Libraries as Social Hubs

Libraries have evolved into something much more than the place where the books live. Libraries have become places for all types of people to enjoy and spend time with one another. Libraries have taken to social media to expand their outreach within the community. This has enabled libraries to reach out to more people and get them involved with the library on a daily basis without even realizing it. By sending out tweets and posts, the community is able to respond and the library is kept at the front of the community's minds. Libraries often offer events for special occasions all year and many people would not know about them without the help of social media.
Programs like kids reading time can provide social time for kids allowing them to interact and make new friends, but this doesn't only benefit the children. Programs like these benefit the parents as well. While kids read along with the librarian and play, parents are able to socialize with other parents. The sense of community of parents with children the same age coming to the library to enjoy activities is strong. And this is not only true for children's activities. Many programs exist like senior yoga, readers club, teen programs and many more. The fact that these programs are free to the public, brings a sense of equity to the people attending them. The notion of social hierarchy is diminished in the library where the non-demand for money is the great equalizer.
The video below talks about a library known for their kindness. Building a community takes work and time. This library is a perfect example out how the kindness off a library staff can impact the community.

Works Cited

HOWLEY, BRENDAN. “Libraries as Values-Driven Participatory Culture Hubs.” Information Today, vol. 35, no. 5, June 2018, pp. 15–16. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=lxh&AN=130182780&site=ehost-live&scope=site.