Libraries needed now more than ever

Library Week raises awareness of the importance of institutions that educate, entertain and unite.

It’s National Library Week, an annual event intended to raise awareness of the importance of these institutions that educate, entertain and unite communities.

That message should resonate with people at any time, but especially right now.

The coronavirus pandemic has forced libraries to close here and around the state and country.

The theme for National Library Week was supposed to be “Find your place at the library.” Current circumstances forced the American Library Association, or ALA, to put aside that slogan. It was changed to “Find the library at your place” to bring attention to how libraries are serving the public right now.

Indeed, local libraries are continuing to offer valuable digital resources to their patrons. There’s a long list. Local and county library cardholders have access to ebooks, audiobooks and movies at home. And libraries are offering online programs such as story times and special classes.

Nevertheless, the lack of access to library buildings serves to underline their importance. We’re experiencing what it would be like to live in a world without libraries, and it’s not a good feeling.

Some say the availability of information via the internet has rendered libraries irrelevant. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Technology should not supplant libraries, Rather, these institutions serve to harness the power of online resources. Libraries provide access to computers and free Wi-Fi and education on how to use these tools. And they can help direct people to the best educational and research resources in an online world overloaded with unreliable material.

Perhaps the most important aspect of library buildings is their role as a community center. During normal times their schedules are filled with classes, meetings and entertaining programs. In a disconnected world, libraries serve to bring people together and encourage a sense of community.

According to the ALA’s 2019 State of Libraries report, the number of public programs offered per capita has jumped 27.5 percent at American libraries since 2012, while the number of programs attended per capita has risen 16.9 percent. Demand for programs remains high, and library leaders have responded.

As we emerge from isolation — hopefully in the nottoo-distant future — libraries will play a critical role in bringing people back together.

We recognize that government leaders at every level are going to face major challenges in the coming months as they try to meet overwhelming community needs with scarce resources. Nevertheless, public support for libraries must continue. Public libraries have been part of the fabric of American life since the nation’s earliest days. It would be a huge mistake to give up on that tradition now.

In the short term, libraries need support in their efforts to support distance learning. Once strict social distancing rules are lifted, libraries will be needed to help in our economic recovery. For starters, according to the ALA, America’s libraries employ 370,000 people and purchase $5 billion worth of technology, books and capital infrastructure each year. And there are 1.3 billion visits to American libraries annually.

More importantly, businesses and workers rely on libraries to aid in job searches, develop business plans, explore availability of economic assistance and learn new career skills. According to the ALA, demand for library services increases during economic downturns.

And libraries are play a key role in encouraging participation in the 2020 census, which is of utmost importance to local communities.

Our region is fortunate to have a library system that provides many opportunities for lifelong learning in communities large and small. Keeping these institutions strong will require continued commitment.

Let’s help libraries play a vital role in helping us recover from the pandemic rather than making them a casualty of it.