How do we get the word out? How do we let people know that they are being threatened ... their very lives in peril?
It was President John F. Kennedy who made this plea for the sanctity of our libraries:
If this nation is to be wise as well as strong, if we are to achieve our destiny, then we need more new ideas for more wise men reading more good books in more public libraries. These libraries should be open to all except the censor. We must know all the facts and hear all the alternatives and listen to all the criticisms. Let us welcome controversial books and controversial authors. For the Bill of Rights is the guardian of our security as well as our liberty.
The following is an excerpt from article by Emmily Bristol from ilovelibraries.org.
Oh, and you might want to check out that website!
Our public libraries are not just threatened this election season. Theyre fighting for their lives and with them, the livelihoods and well-being of hard-hit communities all over the country. According to the American Library Association, 23 states are looking to cut library budgets in the most recent fiscal year.
But I have yet to see a demonstration to save the libraries. Or read national news coverage about the potential collapse of one societys most valuable resources. Indeed, it wasnt by accident that our nations founding fathers established the first American lending library.
But the truth is that the state of our public libraries is a kind of litmus test of not only our economic health but that of our democracy, too. After all, libraries are the free, democratization of education, unbiased research, and uncensored enlightenment.
Here are some reasons why our libraries are still the place where we as a nation will achieve our destiny:
1. The house of the 99%: The foundation of democracy is an educated electorate. When the economy is down, it is all the more vital that we the people have access to information, education, news
and now in modern times the internet, computers, and other sources of media tools as well. Libraries do that. For everyone.
2. Libraries build equity: Research shows that depressed neighborhoods and declining communities are not just culturally enriched by libraries. The institutions serve as a community focal point, like a town square, and communities that have that resource rebound.
3. Community hope chest: Libraries dont just curate the Harry Potter series and lend copies of the latest blockbusters on DVD, they also house special collections based on the needs and unique identities of the communities they serve. Thats living history that gets lost without a public space to keep it alive.
4. Renewable resource: How much do you save by being able to borrow materials from the library? How helpful is it to have this resource especially now that even retail bookstores, movie rental shops, and record stores are closing?
5. Literacy: Studies show that childrens literacy is greatly improved by access to summer reading programs and preschool reading programs at public libraries. And childrens literacy is a building-block of adult literacy.
6. Leveling the playing field: Libraries offer vital resources for communities that might not otherwise be served or feel integrated. People learning English (or other languages), the elderly, deaf people, the homeless
the list goes on.
7. Safe space: In some communities, the public library may be the only free space available that is also a safe space. Young victims of bullying, kids who live with domestic violence, LGBT youth, and many more can find a safe place (and often a caring librarian) at the library
8. Cultural touchstone: Many libraries showcase art often by local artists. Likewise, the buildings themselves are often architecturally significant and enhance the beauty and character of the communities they serve.
9. Drop in or drop out: Libraries can also be a place that means the difference between a childs success or failure in school.
These days, there are a lot of people talking about how nobody reads anymore. But thats just wrong. People are reading ALL THE TIME. People are on Facebook, on Wikipedia, on blogs. They are using e-readers to read virtual copies of books. They are downloading newspapers to their tablet devices. People still read. And people read books with pages and paper and bindings too. But the fact is, theres all kinds of other stuff besides books that libraries do for people in our community every day. Book programs for shut-ins. After-school and summer programs for youth. Did I mention toddler story time?
But more than that, it may just be the last free space that is truly free and there for everyone homeless, young, old, rich, poor, and any race under the sun. We are all welcome there. We are all equal there.
Doesnt that seem like a space too valuable to lose?
Please, think about it now, before it is too late. Libraries really do change lives!