What's Inside a Library?

Apr 23

By Cheryl Dobbs

What’s inside a library? Depending on your experiences, you might have different answers to that question. If you don’t tend to go into libraries, you might say ‘dusty books,’ or ‘cranky librarians with buns and cardigans.’ You might be right about a few things (cardigans) but the likelihood is that if you haven’t been inside yourself, you might be a little off-base. What is that they say about judging a book by its cover? Or maybe it’s the admonition not to judge any group by the individual?

Here are some things to look for when you visit your library.

The staff. They are easily the best resource we have. The only time I have experienced the kind of service that a public library offers free of charge, I was in Hawaii. It was an unusual trip for us, a gift for Mark’s doctoral graduation. I had never stayed in a hotel where they had ‘concierge’ service before and it was fancy! They sat at their elegant desk, just waiting for you to ask whatever questions you had. Their service was custom tailored to what you needed. Whether you know it or not, libraries are the same. We look forward to each person who walks in our doors, and stand ready to help them find their next great read, learn about their ancestry, or research a recent diagnosis. It’s what we do.
The books. Libraries have a bit of an inferiority complex, I think, because for at least the last decade, I’ve heard a lot of librarians say, ‘We are more than just books!’ with a rather defensive tone. Maybe I have even said that a time or two. However, I’ve repented. Books are at the very heart of what we do. And as we track literacy rates in our communities, we need to double back to this founding vision. The research is clear. Literacy and free access to reading material is tied to better test scores, better graduation rates, lower crime, and economic development. I love that books can now be read in so many ways - print, audio, and electronic. Each to his own! Truly. If you want to change the world, teach your children to love books.
The connections. Libraries are just one part of the social infrastructure of a town. They combat the loneliness of our age by being a sort of living room for everyone. Feeling a little stir-crazy studying or working at home? Come use our wifi. Worried that you are forgetting how to talk to adults after days with your toddler? Bring them to storytime or just come hang out. Love to read but are dying to discuss that book with someone else? Join a bookclub. Friends are found here. Community is found here.

I know some will complain that I didn’t mention access to free wifi, public computers, or summer reading. This list would be a book (hey, that’s an idea), if I included it all. But you have my guarantee that the three main resources we have will enrich your life. Get away from the TV, the headlines, the laptop, the screen. When life is stressful and you feel lonely and unsure what to do next - come to the library. Gain empathy by reading the stories we contain. Grow, connect to your community, learn a new skill.

Here are two great books you might want to read: