Libraries as Social Hubs by Cattleya

Picture from: http://college.uchicago.edu/story/college-cup-ex-libris

As public financing becomes less available, the libraries cannot escape being a target of scrutiny. Questions pop-up such as do we still need libraries nowadays? It has been thought that in this age of digital libraries, there is less need to go to the libraries for printed books and materials. Library databases can be accessed through computers outside the libraries. Information needs can be satisfied by going online elsewhere.

But to think of libraries as simply repositories of information materials is such a narrow view and does not do justice to the libraries. PEW Research surveys revealed that young children still go to the libraries to borrow print books, do homework, and to practice reading with librarians, volunteers, their parents or guardians. Book mobiles are provided to socio-economically and physically disadvantaged people. They also can have free access to the computers and the internet. Libraries have health, culture, arts and entertainment programs for people of all ages and abilities. Besides, vital public services such as free assistance in filling out tax, job application forms and U.S. naturalization papers as well as information on compliance with recent insurance laws are provided by the public libraries. Online research services are provided by librarians who select and guide patrons to credible sources of information.

With all the said services extended by the libraries, it is therefore safe to say that libraries are social hubs. Even if not everybody in the community visit  the library, many children grow up utilizing the library's help especially those who come from poor families. The library responds to the need for information resources, services, and technologies of poor and homeless people to give them the opportunity to change their lives. Also, interested and able seniors can learn and practice using the computer. Besides, artists can display and share their talents with others. As people congregate in the library for various activities, the sense of community may grow and develop.

The libraries as social hubs is an inevitable consequence because of the services the library provides. The offerings and programs of the libraries contribute to social gathering, interaction and enrichment of the American culture of unity in diversity. They promote life-long informal learning which enhances a human being. The libraries can have a central role in promoting the sense of community among library patrons.

A Youtube video to an impressive library and community center combined; a reality not just a possibility,

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EyCqDOXF8JQ  

Spanish River Library and Community Center.mov

References:

"The College." By the Cup: Ex Libris. The University of Chicago, n.d. Web. 17 Apr. 2014. <http://college.uchicago.edu/story/college-cup-ex-libris>.

"Spanish River Library and Community Center.mov." YouTube. YouTube, 20 July 2012. Web. 17 Apr. 2014. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EyCqDOXF8JQ>.

Zickuhr, Kathryn, Lee Rainie, and Kristen Purcell. "Library Services in the Digital Age." Pew Internet Libraries RSS. Pew Internet & American Life Project, 22 Jan. 2013. Web. 16 Apr. 2014. <http://libraries.pewinternet.org/2013/01/22/library-services/>.