The Library as Community Center

I am a big proponent, fan and supporter of public libraries and proud to be a new member of our local Friends group, too. Libraries are evolving beyond being just book depositories and, in fact, have been for many years. They are hubs of connection, learning, and support. They are, in my opinion, mini community centers in many localities where services in workforce, housing connections, schooling/education and other areas are often focal points - beyond just reading and book-lending. They are also hosts to lectures, book groups, community associations, and public forums. The role of libraries is one of essential civic infrastructure, like streetscapes, parking, town parks and coffee shops. I encourage my network to see their local library not just as a building, but as a living, breathing heart of the community. Someone once wrote “The library of today is not just where we go to find books—it’s where we go to find each other” and I couldn’t agree more!