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Public Libraries: Essential to the Community?

Public libraries are an essential part of many communities in the United States. They allow local residents to:

• Borrow books, music, and movies free of cost.
• Take advantage of the quiet atmosphere without distractions.
• Utilize various types of resources and catalogs for research.
• Seek help from knowledgeable librarians.
• Hold community activities and meetings.
• Enjoy events like computer classes; programs for kids, seniors, and parents; and workshops.
• Read newspapers and books in different languages.

If you rarely go to the library all you need to do is walk to your local library to see that many people in the community depend on them. Some examples are:

• Students who use libraries or their online tools for homework, research, and projects.
• Residents that are avid readers and save money as well as home shelf space by checking out books instead of buying them.
• People who use the library databases for job searches.
• Senior citizens that want to use the internet only occasionally and don’t have a computer or online access at home.
• Kids that need a quiet place to study for a few hours.

In some communities, the future of libraries is not secure.  As demographics in a community change, libraries may get less used.  In some neighborhoods, residents prefer to gather at large bookstores for their reading and socializing, meaning that libraries that once served thousands  of residents a month now only serve a small fraction of that number.  Their usage may be reduced but costs usually stay the same.

Libraries often face budget cuts that force a reduction in services or hours.  Some libraries have had to close altogether. For example, even in a city as large as Philadelphia, libraries are threatened with closure this fall. Read Article

What do you think about the chance of public libraries closing?

Share your thoughts with other students, parents, and the K12Genie community and tell us how such closures would impact your life and the lives of others. Speak Your Mind below or send your own story to submissions@k12genie.com.

Discover More:

• For the latest in library news check out LibraryJournal.com
• A list of the Public Libraries in the United States can be found on PublicLibraries.com
• Show your support for Public Libraries at GeekTheLibrary.org
• See what you can do to help save the Library of Philadelphia