News, Stories and More
Future Outlook: Long and Strong
From time-to-time we hear about people predicting that public libraries will become obsolete or extinct in the future—even with usage statistics continually telling another story. We asked our Facebook fans why they think public libraries WON’T become obsolete in the future. Here are some sample responses:
“Libraries are one of society's last great equalizers. They bring communities together and enrich them at the same time. They're too important to allow for their obsolescence.”
“Libraries are not big warehouses of the latest format of media...they are places where people connect other people with information, stories, knowledge, etc. So, as long as people don't become obsolete (knock on wood...ha, ha)...public libraries will always have a place.”
“The library is one of the last remaining public spaces where people can spend time without buying anything. I think people miss community more than they realize and the mall is a very poor substitute. Libraries are (or need to be) community centers with something for everyone.”
“Libraries have the power to become the ‘third place,’ the equivalent of what diners used to be. Coffee shops may serve the same purpose, but with the economy the way it is, and the lack of funding in schools for things like art, more and more families and individuals will turn to their local libraries for learning and social interaction.”
August 25, 2009
Get your geek on. Show your support. Geek the library.