library facilities essay

Essay on Library and Its Uses for Students and Children

500 words essay on library and its uses.

A library is a place where books and sources of information are stored. They make it easier for people to get access to them for various purposes. Libraries are very helpful and economical too. They include books, magazines, newspapers, DVDs, manuscripts and more. In other words, they are an all-encompassing source of information.

A public library is open to everyone for fulfilling the need for information. They are run by the government, schools , colleges, and universities. The members of the society or community can visit these libraries to enhance their knowledge and complete their research.

Importance of Libraries

Libraries play a vital role in providing people with reliable content. They encourage and promote the process of learning and grasping knowledge. The book worms can get loads of books to read from and enhance their knowledge. Moreover, the variety is so wide-ranging that one mostly gets what they are looking for.

Furthermore, they help the people to get their hands on great educational material which they might not find otherwise in the market. When we read more, our social skills and academic performance improves.

Most importantly, libraries are a great platform for making progress. When we get homework in class, the libraries help us with the reference material. This, in turn, progresses our learning capabilities and knowledge. It is also helpful in our overall development.

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Uses of Library

A library is a very useful platform that brings together people willing to learn. It helps us in learning and expanding our knowledge. We develop our reading habits from a library and satisfy our thirst and curiosity for knowledge. This helps in the personal growth of a person and development.

Similarly, libraries provide authentic and reliable sources of information for researchers. They are able to complete their papers and carry out their studies using the material present in a library. Furthermore, libraries are a great place for studying alone or even in groups, without any disturbance.

Moreover, libraries also help in increasing our concentration levels. As it is a place that requires pin drop silence, a person can study or read in silence. It makes us focus on our studies more efficiently. Libraries also broaden our thinking and make us more open to modern thinking.

Most importantly, libraries are very economical. The people who cannot afford to buy new books and can simply borrow books from a library. This helps them in saving a lot of money and getting information for free.

In short, libraries are a great place to gain knowledge. They serve each person differently. They are a great source of learning and promoting the progress of knowledge. One can enjoy their free time in libraries by reading and researching. As the world has become digitized, it is now easier to browse through a library and get what you are looking for. Libraries also provide employment opportunities to people with fair pay and incredible working conditions.

Thus, libraries help all, the ones visiting it and the ones employed there. We must not give up on libraries due to the digital age. Nothing can ever replace the authenticity and reliability one gets from a library.

FAQs on Library and Its Uses

Q.1 Why are libraries important?

A.1 Libraries help in the overall development of a person. They provide us with educational material and help enhance our knowledge.

Q.2 State some uses of the library.

A.2 A library is a great platform which helps us in various things. We get the reference material for our homework. Research scholars get reliable content for their papers. They increase our concentration levels as we read there in peace.

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Essay On Library

Library means a house of books. But its true meaning is the centre of precious knowledge. It's a treasure trove of new and old ideas and insights. People who come here not only spend their time, but also expand their wealth of knowledge.People spend their whole day in library to gain knowledge in different subjects to enhance their skills. Here are a few sample essays on the topic “Library”.

100 Words Essay On Library

Our college has a really big library. There are over 10,000 books. I regularly read in the library. This place is the quietest and calmest place in the college. I feel really good when I'm there. There are two librarians who manage all the data. You can issue any book home. The library is constantly catalogued by trained staff. They are catalogued to meet community needs. Since the catalogue is also entered and saved on the computer, searching becomes easy.

You must become a member for a small annual fee to issues books and use the computer for educational purposes.There are many different kinds of books in the library.I read mostly science and history books. I am a big book lover and love reading these books at the library.I love to check out new books which come in our library every month.

200 Words Essay on Library

A library is a storehouse of books. It offers a variety of sources to read on the premises or borrow to take home.Library's collection includes books, manuscripts, journals, magazines and videos, audio, DVD, and various other formats of information. A wide variety of books are stored in the library and arranged in order on the bookshelves. You can't have that many books at home as you can have in a library. You can access various genres of books and other resources in a library. Libraries also eliminates the need to purchase expensive books and resources. Without libraries, many students who love to read would have been deprived of reading.

Importance Of Libraries | A library is a building filled with piles of books and resources. Modern libraries are also made up of electronic resources. Libraries provide a wealth of knowledge, resources, space and environment to discover and learn about the world of books, or just read for fun. Libraries have countless benefits as they play a key role in helping people by providing access to information, knowledge and entertainment resources. Libraries are an important part of educational institutions such as schools, colleges and universities. Such libraries are open to students of the institute to which they belong. As such, it contains a wide range of resources that are important to students. Libraries attract students to read new books and novels. They increase your thirst for reading and broaden your knowledge. Libraries are also essential for all types of research on various subjects. Libraries are therefore important for research, information, knowledge and the enjoyment of reading.

500 Words Essay on Library

Libraries are treasure troves of knowledge. A well-stocked library is an asset to any school, college, university, or neighbourhood. A library is a place where not only books but also magazines and newspapers are available.

Purpose Of Library

A school library is a place within a school where students, teachers, and other staff can access books and other resources. The purpose of the school library is therefore to provide all members of the school with equal access to books, resources and information technology. Throughout history, libraries have played an important role in imparting knowledge.They facilitate the social, educational and cultural growth of students. A school library differs from other public and private libraries in that its primary purpose is to support and enhance the school curriculum. School libraries support student learning and helps with the student academic performance.Teachers and students need library resources and services to enhance their knowledge. School libraries support both teachers and students and are essential to the teaching and learning process.

