disparity between individuals who have access to technology, such as broadband internet, and those who lack it.
In 2021, United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed cautioned the UN General Assembly about this issue, stating, "As the world becomes more digitally dependent, it threatens to exclude those that remain disconnected. Almost half the world’s population, 3.7 billion people, the majority of them women, and most in developing countries, are still offline."
This divide is not limited to developing nations; it persists even in highly developed countries like the United States and Canada, particularly affecting low-income groups, older adults, and those living in rural areas.
Libraries help bridge this gap by providing access to digital devices, enhancing digital literacy, teaching computer skills, and offering safe internet navigation resources, empowering their communities to stay connected.
As the Public Library Association's Public Library Technology Survey summary report tells us:
Libraries are leaders in providing internet access for their communities and empowering patrons to participate more fully in the digital world. That includes everything from public computers and Wi-Fi connections in library buildings, to training in digital skills, assisting patrons with getting connected at home, and hotspot lending. Research has shown that hotpots can make a difference in the lives of patrons, particularly those who cannot afford home broadband subscriptions or who live in areas where physical broadband is unavailable.
In addition, libraries can offer a range of digital resources, including eBooks, audiobooks and digital news platforms like PressReader. These resources can be particularly beneficial for individuals who may not have access to physical books or who have difficulty getting to a library due to transportation challenges.
The heart of the community
At the heart of the community, libraries continuously adapt to meet the evolving needs of their patrons. By offering access to essential technology, health services, opportunities for social connection and resources for disaster resilience, libraries serve a critical function in modern society.
By continuing to innovate and expand the scope of their services, librarians ensure that libraries remain pillars of inclusivity, lifelong learning and community support. Their dedication transforms these spaces into hubs of opportunity, empowerment and belonging for everyone they serve.
