Libraries create community connections

Traditionally, the library was a quiet place for study and research. It was a place to look up facts in books. But In the last 10 years, libraries have grown into distinctly different places. Though our buildings are still packed full of books, we’re in the midst of a paradigm shift. As a public space, libraries are one of the last true community spaces. They are a true equalizer — at the library, everyone has equal access and equal rights.

Libraries create connection with community. Libraries are both a place to engage with others and a place of learning. This last role is particularly important for children. Our modern education system is based on standardized testing. But standardized testing isn’t necessarily the best way for every child to learn. The library is a place to learn in a way that unstructured and ungraded. It’s OK to make mistakes when you’re not being tested — for many kids, this is the best way to learn.

For some adults, the library can be a lifeline.

It’s the place where you can access the internet, a computer, the news. It’s a place to stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It’s a place to meet with friends. It’s a place for community to gather. It’s also a place that you can learn.

All over the world, libraries are doing exciting and innovative things to adapt to the needs of the communities they serve. Many libraries have makerspaces with hard to find technologies. Many have community gardens they grow as a way to both teach and give back to their community. Library programs provide a place to learn new skills, hear experts speak, and space to be creative. Libraries connect people to mental health and healthcare professionals, employers, friends. Libraries connect people to books, to films, to music. Libraries provide ways for everyone to learn and grow.

At Fort Erie Public Library, we’re full of great ideas for adult programs. We’d love to plan lots of great hands-on crafts, programs about gardening. We’d love to provide guidance for you to write your life story. Our libraries programs could focus on budgeting, healthy eating, life after retirement, travel. We can bring in authors to do readings and sign books. We can bring in local musicians to play music for you. But it’s important that the programs we run are relevant to you, our community. This week is the launch of our Adult Programming Survey. You can find a copy in the April edition of our newsletter, or by visiting our website at www.fepl.ca. Let us know what you’d like to see at your library, specifically for adults. What do you want to learn? What do you need to know? Tell us by filling out the survey. We look forward to hearing from you.