In celebration of National Library Week, here are a few facts about the importance of libraries:

  • Libraries are about access for everyone!  Access to accurate information, technology, education, and other resources, so that everyone, regardless of income or background, is able to connect to the world and find what they need.  Librarians are here to guide you through.
  • Your First Amendment right to read and write freely is the core of the library mission.  American freedom depends on a populace that can access all information.  Libraries offer a wide range of ideas and viewpoints so that everyone can find knowledge without restriction.  Libraries don’t tell you what you should read; they create collections to serve the needs of all members of the community.  
  • Libraries work to preserve privacy in an increasingly data-tracked world.  What you learn is your business and should not be subject to scrutiny.
  • Citizens need to be able to keep an eye on what their government is doing.  Libraries gather and archive accurate information about local and national government activity.
  • 54% of American adults cannot read and write at a 6th-grade level, which limits them from getting good jobs and from understanding their own finances and health care.  Libraries not only help children to learn to read well, they also offer adult literacy tutoring so that people can improve their lives.
  • Public libraries function as community centers, offering free activities to all age groups and interests.  In our increasingly atomized and isolated society, libraries are one of the last cost-free places to go and connect with others.
  • Libraries connect people with local resources that can help with:
    • Job searching
    • Starting a business
    • Finding legal help
    • Caring for family
    • All sorts of things!
  • Libraries are considered second responders, acting as support in times of crisis. For example, in summer, libraries are a free place to cool off.  After the Camp Fire, libraries helped people find the resources they needed.

TL;DR: libraries are for everyone, and they should be as free as possible. You shouldn’t have to pay money to find out the information you need to know.