What impact does library use have on our community?
The Marysville library keeps statistics on how much we are used and our numbers keep growing with over 1000 patrons a day visiting us and record-setting numbers of items going out. That means that more of our books, CD’s, DVD’s and other materials are being checked out than ever before.
Our storytimes are always well-attended, and our recent program for adults on controlling clutter was standing-room only. We partner with community organizations, and work with local schools to provide outreach and literacy services to students in preschool through high school. I could tell you heart-warming stories of how we have helped homeless families find help, or provided job-hunting resources to the unemployed, or helped provide legal forms to those who are in a dispute, or how we help recent immigrants who need advice in Spanish. One day I worked with 3 different gentlemen who hadn’t been in the library for decades, but discovered that we have wonderful information on car repair. We help children and teens find books that will touch their hearts and excite their interest; the more someone reads, the better they will get, just like practising a sport. We regularly talk with people looking for information about their interests, who also love the social interaction the library can provide.
Some say that "all information is on the web, what do we need libraries full of dusty books for?" I say that not only do we provide a guiding hand to the information, we fill in the holes to literacy and different social needs.
“Historically, the purpose of public libraries was to safeguard democracy and to 'divert behavior from socially destructive activities and expose the populace to literature and acceptable recreation'.”
How has the library positively impacted your life?
-Kathy
Citation: Toward Developing Measures of the Impact of Library and Information Services. Full Text Available By: Durrance, Joan C.; Fisher-Pettigrew, Karen E. Reference & User Services Quarterly, Fall2002, Vol. 42 Issue 1, p43, 11p;
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Great post! You all do an amazing job. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteJust walking into our library makes me feel empowered to learn and develop myself further. I am a high school dropout who self-taught my way to an engineering position within Microsoft. The library was a huge part of my success, and continues to be as I consider the career changes I desire in the future.
ReplyDeleteThank you all for the service you provide.