My First Library Experience

If you want a quiet place to work, the library is a great place. I like going to the library because it enhances my existing knowledge and the books there interest me a lot. A walk to the library clears my head and allows me to see things more clearly. In addition to this, there are many books there that are accessible to the public and can be issued home. Libraries make for a great quiet workplace.

I like reading about physics so I always start browsing from the physics section first. A library is the place where I can read peacefully and research on a particular topic. Most of the time I prefer to study in the library because it’s peaceful and less crowded. I like reading fictional novels and engineering books and the library near my place is stocked with all the books that I need.

Importance Of School Libraries

School libraries provide quality fiction and non-fiction books that encourage more reading for enjoyment. They also contribute to our intellectual, artistic, cultural and social development.The atmosphere of the school library invites you to study undisturbed and make the most of your time.This makes it easier for us to learn faster and understand better.

It provides teachers with access to professional development, relevant information, and reference materials for planning and implementing effective study programmes. School libraries provide education and entertainment to students, professionals, and other members of the school. No matter what your financial situation is, you can come here and have free access to books that will inform you and change you for the better.

The use of the school/university and research library is limited to that particular school. Although restricted to college students only, state and local libraries are open to all, and anyone can use these libraries during working hours. It is no exaggeration to say that a library is a place where books of all kinds and subjects are kept under one roof.

Need For Libraries

It is important to get into the habit of going to the library regularly. School libraries are the place where we can study a lot of things.Library is the place where students learn new things. Libraries provide each student with easy access to essential resources and learning materials for a smooth learning process. It plays an important role in student’s life. Education and libraries cannot exist in isolation, they are two sides of the same coin. Libraries are an integral part of the education system.

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Community Centered: 23 Reasons Why Your Library Is the Most Important Place in Town

by Julie Biando Edwards, Melissa S. Rauseo, & Kelley Rae Unger on April 30, 2013

As librarians, we know the value of our community services, and our patrons appreciate their importance as well. But in an increasingly digital world, we see the role of libraries as community and cultural centers at times undervalued, and occasionally under fire. When shrinking municipal budgets combine with the nonstop technological revolution, public library services that focus on building community face-to-face, inspiring and educating patrons about art, literature, and music, and helping patrons engage in civil discourse can seem quaint. But it is precisely those shrinking budgets and the onslaught of technologically mediated life that make public libraries’ cultural and community offerings more important than ever.

David Morris wrote a stirring piece last May in which he argues for the value that public libraries bring to their communities. [1] More than just books and banks of computers, libraries are still places where individuals gather to explore, interact, and imagine. We decided to take a look at some of the specific ways in which libraries add value to our communities and serve as cultural centers for our patrons. We separated library services into five very broad categories: (1) libraries as community builders, (2) libraries as community centers for diverse populations, (3) libraries as centers for the arts, (4) libraries as universities, and (5) libraries as champions of youth. Under each of these we highlighted specific ways in which libraries serve in these capacities, and included examples of unique or exemplary library services that support the notion that libraries are about more than just information.

In building this list we had two goals. First, we wanted to highlight some of the incredible work in which libraries are engaged. From tiny public libraries to huge city institutions with multiple branches, libraries across the United States are building community and supporting local culture in exciting ways. Take a look, the examples are inspiring. Hopefully, they will encourage librarians interested in community services and cultural outreach to make connections with each other, share ideas, and build partnerships. We believe that reading these examples will spark some new ideas for public librarians and prompt them to try a new program or service, or to expand upon the great services that are already in place at their libraries. Former Chicago Mayor Richard Daley, a strong supporter of libraries as community builders, addressed librarians saying, “Unless you are out there changing neighborhoods, you are not completing the work you are to do.” [2] Strengthening neighborhoods and championing the cultural lives of communities are big responsibilities. We think librarians are up to the challenge.

Second, we hope that this list will not only inspire librarians to become more active in creating services and programs that are community focused, but will give them some tools with which to advocate on behalf of public libraries. As we said, we all know the value of our libraries. It’s time to take the value we add and use that to advocate for better funding and more resources. Those who argue that libraries are becoming obsolete don’t know what public libraries do in the twenty-first century. We hope you use the examples that follow to help educate stakeholders, making them aware that libraries are more than books and technology. Libraries build citizens. They educate individuals and foster thoughtful communities. They are essential components of communities—worth fighting for and worth funding. Hopefully, the presentation of these examples to city governments, library boards, and the community at large will help us demonstrate our worth and become increasingly valued partners in our communities.

