In Praise of Libraries

Some people say that libraries have become obsolete, but I disagree.

True, the function of libraries has changed because of the Internet. Research can be done on the computer instead of thumbing through the card catalogs (if you don’t know what a card catalog is, ask your parents). And of course the Internet has much more information than any library ever could (with the possible exception of the Library of Congress).

But when reading for pleasure or curiosity, whether fiction or non-fiction, the library is the place to go. Most books aren’t available online for free. Many books have been “digitized” but definitely not all. New books are available for the e-Readers, but the older, more obscure books never will be. And those are the books I find fascinating.

Ironically, many people who don’t have access to the Internet at home, work, or school, go to the library to go on the Internet. The library in my small hometown has six computers available for library patrons to use, whether they need the Internet or they need to use a word processing program to write a letter, etc. They can print out whatever they need to on the library’s printer for a small fee.

Libraries are a gathering place, too. From meeting rooms to “storytime” in the children’s section, there is a social aspect to libraries.

Support your local library. Buy used books from their “Book Sale” section (and donate books you don’t need so others can buy them). On Election Day, if there is a bond that will support libraries, vote for it.

Libraries are not obsolete and they won’t die if we keep them alive.