Library Lines: The purpose of your local library
I grew up in a farming community near a small town in mid-Michigan. Once a week, as a preschooler and elementary student, my mom took me to the local public library. You know what’s coming, because nearly everyone has an “I remember the library when I was a kid” story. I got to look at a world of books. I was awestruck. I got to take them home. The librarian knew my name. I read picture books, then chapter books, then I started browsing the whole collection. I was an early reader, then a voracious reader, then a curious teen. Because I read a lot, my vocabulary was huge, and writing came easily. And … I had my own library card. I felt special at the library. Most people do.
Public libraries hold professional values that verify this experience. They believe in their constitutional duty to disseminate information and make sure everyone has access to that information. We protect our patron’s privacy and offer a well-rounded collection for a diverse population. We encourage parents to accompany their children in these public space and help them choose the books they want them to read. We act with social responsibility and do things for the greater good.
Rural libraries today provide much the same function as my little library in Chesaning, Michigan. They are community hubs. In small towns, they shoulder a social role that more urban communities spread out between museums and cultural centers. Children feel special and find a love of learning. Teens find a place to explore ideas and feel safe. Adults work remotely in the study rooms and find books throughout the stacks that wet their curiosity. Public libraries provide a wealth of reading on a variety of topics for the lifespan. And they make sure the collection is accessible to all. That means people from different backgrounds, social groups and interests can find what they are looking for. People have the freedom to choose the books that speak to their interests. The public library welcomes all.
Rural areas are much less likely to have broadband internet available and affordable all its residents. Public libraries have computers to use, Wi-Fi hotspots to check out and tech support for all.
Small libraries work with partners in the community to educate and inform. They are part of the Chamber of Commerce and local arts center. They work with the historical society to offer programs. They collaborate with the community college and local schools. They are part of the fabric of the community.
Libraries have life-changing impacts. A young child learns to read. The teen that was provided a much-needed safe space is forever empowered. Another person finds the resources to apply to the college of their choice. The mother of twins finds a place for her children to play, listen to stories and she finds a support system with other mothers. A senior citizen learns how to use a mouse, then a computer and now downloads eBooks to her tablet because she is homebound. Another senior waits for the librarian’s weekly visit, bringing books and stories, to her assisted living home.
Librarians are trained professionals that have a system for selecting materials, they understand customer service and know all their patrons have different needs. Librarians in these small libraries almost always get to know their patrons, celebrating a child’s first library card and attending funerals of those who pass away. One couple in Charlevoix felt such admiration for the library, they chose to be married in our garden. People feel cared for.
Though these libraries may be small, their impact on their community is invaluable. If you visit one of these libraries, please stop and thank the librarian. They are working very hard to make your community a better place.
— Linda Adams, MLIS, is the director of the Northland Library Cooperative based in Petoskey. The NLC provides advocacy and services for 24 Northern Michigan libraries.
This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Library Lines: The purpose of your local library