Libraries as Community Builders

Place-based economic development stresses the importance of offering attractive, functional, and community-based places, such as libraries, in town squares and depressed neighborhoods. Like a major department store in a mall, libraries attract large numbers of people, creating economic opportunities for a myriad of businesses and organizations in the surrounding area. Large cities (such as Chicago [3] ), medium-sized ones (Hudson, Ohio), and even small towns (Putney, Vermont) have successfully transformed their libraries into the hubs of vibrant neighborhoods. [4]
As key municipal agencies, and focal points for community education, libraries are major players in creating livable, environmentally friendly cities and towns. The Urban Libraries Council released a report detailing the unique ways in which libraries can further sustainability at the local level. [5] Beyond ensuring that library construction projects consider environmental impact, libraries can take a lead in supporting local foods and artisans, like the Peabody (Mass.) Institute Library’s (PIL) partnering with local businesses to pioneer a farmers’ market in their courtyard, or the Richmond (Calif.) Public Library’s (RPL) seed lending library which “nurtures locally-adapted plant varieties, and fosters community resilience, self-reliance and a culture of sharing. [6] ”
In addition to RPL’s seed lending library, there are other examples of libraries that provide circulating collections of everything from cake pans to fishing rods to bike locks. The Iowa City (Iowa) Public Library circulates framed posters and original artwork through its Art-to-Go collection [7] . The Temescal Branch of the Oakland (Calif.) Public Library literally builds the community through its Tool Lending Library, which was created in 1991 to help rebuilding efforts after a disaster [8] . Libraries that start such unique collections show how locally responsive and flexible a truly community-centered library can be.
Communities lucky enough to have archivists have a great advantage when it comes to organizing historical records and artifacts. An organized archive is a place where people can research genealogy and immigration history, do environmental research, and more. An archivist is an advocate for preservation who, among other things, coordinates the restoration of maps and paintings, the digitization of vital records, and the creation of oral history projects. With projects like the Mass. Memories Road Show [9] and the Veterans History Project, [10] evidence of the importance of archives is everywhere.
In the words of Robert Putnam, “People may go to the library looking mainly for information, but they find each other there.” [11] New moms connect at baby story-times; elderly people, often facing difficult life transitions, attend events and find that they make new friends; teenagers meet up in libraries’ teen spaces after school; and readers discuss current events in the periodicals room. In libraries, community-building connections are happening all the time.
Public librarians know their communities firsthand, and are often the first to recognize a pressing local need, simply because they interact on a daily basis with patrons from all walks of life. This puts libraries and librarians in the best position not only to bring local issues to municipal governments and social agencies, but also to partner with local governments and agencies to address the needs of a community. PIL’s “Library Lunches,” [12] part of the Summer Food Service Program, is a compelling example of how a library recognized a social need, brought it to the attention of the community, and partnered with local agencies to address an important issue—how to provide meals for hundreds of hungry kids.
Libraries can, should, and do play an important role in the political life of a community. From Banned Books Week displays, [13] which combat the perils of school and community censorship efforts, to programs such as the September Project, [14] which gathers community members and encourages them to talk about issues of freedom, justice, and democracy, libraries are pivotal in encouraging informed political involvement. Libraries also help citizens learn how to become advocates for themselves and their communities.
From gorgeous old Carnegie buildings to modern marvels like the Seattle Public Library, library buildings are rich in symbolism and meaning. Whether it is architecturally grand or the simplest of rooms tucked into a city government building, the physical space of the library communicates to the public our underlying values: that libraries, information, and shared community space matter, something that the American Library Association (ALA) recognizes each year with its Library Design Showcase in American Libraries. [15]
With the recent collapse of many big corporations, it has become more widely acknowledged that small businesses provide most of the new jobs in our current economy. Libraries have a long history of serving local entrepreneurs and businesses, but some, like the District of Columbia Public Libraries (DCPL), are taking their business services to a new level. The Urban Libraries Council report, “Making Cities Stronger,” describes several library initiatives, including DCPL’s Enchanced Business Information Center (e-BIC) project. Located at the main branch library, e-BIC includes not only business resources, but also a state-of-the-art video conference room, full-time librarian, and staff-training workshops. [16]

Libraries as Community Centers for Diverse Populations

Multilingual library websites, like those at the San Francisco [17] and Queens (N.Y.) public libraries, [18] are just one of the ways in which libraries help non-English speakers see themselves represented in their communities. Public libraries often collect books in languages other than English, incorporate appropriate signage, and hire librarians and staff members who are multilingual. Additionally, some libraries offer bilingual book clubs. [19] Services like these help all community members recognize the depth of diversity that exists in their communities.
Not only are libraries gateways to the community, they provide a place where new immigrants and their families can connect with resources, learn new skills, and meet new people. The San Diego Public Library offers a specific webpage highlighting area and library services for new Americans. [20] The New York Public Library (NYPL) offers English As a Second Language (ESL) classes, provides citizenship information, and celebrates Immigrant Heritage Week. [21] PLA offers an online learning module for librarians interested in providing new or improved services to new immigrants. [22] Services like these make libraries essential for new immigrants, as they provide services and information about their new community and government while at the same time meeting the needs of these new patrons in an accessible and appropriate way.
For gay teens, libraries are much-needed safe spaces and supportive librarians are allies and mentors. NYPL offers programs for LGBTIQ adults and teens, [23] including an annual anti-prom designed for high school students who may not feel welcomed and included at a traditional school-based prom. The NYPL also maintains a blog that connects readers with LGBTIQ resources and information. [24]
Recognizing that diversity isn’t just about ethnicity, language, or culture, public libraries provide unique and adaptable spaces and services for patrons with disabilities. In 2001, ALA adopted a policy on library services for people with disabilities, [25] and many libraries, including the Denver [26] and Chicago [27] public libraries, offer a variety of tools and services, from software and equipment to special collections and homebound programs. The Nashville (Tenn.) Public Library has “several staff members fluent in American Sign Language.” [28] Going one step further, some libraries develop creative programs to partner with patrons with disabilities. For example, PIL’s Bookworm Café, [29] a partnership with a high school life skills program, allows the library to offer a morning coffee cart to patrons, while providing valuable work experience for students with special needs.

