Library is in essence a community center

What is the function of a library in today’s age?

In the past the answer would have been a place of unimaginable knowledge where someone could go for quiet solitude to read the words of the greats. So what has changed? Along with this vast amount of knowledge and history we contain and preserve, libraries have had to take necessary steps to stay relevant in a world that one recent American Idol contestant put so perfectly “is orbiting around buttons on a phone.”

In an essence we are town community centers. As the director of this town’s “community center,” I would have each and every one of my patrons know the pride I take in this role. Along with the massive support from our Friends of the Library nonprofit group, we have been able to provide so much more for the town and the surrounding communities just in these past few months. It is from their hard work, long hours and dedication to see us prospering that we are finally able to say that starting on May 1, the Pea Ridge Community Library will be able to show movies in our establishment!

From all of the volunteers and library staff, thank you so much to the Friends of the Pea Ridge Community Library for believing in us and helping us be all that we can be for our town.

If you or anyone you know is interested in donating time please stop by the front desk for an application to the Friends organization.

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Editor’s note: Alex Wright is the director of the Pea Ridge Community Library. She can be reached at the library at 451-8442.