Libraries as Social Hubs

What does the general public think of when visualizing a library’s role in their community? Do they think of an aged librarian, shushing loud patrons or dusting shelves with books that are outdated? Modern libraries have a duty to squash the preconceived notion libraries of the past have been known for. Libraries can be known as the center of the community, a place for families to go and interact with their neighbors. Where teens go after school, on the weekends, or during their summer break to socialize with their peers and participate in games, activities, clubs, and so much more. 

Wayne Senville wrote the article Public Libraries: The Hub of Our Communities, in the article he states, “libraries are far from dead in today’s internet age- in fact, they are making a comeback as key anchors in our downtowns (pg. 97)”. In the age of downloading and easy access to any information via the internet, libraries have to be more than a place to check out a book. Don’t get me wrong, they are still the place to find that favorite book or series, even that DVD or magazine, for free. Libraries are the place to do extensive research with databases, acquire knowledge about current job listings, or find out how to apply for a job. Community members can post ‘Help Wanted’ ads on their library’s bulletin board. The library should be known as “the peoples place”, where it’s “the place to go to” for community members to organize events and town meetings; for clubs, homework help; the place for children to learn to read and write. Some libraries are fortunate enough to dedicate whole areas to just a “teen’s” or “children’s” section. 

As library workers, the goal is ensuring the patron has had a satisfying experience at the library. After all, the library should be a place of happy memories and lifelong learning. A library will play many roles, but there is one role that must be brought to light: Senville states, “Another valuable role that libraries play is in integrating immigrants and other newcomers into the community (pg. 102).” 

For immigrants coming to a strange new country, libraries are seen as welcome centers, providing assistants to immigrants in a number of ways. Libraries provide Non-English-speaking classes, to give those who want to learn English the opportunity to do so. Libraries will partner with other organizations that provide additional and more extensive support to immigrant families. Libraries are more than just a building that holds books, they are a social hub bringing communities together and providing opportunities. 

Works Cited

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