Libraries as Centers for the Arts

Public libraries strive to provide collections and services that represent various points of view, and often work closely with local artists to do so. In many communities, local authors seek out public libraries as places to promote and make their new books available, and library services like Overdrive [30] allow local musicians to upload and distribute their work. From the art gallery at the Newton Free Library [31] in Massachusetts to NYPL’s collection of zines, [32] local arts abound in public libraries.
Providing opportunities for children and adults alike, library arts programs range from the simplest of crafts to the finest of fine arts. Picturing America programs, [33] with their focus on American art and art history, creative writing workshops, and painting classes, are just a few examples of the ways that libraries offer a wealth of opportunities to explore and understand art.
As Keith Richards said, “The public library is the great equalizer.” [34] Despite the rising costs of concert and theater tickets, public library events (including concerts, author visits, and gallery displays) are often offered free of charge, enabling people of any income level to attend. In addition, library book groups allow people to explore and discuss the literary arts, and the Great Stories Club [35] introduce at-risk youth to literature. The best part: it’s all free and open to the public.

Libraries as Universities

In a time when education is increasingly expensive, public libraries provide information and educational opportunities free for all people, regardless of their socioeconomic status. Offered by libraries across the county, ALA’s Let’s Talk about It programs [36] are wonderful examples of scholar-facilitated learning opportunities in libraries. In addition, many libraries present classes and discussion programs, and some even provide online continuing education courses such as the Universal Class database. [37]
In addition to bookmobiles and databases, many libraries go above and beyond to make their services available to everyone. Polk County (Fla.) Library System offers B-Mail, [38] a free book-by-mail delivery service, and in Zimbabwe donkey-drawn carts deliver library services to remote villages. [39]
Librarians know that patrons aren’t just information consumers, they’re information producers. Patrons use the library to gain knowledge in order to create their own new and independent works. Increasing numbers of libraries provide spaces and services that meet the needs of people who want to learn how to edit Wikipedia, set up blogs or podcasts, create their own zines, and so much more. Many libraries offer art or writing workshops and groups, and some provide music practice rooms for patrons. Programs like ImaginOn [40] in Charlotte (N.C.) provide exciting models that take community partnership, creativity, and creation to a new level.
The decline of civil discourse stems in part from the fact that it is so easy for people to watch news about, buy products from, and engage—in both the virtual and real worlds—only with those of similar backgrounds and ideologies. Public libraries, through such programs as The Human Library [41] and Socrates Café, [42] can help build small communities of difference that encourage people to interact with and learn from each other through dialogue. By both actively promoting civil discourse through these programs, and by modeling and upholding the principles of free inquiry and expression for all, libraries help individuals rediscover the importance of and increased need for civil discourse in American life.

Libraries as Champions of Youth

The skills that teens pick up from teen advisory boards, volunteer opportunities, programs, and jobs can prepare them for success in high school, college, and the workforce. Brooklyn Public Library’s Multicultural Internship Program provides teens with positive work experiences, while also providing the library with a diverse staff that more closely mirrors the demographics of its community. [43]
The cost of hiring a private tutor is well beyond what many library patrons can afford, so libraries offer homework help and tutoring online, by phone, in person, and even through social media and homework apps. [44] Annual summer reading programs also have a positive impact on student performance and, according to a 2010 study conducted by Dominican University’s Graduate School of Library and Information Science, students’ reading skills get a boost from these popular nationwide events. [45]
Through library collections, programs, and physical spaces, children learn to share, to be engaged in their communities, to participate in the arts, and to explore their immediate world and the world at large. There are surely endless examples of innovative library services for children, including the Middle Country Public Library’s (in Centereach, N.Y.) Nature Explorium, which engages children in learning about the natural world. [46]

These examples are just a few of the many amazing things that public libraries around the United States (and the world) are doing to build and maintain strong community connections. We encourage you to try some of these ideas in your own libraries, and we hope that these ideas will help you be better able to convince your community leaders of the important role that public libraries play in communities large and small.

