I can't stop thinking about my monthly library board meeting. Despite the controversial things happening in our nation's libraries concerning choices of books and events in recent years, my local library seems relatively untouched. Our board mostly discusses upcoming events for patrons, switching over to LED lights, the ongoing search for personnel (anyone know a reliable part-time custodian?). Our meetings are mostly about the nuts and bolts of creating the best possible library for the community.
But on Monday night, in addition to our usual stack of papers of the librarian's report, bills for approval and other details there was something extra. A Show Up for Our Libraries handout was a statement from the American Library Association about an executive order issued on March 14 calling for the elimination of the Institute of Museum and Library Services "to the maximum extent consistent with applicable law." Hmmm.
I did some research and it seems there are some things that "shall" be maintained according to law while others "may" be maintained. Of course the unsaid half is that they also "may not" be maintained. It's very complicated and blurred by legalese talk. What I want is someone to tell me straight out what we will be losing. Is this a step toward ceasing our national public library system?
I'm all for saving money but libraries - public, school, academic - receive 0.003% of the federal budget. That's a very thin sliver of the pie. Maybe our representatives are thinking that libraries are dinosaurs. We have the Internet. We can get any book we want on Amazon. Why do we need libraries? Or more to the point, why are we still paying for libraries?
Frankly, because libraries are so much more than a building full of books. Libraries are community. People come to my local library to read but they also come for presentations on everything from computers to reptiles. They can join groups for readers, writers, knitters, gamers, computer geeks, puzzlers. They can get loans of baking supplies, party games, hand tools, sewing machines. They can use a 3-D printer, a computer, a copier, free wifi. They can see art displays and use meeting spaces. They can bring their children to story time, learning programs, holiday parties.
In rural areas like mine, libraries are an important bastion of community life. Our nearest bookstore is in the next county. Keeping school libraries open and filled with books for all students is a continuing challenge with shrinking school budgets. Also, there are limited spots for people to come together and participate in activities. And many people are feeling a pinch to their budget. We don't all have the luxury of buying that book our child needs/wants to read, participating in fun activities or even affording Internet service. The many services the public library provides are a gift to our whole community.
For many years, libraries have been a valuable resource for me. Helping me to polish my writing and helping me research for various assignments - everything from poisonous plants to pretzels. Recently, I received an assignment to interview Jesse Q. Sutanto and my library quickly rounded up four of her books from nearby libraries so I could be an expert before talking to her. I have a new assignment and they are rounding up another batch of books for my pre-interview cram session. Libraries help me earn my living.
I'm worried about the future of public libraries, are you?
Jodi M. Webb writes from her home in the Pennsylvania mountains about everything from DIY projects to tea to butterflies. She's also a blog tour manager for WOW-Women on Writing and a writing tutor at her local university. Get to know her @jodiwebbwrites, Facebook and blogging at Words by Webb.
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