Libraries and Social Hubs

There are many places where people can gather together and spend time. Libraries are a public place where anyone can enjoy the resources provided. Libraries offer many resources such as, books, DVDs, audiobooks, computer use, database use, along with programming for all ages. And most importantly it is free. Libraries are an important part of the community. Besides books, libraries also have concerts and literacy programs. According to William Senville, the editor of a city commissioner’s journal in Vermont, “Another valuable role that libraries play is in integrating immigrants and other newcomers into communities.” (Senville 102). Literacy departments are a useful resource for immigrants who are learning the language. At my local library, the Escondido Public Library, the literacy department offers programs and classes to help with improving English pronunciation, obtaining citizenship, career workshops, and other events that more generally help immigrants to integrate into the community. For children, libraries offer programs such as recycling, composting, magic shows, crafts and more. Libraries have a huge section for children, teens and adults. People who do not have a computer can benefit from computer labs to do homework, search for a job, submit a job application and much more. Libraries are a good place to learn and have a good time.

Libraries are important today even as younger generations start to rely more on technology, especially because “smaller cities and towns may have even more to gain from having a thriving library as they do not have the range of community gathering places that larger cities often have” (Senville 97). For older populations and younger ones, libraries offer book clubs. People love these programs where they read a book and then gather together once a month to have a discussion about the book along with reading so they can meet new friends around a common interest. In addition to book clubs there also offer a book in the bag, where they can check out a bag with books normally 8 to 10. This is another option at home, in a classroom or any other place besides the library. For example, virtual book clubs or low-commitment book clubs are becoming popular, not just traditional meetings. These meetings let people come together in a public space, and make use of the library as a hub for connecting people. 

Works Cited

“Literacy Services.” Escondido Public Library, library.escondido.org/adult-literacy.aspx.

Senville, Wayne. “Public Libraries: The Hub of Our Communities.” APLIS, vol. 22, no. 3, Sept. 2009, pp. 97–103. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=44266947&site=ehost-live&scope=site.