[1] David Morris, “ The Public Library Manifesto: Why Libraries Matter, and How We Can Save Them ,” YES! Magazine , May 6, 2011, accessed June 17, 2011. [2] Robert Putnam, Better Together: Restoring the American Community (New York: Simon and Schuster, 2003), 42. [3] Ibid., 34–54. [4] William M. Senville, “ Libraries Bring Value to Our Communities ,” Planning Commissioners Journal 75 (Summer 2009), accessed June 7, 2011. [5] Urban Libraries Council, “ Partners for the Future: Public Libraries and Local Governments Creating Sustainable Communities ,” 2010, accessed June 7, 2011. [6] Richmond Public Library, “ Richmond Grows Seed Lending Library ,” accessed June 15, 2011. [7] Iowa City Public Library, “ Unique Collections: Art ,” accessed June 6, 2011. [8] Oakland Public Library, “ Temescal Tool Lending Library ,” accessed June 7, 2011. [9] University of Massachusetts Boston, “ Mass. Memories Road Show ,”accessed June 7, 2011. [10] Library of Congress American Folklife Center, “ Veterans History Project ,” accessed June 7, 2011. [11] Robert Putnam, Better Together: Restoring the American Community (New York: Simon and Schuster, 2003), 49. [12] Matthew K. Roy, “ New Summer Program Provides Free Lunch to Peabody Youth ,” Salem News , June 25, 2009, accessed June 21, 2011. [13] See American Library Association, “ Banned Books Week ,” and “ Banned Books Week: Celebrating the Freedom to Read ,” both accessed June 21, 2011. [14] The September Project blog , accessed June 21, 2011. [15] Greg Landgraf, “ Library Design Showcase 2011 ,” American Libraries, Mar. 23, 2011, accessed June 21, 2011. [16] Urban Libraries Council, “ Making Cities Stronger: Public Library Contributions to Local Economic Development ,” Jan. 2007, accessed June 7, 2011. [17] San Francisco Public Library, “ United States Citizenship Resources ,” accessed June 21, 2011. [18] Queens Library, “ Citizenship and Immigrant Services ,” accessed June 21, 2011. [19] Stacie N. Galang, “ Peabody Public Library Starts First Bilingual Book Club ,” Salem News, May 10, 2010, accessed June 25, 2011. [20] San Diego Public Library, “ Resources for New Americans ,” accessed June 21, 2011. [21] New York Public Library, “ Immigrant Services,” accessed June 21, 2011, www.nypl.org/help/community-outreach/immigrant-services. [22] Public Library Association, “ Welcome to the United States: Services for New Immigrants ,” accessed June 21, 2011. [23] New York Public Library, “ Public Programs ,” accessed June 7, 2011. [24] ———, “ LGBT@NYPL ,” accessed June 7, 2011. [25] The Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies, a division of the American Library Association,“ Library Services for People with Disabilities Policy ,” accessed June 21, 2011. [26] Denver Public Library, “ Services for Persons with Disabilities ,” accessed June 21, 2011. [27] Chicago Public Library, “Find Services for People with Disabilities,” accessed June 21, 2011, www.chipublib.org/howto/lib_disability.php. [28] Nashville Public Library, “ For People with Disabilities ,” accessed June 21, 2011. [29] Stacey N. Galang, “ Cafe Launches in Peabody Library’s Young Adult Section ,” Salem News, Dec. 19, 2007, accessed Sept. 27, 2011. [30] OverDrive homepage , accessed June 7, 2011. [31] Newton Free Library, “ Calendar of Events: June 2011 Art Exhibits ” accessed June 7, 2011. [32] New York Public Library, “ Zines ,” accessed June 7, 2011. [33] Picturing America for Public Libraries , accessed June 7, 2011. [34] New York Public Library, “ Live from the NYPL: Keith Richards ,” accessed June 7, 2011. [35] ALA Public Programs Office, “ Great Stories Club ,” accessed June 7, 2011. [36] ———, “Let’s Talk About It,” accessedJune 7, 2011, www.ala.org/ala/aboutala/offices/ppo/programming/ltai/letstalkaboutit.cfm. [37] UniversalClass homepage , accessed June 7, 2011. [38] Polk County Library System, “ Books by Mail ,” accessed June 27, 2011. [39] Lewis Jones, “ ZDDT Appeal: Supporting the Donkey Library ,”Aug. 1, 2011, accessed Sept. 27, 2011. [40] ImaginOn homepage , accessed June 21, 2011. [41] The Human Library homepage , accessed June 21, 2011. [42] Society for Philosophical Inquiry, “ Socrates Café ,” accessed June 21, 2011. [43] Brooklyn Public Library, “ Multicultural Internship Program ,” accessed June 6, 2011. [44] Homework NYC homepage , accessed June 6, 2011. [45] Susan Roman, Deborah T. Carran, and Carole D. Fiore, “ The Dominican Study: Public Library Summer Reading Programs Close the Reading Gap ,” Dominican University Graduate School of Library and Information Science, June 2010, accessed June 7, 2011. [46] Middle Country Public Library, “ MCPL Nature Explorium ,” accessed June 7, 2011.

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How Americans Value Public Libraries in Their Communities
Section 2: Public Libraries’ Importance and Impact

About this Report
Section 1: An Overview of Americans’ Public Library Use
Section 3: Perceptions of Public Libraries
Acknowledgements

Importance of public library services

Overall, 91% of Americans either have ever used a public library or said another household member uses a public library. 4 We asked these respondents who have personal or family experiences with libraries a series of questions about how important they consider various library services, including various library resources and activities.

How important are these library services to you and your family?

There are notable patterns in many of the answers about the importance of library services among those who have personal or family experiences with public libraries. In general, women, African-Americans and Hispanics, adults who live in lower-income households, and adults with lower levels of educational attainment are more likely than other groups to say these services are “very important.” Those ages 30-64 are more likely than younger or older respondents to say many of the services are “very important,” as are parents with minor children. Urban residents with library experiences are more likely than rural residents to say some services are “very important” to them.

Adults 65 and older are the age group most likely to say that none of these library services are very important to them, and generally rate most services as less important overall. For instance, among those ages 65 and older with some public library experience,65% say that having a quiet and safe place to spend time at the library is important to them and their families overall, compared with 75% of all respondents who say this is important.

Even in cases where a majority or plurality of seniors say the services are important to them, their level of enthusiasm is considerably lower than younger Americans. For example, senior citizens with library experience by a 72%-26% margin say that access to free books and media is important to them – a 46-point spread. On the other hand, those ages 30-49 say such access is important by an 85%-14% margin – a 71-point gap.

Oldest and youngest least likely to say library services very important

Individual library services

In addition to our basic demographic analyses, we also explored responses based on a variety of life situations and technology use factors, many of which are strongly correlated with lower households incomes and lower levels of education. These include searching for a job, living with a disability, or lacking home internet access, and are discussed in further detail below.

Using the internet, computers, or printers at a public library

42% of those who are currently looking for a job say this is “very important” to them and their families, and 68% of job-seekers say it is either important or very important overall.
43% of those living with a disability say this is “very important” (67% say it is important overall), as well as 48% of those with a health problem that makes reading difficult (69% say this is important to them and their families overall). 5
56% of internet users without home access say this is “very important” to them and their family, and 77% say it is important overall.

