Let’s be real: no one goes to the library anymore.
Unless a kid is going for story time with their parents. 70% of parents of minors say that a library closing would have a major impact.
Maybe a family goes looking for a movie to watch without paying to rent one, or get a streaming service subscription. Kids in college probably use libraries too. After all, 56% of college graduates say that they have visited a library in person in the last year.
Maybe a kid wants somewhere warm to go after eating lunch at the center store on a half day. And, I guess, people probably go there to check out summer reading books. Or regular books. 58% of US readers get at least some of their books from libraries.
I mean, maybe friends will go there to gather in one of the few shared public spaces we have left. Maybe an elderly person will go there to find something to do instead of sitting around the house. 70% of those 50 and older say closing a library would have a major impact on their lives.
Come to think of it, maybe people do still use libraries. But still, they cost more money than they’re worth.
Unless you’re a homeless person looking for somewhere to get out of the cold during the day. Or if you can’t afford to pay for Audible, or Kindle Unlimited. Some people can’t afford computers either; I’m sure library computers help them.
If you’re a kid interested in magic, or science, or history, maybe they do help you out. Or an adult interested in getting a job.
26% of people with a household income below $30,000 say libraries help people find jobs or training.
Someone living on Social Security might find value in what a library offers. Or a parent, looking to spend time with their kid without breaking the bank. Perhaps if you’re a kid who wants to make some friends before they start school.
Come to think of it, maybe libraries do have a lot of value. But, libraries don’t impact people anymore.
Unless you ask the librarians, I guess. They probably have stories of the joy they get to see every day.
Or the kid who is afraid to go home. They probably help that kid out a whole lot.
Or the person looking to get back into reading, and pay off their student loans.
Maybe the parent whose kid has dyslexia appreciates the opportunities the library offers to learn, and possibly help their kid.
I mean, maybe libraries do help people out.
Especially the people who might have less than you do. They help your bank account, for sure.
Come to think of it, maybe libraries do impact people.
Libraries have a profound impact on our learning and our community. Taking them away is a huge mistake that will hurt our society, our children, and our future.
