"My books are very few, but then the world is before me - a library open to all - from which poverty of purse cannot exclude me - in which the meanest and most paltry volume is sure to furnish something to amuse, if not to instruct and improve." ~Joseph Howe, 1824
In light of recent articles on KCRG's website and on the Des Moines Register's website regarding proposed library funding cuts at the state and local levels, I feel the need to share with you all my vision of libraries and what we really stand for.
After reading user's comments to these articles online, I feel like there are some very common misconceptions about how we work and are funded. I also feel like many don't realize the relevance and importance of our existence in communities.
And so, without further adieu, here is the *official* Whiny Librarian's vision of public libraries. *cue dramatic drum roll please*
I have a passion. A burning passion. That passion is public libraries. Of all the institutions in the world, public libraries to me, are the singlemost important institutions that a society can have. (Did I mention that I'm passionate about public libraries?! Oh...it gets better...) Libraries provide more than just books. More than just the internet. We provide access. Unfettered access to all information, to everyone.
We offer a place to freely exchange thoughts, opinions, and ideas. This is truly the basis for public libraries, the ability to exchange views without bias and without censorship. No matter how controversial it may be, it is welcome in a public library. Where else in society is it acceptable and even encouraged to practice such exchanges?
A library is truly democratic principles at their finest. And we, as librarians, are the sole protectors of those rights. This is why we are activists. This is why we fight against those who want to try and diminish our importance. This is why we fight against those who want to take away our freedom of access to information. We fight because we truly believe and understand just how crucial and important our place in society is.
We are supported by local and state tax dollars. Because of this we provide free services and access to materials to everyone. I've read a lot of comments recently from those who believe that public libraries should charge entrance fees and membership fees. Would you charge each child an attendance fee at a public school? How about for the fire department to make a call to someone's house? Again, these are free services supported by tax dollars. Not everyone may need to use them, but as a democratic society we support them and the need for them. This stands true for public libraries as well.
My hope is that libraries will never lose their status in society. I also hope that future generations will continue to see the importance of supporting such institutions. I hope that our communities will see the libraries as living, growing and changing. Because of this, I also hope that our communities realize the neccessity and importance of adequate funding for us as well. We are so vital to our communities and serve so many roles. We are needed.
Finally, I will leave you with a quote by Malcolm Forbes:
"The richest person in the world - in fact all the riches in the world - couldn't provide you with anything like the endless, incredible loot available at your local library."
In light of recent articles on KCRG's website and on the Des Moines Register's website regarding proposed library funding cuts at the state and local levels, I feel the need to share with you all my vision of libraries and what we really stand for.
After reading user's comments to these articles online, I feel like there are some very common misconceptions about how we work and are funded. I also feel like many don't realize the relevance and importance of our existence in communities.
And so, without further adieu, here is the *official* Whiny Librarian's vision of public libraries. *cue dramatic drum roll please*
I have a passion. A burning passion. That passion is public libraries. Of all the institutions in the world, public libraries to me, are the singlemost important institutions that a society can have. (Did I mention that I'm passionate about public libraries?! Oh...it gets better...) Libraries provide more than just books. More than just the internet. We provide access. Unfettered access to all information, to everyone.
We offer a place to freely exchange thoughts, opinions, and ideas. This is truly the basis for public libraries, the ability to exchange views without bias and without censorship. No matter how controversial it may be, it is welcome in a public library. Where else in society is it acceptable and even encouraged to practice such exchanges?
A library is truly democratic principles at their finest. And we, as librarians, are the sole protectors of those rights. This is why we are activists. This is why we fight against those who want to try and diminish our importance. This is why we fight against those who want to take away our freedom of access to information. We fight because we truly believe and understand just how crucial and important our place in society is.
We are supported by local and state tax dollars. Because of this we provide free services and access to materials to everyone. I've read a lot of comments recently from those who believe that public libraries should charge entrance fees and membership fees. Would you charge each child an attendance fee at a public school? How about for the fire department to make a call to someone's house? Again, these are free services supported by tax dollars. Not everyone may need to use them, but as a democratic society we support them and the need for them. This stands true for public libraries as well.
My hope is that libraries will never lose their status in society. I also hope that future generations will continue to see the importance of supporting such institutions. I hope that our communities will see the libraries as living, growing and changing. Because of this, I also hope that our communities realize the neccessity and importance of adequate funding for us as well. We are so vital to our communities and serve so many roles. We are needed.
Finally, I will leave you with a quote by Malcolm Forbes:
"The richest person in the world - in fact all the riches in the world - couldn't provide you with anything like the endless, incredible loot available at your local library."
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