Having a quiet and safe place to spend time, read, or study at the library

61% of job seekers say this having a quiet and safe place to spend time, read, or study at a library is “very important” to them and their families, compared with 49% of respondents who are not currently looking for a job.

Library assistance in applying for government programs, permits, or licenses

Among those with recent library experience who are unemployed but not retired, 37% say library assistance in applying for government programs, permits or licenses is “very important” to them and their families.
40% of those living with a disability say library assistance is “very important,” compared with 27% of those without a disability.

Help finding or applying for a job

47% of job seekers say receiving help at the library in finding or applying for a job is “very important” to them and their families.
42% of those with a health problem that makes reading difficult say receiving help at the library in finding or applying for a job is “very important” to them and their families.

Getting help from a librarian finding information

49% of those not in the workforce say receiving assistance from a librarian in finding information is “very important” (including 47% of retired respondents).
Those living with a disability (56%) or with a health problem that makes reading difficult (59%) are also more likely than others to say that librarian assistance is “very important” to them and their families.

Finally, internet users who lack home internet access are more likely than other respondents to say all of these services are “very important” to them and their families. Non-internet users are also more likely than internet users with home access to say that many of these services are “very important.”

Impact of a local public library closing

If your local library closed, what impact would it have?

About two-thirds (67%) of Americans ages 16 and older said that if their local public library closed, it would affect them and their families . Some 29% of Americans said that such a closer would have a “major” personal impact, and 38% said it would have a “minor” impact. Another 32% said their library’s closing would have “no impact” on them and their families.

Women, adults ages 30-64, and parents are among the groups most likely to say that their local public library’s closing would have a “major” impact on them and their families. Many other groups are also more likely to say their library’s closing would have a major personal impact:

Adults who have not graduate high school are particularly likely to say that their library’s closure would have a major impact on them and their family (35%).
Adults living in households earning less than $30,000 per year are the most likely of any income group to say that their library’s closure would have a major impact on them and their family (34%).
37% of those living with a disability say it would have a major personal impact, compared with 28% of other respondents.
Unemployed respondents are more likely than employed respondents to say that their local public library’s closing would have a “major” impact on them and their families (31% vs 28%)

The vast majority (90%) of Americans said that the closing of their local public library would impact their community as a whole , with 63% saying it would have a major impact and 27% said it would have a minor impact. Just 7% said it would have “no impact” on their community.

Women are more likely to say their local public library’s closing would have a major impact on the community than men (70% 55%), and adults ages 30 and older are more likely than younger respondents to say there would be a major impact.

Meanwhile, parents are more likely than non-parents to say their library’s closure would have a major impact, and adults with at least some college experience are more likely to say there would be at least a minor impact overall, compared with those with lower levels of education.

This includes the 86% of Americans ages 16 and older who have ever visited a library or used a library website, and the 54% of Americans who say other members of their household are library users. ↩
Overall, 16% of Americans ages 16 and older say that they have a physical or health condition that makes reading difficult or challenging for them. ↩

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Your current subscription allows you to be actively logged in on up to three (3) devices simultaneously. click on continue below to log out of other sessions and log in on this device., 21st century libraries: changing from the ground up.

Libraries have been reinventing themselves for well over a decade, as the emergence of smartphones and ubiquitous connectivity has put access to information into nearly everyone’s hands. No longer just repositories of information, libraries have morphed into full-service community centers that aim to meet a wide variety of civic and social needs.

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted lives around the world, public libraries were undergoing dramatic changes.

“It seems like whenever there is a need within the community, libraries step up and help fill it,” says Scotty Gage, vice president of U.S. sales for FE Technologies.

The pandemic has accelerated these changes. It has transformed how libraries are designed and interact with stakeholders, exposed troubling gaps in families’ access to technology, and created new demands within communities.

In response, libraries are engaging with patrons differently while serving them in creative new ways. For instance, equipped with mobile technology, librarians are delivering a consumer-like experience to patrons by meeting them where they are in the stacks. Libraries are also moving their collections and services online, and they are transforming their buildings into collaborative learning spaces.

Here’s how some forward-looking companies are helping libraries meet evolving needs in their communities with innovative products, services, and design.

LaptopsAnytime

Throughout the pandemic and before, both public libraries and their higher education counterparts have played a critical role in providing their communities with access to technology. However, community-access desktop computers take up a lot of library space that can only be used for a single purpose.

Laptops and other mobile devices offer a much more flexible option for both libraries and their users. But librarians can end up spending quite a bit of time checking devices in and out, inspecting them for damage, restoring their original settings between uses, and plugging them in to recharge.

“Librarians didn’t go to school to learn how to check out devices,” says Jonathan Ruttenberg, cofounder and vice president of marketing and operations for LaptopsAnytime.

LaptopsAnytime offers a fully automated solution to this challenge. The company’s laptop dispensing kiosks help get mobile technology into the hands of community members who need it—without placing any additional burden on library staff.

The kiosks, which are available in 6-, 12-, 18-, 24-, and 30-bay units, can be fully customized to support laptops, Chromebooks, and/or tablets from a wide variety of manufacturers. (A library is responsible for buying its own devices.)

To access a device from the kiosk, users simply scan or swipe their library or university ID card. The machine can be programmed to fit a library’s local lending policies, and automatic notifications help libraries manage the laptop lending program. For instance, a designated administrator can receive a message if a device hasn’t been returned on time, a kiosk bay fails, or a user reports that a device needs servicing.

The net result? Users can sit and work where they are comfortable, and librarians are freed up to serve patrons more effectively.

