by Erin Mitchell
Far too often these days I hear people—young and old—saying something along the lines of, “libraries are dead/dying.” Or, “nobody uses libraries today.” Or, “libraries are a thing of the past.”
Like those who see print books’ days as numbered, I couldn’t disagree more vehemently.
Yes, libraries are in danger. They are far too often a target of ignorant—dare I say stupid—politicians and/or administrators when budgets need to be cut. But around the world, people are rallying to save and support libraries. Everyone involved in these efforts has a personal reason for doing so. Mine are below, and I’d be grateful if you’d take a moment to share yours too.
1. Libraries helped raise me.
I spent hours in libraries growing up. They were safe places where I could wander around and the most trouble I would get into is—gasp!—reading a book.
2. Libraries serve the whole community.
Libraries are perhaps the last and only truly egalitarian institutions. At the library, your ability to check out books or read newspapers isn’t impacted by whether you’re rich or poor.
3. Libraries provide internet access.
If you’re reading this, you probably take access to technology for granted, to a greater or lesser extent. But the truth is not everyone has a high speed wifi smart phone…or even internet access. Most libraries provide internet access for free to anyone who walks through their door.
4. Libraries remind us of what’s important.
Step into a library, and information is all around you. It’s such a different experience from the interwebs because, well, you can reach out and touch it. You can wander around in the stacks and pull random books out and learn…anything. Go anywhere.
5. Librarians are as close to saints as anyone you’ll meet.
I think of librarians and nurses in the same group. Neither is going to get fabulously wealthy doing their chosen profession, and both are saving lives every day. Librarians care about helping people enjoy reading. They’re as likely to put the latest Harlequin arrival in a patron’s hand as they are a Booker Prize winner. They’ll listen to what you like to read—or why you don’t—and help you find the perfect book, story, reference manual, or magazine.
If you question the value and importance of libraries, ask yourself this: Can you think of even one successful author that does not support libraries in some manner? Didn’t think so.
Some authors are going above and beyond to support libraries. Karin Slaughter is a great example—she’s just released a short story, 100% of the proceeds of which benefit libraries—and Linwood Barclay is another, who is working with the legendary Margaret Atwood and a number of other Canadian authors to defend libraries in Toronto.
So what can you do? Visit a library and ask ‘em. They’ll be happy to see you.
