Why Public Libraries Still Matter in the Digital Age

In the United States, it was the industrialist Andrew Carnegie who established many of the first public libraries. Carnegie, one of the richest men in the world at that time, opened over 3000 libraries across the country through his philanthropic efforts. Philanthropists at the time believed that it was their duty to improve the lives of the masses on whose backs they built their wealth through charitable endeavors such as opening parks and hospitals. Carnegie wanted people to improve their minds through free access to books.

Are Public Libraries Still Needed?

Do we really need public libraries anymore now that everyone has the internet? One might argue that with the vast amount of information available online, traditional libraries are becoming obsolete. However, as the manager of a local library eloquently pointed out, there are still numerous reasons why public libraries are essential:

1500 people visit their branch daily, highlighting the community's reliance on the library. Unemployed people use library resources to find job opportunities. Eldery individuals enjoy reading mystery novels in their favorite comfortable chairs. Travelers check out audiobooks and benefit from the library's services. 50 preschoolers attend weekly storytimes. Students meet with tutors and participate in enrichment programs. Adults improve their reading skills through literacy programs. Patrons participate in mystery book clubs. Thousands of people borrow books on a regular basis.

The library is much more than just a place for internet access. It is a community gathering place where the library works hard to remain relevant by addressing the community's needs.

The Importance of Professional Research

Public libraries offer resources and expertise that cannot be found through a simple online search. For example, when researching a rather obscure part of local history, such as the Hairy Bacon Bowl flag football game between police and hippie students, the library was able to provide the necessary information. This topic was not available on Google or other search engines, as it was on microfiche in the library's collection. Librarians also knew how to guide the researcher in a way that a search engine couldn't. They actually seemed to enjoy researching such topics.

Availability of Physical Books

Another case involved a difficult-to-find book for a writer on Quora. The book was not available in a digital format, so the library provided a physical copy through interlibrary loan. This goes to show that for some books, there is still no substitute for a physical copy to sit down and read.

Human Interaction and Expertise

Libraries are more than just stacks of books. They are places where individuals can find information with highly trained professionals to help them. These professionals can answer questions and help people find information on any subject without judgment. This service is invaluable, especially for niche or specialized topics where digital resources might fall short.

Modernizing and Coexistence

While traditional elements like card catalogs can be computerized, providing internet and digital media access is just as important as lending books. Public libraries serve a unique role in our communities, providing a physical space for people to gather, learn, and explore information in a way that digital resources cannot fully replicate. Digital resources can supplement and coexist with these traditional services, but they cannot replace them.