"Oh," she replied off-handedly. "We (the library staff) are having a party for a young boy who regularly visits the library. His family's just been evicted from their home."
Can you picture the joy on this boy's face as he celebrated his birthday at the library? A brief respite from the realities of homelessness--a far too familiar situation for children these days.
This "library birthday party" symbolizes what is happening in libraries throughout the U.S. in our current economic climate: libraries reaching out to their communities in new ways. Over the last several years libraries have evolved from their traditional role of serving solely as repositories for books and other materials. But in recent months libraries are stepping out even further and taking creative, proactive roles in assisting their customers during these tough economic times. Librarians are designing job service areas in the library, providing access to computers and the Internet (yes, we've had these awhile but are noticing a tremendous increase in usage), and sponsoring free job and financial seminars as well as a myriad of other free services and programs for people of all ages.
In addition, libraries are purchasing additional materials on topics such as careers, budgeting, how-to books, and fiction books for when we want a break from daily stress and struggles. It's no secret that when the economy is down, library use and "circulation" (number of materials borrowed from the library), skyrockets. As I watch librarians meeting new demands on their time and resources, I've never been prouder of my profession and the role of libraries in our communities.
This week libraries throughout the United States are celebrating National Library Week. Visit your local library and, at the risk of sounding self-serving, thank the staff for their service to your community. Yes, chocolate works, too. :-)
A friend made a wonderful comment when I told her about the boy's birthday party at the library: "That little boy will remember the library as a magical place for his whole life." Wise words.
What about you? What does the library mean to you and your family? Has the library been a "magical place" in your life?
3 comments:
What do libraries mean to me? Right now, it's a quiet place to work, with no phones or piles of laundry to distract me.
When we moved to Nevada, our local library saved my sanity during the long first summer before school started. We discovered that they had activities for kids twice a week so Christian and I walked down for almost every one, even if it was 100 degrees outside. We learned later that we were risking our lives each time by walking down the busiest street in one of the worst neighborhoods in Sparks. Hey, we were desperate!
Libraries are a blessing, a place to escape and be surrounded by an inspirational sea of knowledge. They're an under-realized privilege. May God bless all those who tend them!
Jeanette, summer reading programs not only help children maintain reading skills, they provide enjoyable activities for children during the long weeks of summer. Glad you and Christian survived your dangerous hot walks to the library! Reminds me a bit of the walk you, Marilyn, and I took that night in Sacramento--before we got smart and jumped in a cab. :-)
Cheryl, thank you for your salute to libraries!
Judy
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