The Need for Public Libraries Essay Example

LeFlore Madison

Mr. Jones

AP Language and Composition

January 25, 2022

The Need for Public Libraries

As technology advances and expands many physical places’ significance is being questioned by society, specifically libraries. For hundreds of years, libraries have been an important part of society and are the reason people understand as much as they do about the past. Despite the growth of e-books, libraries are still an important community space that serves as a place of learning, politics and democracy, technological access, and opportunities for all people.

To begin, libraries in their physical form are able to serve as places of learning and education by allowing access to records and a way to improve important life skills. In an interview with the former president of the American Library Association, Nancy Kranich, she states that “If a free society is to survive it must ensure the preservation of its records and provide free and open access to this information to all its citizens.” (Source A) For centuries humans have relied on physical records to keep track of, remember, and pass down information. Consequently, libraries are needed to preserve these records and allow public access to them. Not everyone has access to the technology needed to succeed with this information publicly so it’s incredibly important that physical copies are available. Even the New York Public Library describes itself as “an institute of education for democratic living.” (Source A) Libraries hold boundless knowledge, from cookbooks to instruction manuals to textbooks; libraries serve as a place for people to gain this knowledge. By creating and maintaining such “an institute” people are given public access to skills that can help improve their state of being as well as others. With the amount of information libraries possess they’re able to serve as places of learning and education for the public.

Building upon the previous point, libraries are also finding ways to encourage democracy and for people to take an active role in politics. A country is only as educated as its people- which is exactly why libraries are so crucial. Many libraries have taken an active role in re-igniting the democratic spirit and some have even “... joined civic groups. Politicians, and educators to rejuvenate the democratic spirit in the country.” (Source A) By banding together with local politicians and educators people are able to get a hands-on experience of what politics entails. From their education and these personal experiences, the next generation is able to form their open political ideals and standings. This isn’t just a thing of the present either; “During World War Two President Roosevelt (1942) equated libraries and democracy heralding their role in creating an informed society.” (Source A) Libraries have had their influence on society in the direst of times and have held such significance that world leaders have publicly praised their purpose. If it wasn’t for libraries, what percentage of our population would partake in politics- or to take it a step further, how many would be able to partake in educated politics?

To build upon the previous point, even if libraries were to become digital many people don’t have access to technology advanced enough to utilize these digital libraries. An article written by Jenny Hank and published by PBS on libraries informs the reader that “...for 22% of the library computer users, the library was their only source of access to computers and the internet.” (Source C) Removing physical libraries would cut off access to virtual information for hundreds or even thousands of people. Libraries provide a space not just for physical knowledge but for digital knowledge as well. This balance of digital and physical is crucial for students in this day and age and is provided within libraries. Libraries also serve as a way to open new paths and discover new interests. For example at the “... main Chicago Library [a program] called YOUmedia [allows] any teen with a city library card to have in-home access to computers plus video and audio recording equipment to create their own content with the help of a mentor.” (Source C) This provision of service by the Chicago Library allows for children to find new interests and paths beside the typical route of college and a 9-5 job. 

To finish, many libraries around the United States are instituting mentors or other guidance members to bring new opportunities to communities. A perfect example of this is the “Calendar of Events” in the Orlando park public library and the activities they display. Some of which include events like “volunteer program, environmental club, Microsoft Excel 2010 class, or a music makers class.” (Source B) With libraries allowing for children and adults alike to learn new skills as well as bond with their peers, they’re helping form a tight-knit community and allowing for people to have more opportunities to explore what they love. Outside of libraries, many people wouldn’t have access to a music class, even if their aspiration is to be a musician, or perhaps they couldn’t afford a class on how to work Microsoft Excel. Even the “Seattle Public Library offers live chats with libraries 24 hours a day…” (Source C) With a live and constant resource students can get help with homework or perhaps receive guidance from experienced adults. This opens a world of opportunities for communities and allows for quick and easy guidance for those who most need it.

With the debate on whether or not to keep physical libraries continuing, it’s important for society to acknowledge all the good it's done in the past and what the future holds for libraries. With so many opportunities to learn, explore politics and democracy, gain access to technology, or to receive mentorship; libraries are needed in their physical state now more than ever.