LaptopsAnytime also sells a portable charger that enables library patrons to recharge the laptops, cell phones, and other mobile devices they bring from home. The charger comes with a built-in, 110-volt outlet and contains enough power to bring any mobile device to a fully recharged state. LaptopsAnytime kiosks can be configured to distribute the mobile chargers as well as laptops.

With the addition of this mobile power source, users do not have to sit near an electrical outlet. Patrons won’t be tripping on power cords plugged into walls. And libraries can ensure that patrons have enough power to do their work, without having to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars retrofitting their buildings.

Libraries pay a base fee to purchase LaptopsAnytime kiosks. An additional service and maintenance contract allows libraries to reconfigure the bays every three, four, or five years to coincide with their device update cycle.

LaptopsAnytime has sold its kiosks on every continent except Antarctica. The machines manage more than four million device checkouts per year. “It’s as secure as doing a manual checkout,” Ruttenberg says, “except it’s fully automated.”

Luna Imaging

The pandemic has proven the value of digital access to library collections. Libraries that have digitized their collections of photographs, documents, and other artifacts were able to provide online access to patrons when they shut down amid the threat of COVID-19.

Headquartered in Los Angeles, Luna Imaging helps libraries, museums, and other cultural heritage organizations manage and display their digitized collections. The company’s LUNA software is a cloud-based digital asset management solution designed to preserve images, videos, audio files, PDFs, and digitized books and manuscripts, making them available to the public online.

“Our software opens the door for libraries to expand their reach,” says Nancy Harm, director of business development.

Luna Imaging was started in 1993 by Dr. Michael Ester, drawing on his many years of experience working with cultural heritage materials as the director of the Getty Art History Information Program. Created with support from the J. Paul Getty Trust and Eastman Kodak Company, the company was an early pioneer in the digital imaging field—so it’s not surprising that its LUNA software is a visually powerful platform that includes tools for helping researchers zoom in on and appreciate fine details in digital images.

Collections published in LUNA are automatically optimized for search using Google and other search engines, and the software integrates with Summon, WorldCat, and other leading discovery services to make content easy to find in database searches as well. What’s more, Luna Imaging has created a global collection of content uploaded to LUNA, called the LUNA Commons. This site showcases public collections from a wide variety of sources; it’s another way participating libraries can display their digital assets and can be accessed via www.lunaimaging.com/luna-commons .

Libraries using LUNA include the John Carter Brown Library at Brown University, the Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, DC, and the New York City Municipal Archive.

LUNA is available through a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) subscription model, with flexible and scalable pricing based on a library’s needs.

FE Technologies

“The more efficient we can make the library, the more we can free up librarians to serve their communities more effectively,” says Scotty Gage, vice president of U.S. sales for FE Technologies.

Gage’s company sells solutions that enable libraries to use radio frequency identification (RFID) technology to check items in and out and keep track of their materials. Using RFID technology is much more efficient than using electromagnetic bar codes, he says, because multiple RFID tags can be read at the same time without requiring a direct line of sight between the tags and the scanner.

FE Technologies, an Australian company that opened a U.S. office in Texas in 2019, sells RFID-enabled circulation stations, sorters, security gates, self-checkout systems, and check-in tools. For instance, the Smart Bin is a return unit with an RFID scanner that automatically checks in materials as they’re dropped into the bin. The company also helps libraries tag and encode their materials for recognition by an RFID scanner.

FE’s newest innovations give patrons secure, 24-7 access to books, videos, and other physical items—while expanding the reach of libraries within their communities.

The Display Reservation Locker allows reservations to be collected at a remote location anytime. Patrons can reserve an item online, then pick it up at their convenience. Each locker bay has its own electronic lock that’s opened when the patron scans his or her library card. A separate return bin is integrated into the unit’s design. The lockers are modular, which each unit offering 96 bays—including a few bays for oversize items.

These two products, which can be strategically located in recreational centers, convenience stores, and other public spaces, not only help libraries extend their services into underserved areas of the community; they also provide options for patrons who can’t access the library for one reason or another.

A mobile app from FE Technologies, called the Librarian Rover, is changing how library staff serve their patrons by untethering them from the circulation desk. The app allows library staff to check out items, accept returns, and create or update patron records from the palm of their hand. This empowers staff to interact with patrons in the stacks, answering questions and providing the same level of service that retail employees routinely deliver.

“We’re excited about helping libraries engage with their communities in ways they couldn’t before,” Gage says.

Kodet Architectural Group LTD

Every aspect of a library’s design plays a key role in making the space highly functional—from the outdoor space to the placement of meeting rooms to the acoustic design—so that librarians can engage their communities in new and creative ways. Based in Minneapolis, Kodet Architectural Group has been designing school and public libraries that support innovative programs and services for more than 20 years.

A prime example is Pleasant Hill Library in Dakota County, MN, which hired Kodet to update its facility to serve the public more effectively. “The original space had numerous functional issues,” says senior project manager Teri Nagel.

Kodet reshuffled the floor plan to create more clearly delineated areas while preserving an open-concept space. The firm also worked with an acoustic engineer to install sound-absorbing acoustic tiles in the ceiling and lowered the height of the shelves to create better sight lines throughout the facility. The use of lighter, natural wood tones helped make the space feel warmer and more inviting.

By adding 1,500 square feet to the design, Kodet was able to create private meeting rooms that will bring in new community members, as well as a modern makerspace set apart from the main library by glass walls.

“The redesign has created new opportunities for Pleasant Hill to engage with the public,” Nagel says. “That has been a really positive impact for both the library and the community.”

