Why I became a public librarian

 

I have always loved going to the library. I love that you can walk in the door and find out just about anything about everything. I love discovering a new book that might become my new favourite. So library school seemed a natural choice after I completed my BA in English Literature. What could be a better fit for me than spending all day, every day, in one of my favourite places? So imagine my surprise when, instead of interest and excitement, my career choice instead generated a general bewilderment in most people I know: “Really, a librarian? Are libraries even going to be around in 5 years?”

Are you a person who shares these concerns but have just been too polite to tell me you think I have thrown my life/education/money away? Based on my own experience, I trace the doubt around the future of libraries to a basic misconception about the role of libraries in our communities. Here it is: You only go to the library when you need to find out information, and all information is available online. Has anyone else heard this before?

Here are a few reasons I think that libraries can survive and even thrive in the information age:

1) Libraries are not just about information; they are a resource for recreation. We have thousands of stories in every kind of format, whether it be book, audiobook, or film. Libraries banish boredom by having something for every taste and whim.

2) Libraries are not solely for individual pursuits; they are a hub for connection. They are a place where community members can come together to connect – about books or about 

anything. We provide affordable meeting space for community members (did you know it is only $10/hr to book our meeting room?). We provide programs for children and adults that promote learning and fun while building a sense of 

community.

3) Libraries are a free public space. Places where community members can gather without the expectation that they make a purchase are few and far between. The public library has always been, and will always be, space that is open to everyone. And our space is becoming more beautiful all the time – have you seen the mobile Hope Bridges gave us or our latest art exhibit?

4) Libraries guarantee that everyone has access to technology. Anyone of us who have had our internet go down knows how critical it is to access the online world. The digital divide threatens to leave behind anyone without access to technology or without the skills to use it. We provide wireless internet and public access computers to anyone who comes through our doors. We also provide free technological support to ensure our patrons are able to take advantage of all that technology has to offer. 

And in case you would rather not take my word for it, let me give you some numbers. We have had 2,000 more library visits this year than over the same period last year. Reference questions have increased by 77%. And we help about 60 people a month with computers, tablets, e-readers, and smart phones.

Libraries now are doing more than they ever have before. Many cities and towns (including those nearby, like Drumheller and Turner Valley) are investing in new libraries as social, cultural, and educational community centres. We at the Strathmore Municipal Library would love to take on a greater role in helping to make Strathmore a vibrant community, but our current space is filled to capacity. We would love to have room for more materials, for comfortable seating areas, for small and large meeting rooms, for more computers. We want to have a library where people love to be.

To learn more about our vision and how you can be involved, come check out the display in the library.