Project designers incorporated multiple seating options for patrons, including high-top tables and comfy chairs. They also involved the community in the design of the facility, by asking for opinions on what furniture should be used. “We wanted the public to have a say in the process,” Nagel observes.

At the request of library officials, the designers created a shaded, trellis-covered outdoor learning area as well. This space has proven to be very useful for hosting outdoor events during the pandemic.

There are also several design touches that help make the space unique to the community. For example, a map of the area and its main geographic features is painted on the floor, and the library’s meeting rooms are named after buildings in the community.

The redesign has resulted in a more flexible and adaptable space that enables Pleasant Hill to meet emerging needs more effectively.

“When we began the design work, the main goal from the start was an accessible, welcoming, and flexible space that meets the community’s needs,” says Margaret Stone, director of Dakota County Library. “The finished design exceeded our expectations, and it’s working very well. The community loves using the variety of spaces for collaboration, for talking, for learning while playing, and for study and work.”

Tappé Architects

For Jeffrey Hoover, director of library design for Boston-based Tappé Architects, the central question when designing a public facility is: “How can you get a community building to build community?”

A library is the center of civic discourse and opportunity within its community, he says. However, the design of the facility can either support or hinder community engagement. To design buildings that promote engagement, architects must understand the current needs of the community while anticipating future needs as well. This process begins by learning as much as possible about the community’s identity and its key aspirations.

That’s exactly what Tappé did when it designed a new building for Tufts Library in Weymouth, MA, replacing the existing facility from the 1960s with a modern, 52,000-square-foot building.

The design process began in March 2018, and the new facility opened in September 2020. A two-story common area—traditionally the center of town in old Massachusetts cities—is situated in the middle of the building and serves as an open gathering space. Nine group study rooms of various sizes are located around the commons.

The new building contains a digital media lab and makerspaces for both teens and adults. “These spaces are designed to keep that hands-on learning spirit alive, even as patrons get older,” Hoover says.

Book collections are displayed on A-frame shelving that creates open sight lines. Motion-sensitive lights above these stacks turn on automatically when someone approaches, which saves on energy.

There are many different seating options throughout the building, including café-style tables, reading areas with built-in power outlets integrated into the tabletops, and even study carrels built into the book stacks for private embedded workspaces. “We want everyone to find their ‘right’ seat in the library,” Hoover says. “Where you feel comfortable reading or working depends on a lot more than just the hardness of the seat.”

The new library looks out onto a grassy park in the back. A new butterfly garden and amphitheater create space for outdoor activities.

By listening closely to the community’s needs, Tappé has created a facility that will support a wide variety of activities and serve a broad range of roles—including small business information center, innovation incubator, early learning center, and even teen hangout spot.

“In order to get libraries right in the 21 st century, we need to steer away from global solutions,” Hoover says. “There is no one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, we must understand what local communities want and create a uniquely local facility.

Library Ideas

Established in 2008, Library Ideas® develops products to help libraries reach patrons in new ways. The company has more than 5,000 library customers in more than 20 countries.

Library Ideas’ first product was Freegal® Music, a cloud-based music service that is like Spotify for libraries. For a single subscription fee, libraries can give their patrons unlimited access to streaming and downloading from more than 40,000 music labels worldwide.

“Music CDs are a staple in library collections,” says founder and CEO Brian Downing. “But as technology has changed, no library can meet its patrons’ needs with just CDs. And free music streaming services are akin to radio: they’re ad-supported services that don’t allow you to create playlists.”

In contrast, Freegal allows users to download songs to their device and create customized playlists. Libraries can also create community-based playlists for sharing with their members. For instance, the District of Columbia Public Library has created a playlist of go-go music for patrons to enjoy and learn about this genre that originated in DC.

Library Ideas’ other products include Rocket Languages, an online system that allows patrons to learn new languages at their own pace, and Freading®, the first pay-per-circulation ebook collection for libraries. With Freading, libraries have access to more than 200,000 ebook titles with no up-front cost: instead, they pay a nominal fee when each title is used by patrons. It’s a good model for libraries to give their patrons access to infrequently read titles at a low cost.

In addition to publishing 72 English-language titles per year, VOX publishes bilingual titles in Spanish and Mandarin Chinese, with Tagalog, Arabic, Russian, Korean, French, and German versions coming soon. Additionally, the new iVOX app brings the read-along experience completely online for families.

Besides VOX Books, VOX Publishing also produces IR Books TM , which provide an immersive reality experience for children ages 5–12. These books focus on science-related subjects, such as the moon or industrial robots. At different points in the book, readers can scan a QR code with a mobile phone to launch a 360-degree immersive experience. “Children can read about the moon and then go to the moon,” Downing says. Priced at $38, each book includes a plastic-coated set of immersive reality goggles.

Library Ideas’ latest product is a fully moderated online book club for libraries. The service includes unlimited simultaneous access to five electronic titles per year, and patrons can vote on the books they want to read from a preselected list. Over the course of eight weeks, patrons can dissect each book through asynchronous online discussions led by an expert on the book in question. There is no limit to the number of participants.

“It’s a complete, turnkey solution to help libraries engage with their communities more effectively,” Downing says.

Preparing for post-pandemic success

Libraries are emerging from the pandemic stronger, more resilient, and more indispensable to their communities than ever before. Now, they must continue to demonstrate additional value to patrons. With the right tools and resources, librarians will be well prepared to face both new and ongoing challenges.

“In order to succeed, libraries will have to continue serving patrons in places and in ways they weren’t able to before,” Gage says.

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