It’s Called a Public Library! Here’s How It Works . . . via EveryLibrary

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It’s Called a Public Library! Here’s How It Works . . .

EveryLibrary Medium.com: 3.09.2019 by Oleg Kagan

Let’s start with the basics: A public library is publicly-funded institution that provides access to information through materials-lending, research services, events like classes and workshops, and sometimes preservation of heritage through special collections.

Public libraries do a great many other things, but those are a good start because you can find the first three at every public library in the United States.

Public libraries aren’t a new idea. They’ve offered similar services for nearly 200 years; the Scoville Library in Salisbury, Connecticut first received $100 from the town coffers on April 9, 1810, making it arguably the first public library in the world.

Public Libraries aren’t rare, either. It’s common knowledge that there are more public libraries in the United States than there are Starbucks.

And they’ve been continuously popular! Between 1990 and 2014, visits to public libraries grew by a whopping 181%. For context, the population of the United States increased by 28% during that period. Fact: In the U.S., public libraries get over a billion visits every year.

Here’s how they work…

While you can use the library without a card, in order to truly partake in library offerings, you should get one.

Rules regarding cards vary, but most libraries require you to fill out a short application and provide a picture ID and/or proof of address. Sometimes libraries have residence requirements, but not always.

Once you have a card, you can borrow library materials like books, movies, music, and more, for a set time period. The average check-out period for books is around three weeks.

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Internet access and online resources

All public libraries in the United states offer free internet access to card holders through public computers and/or wifi. Nearly all have classes to teach computer basics like surfing the web and using email.

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Research/reference services

Whatever your research question, librarians are there to help. Moreover, part of a librarian’s training involves the skills to assist patrons in better understanding and contextualizing their information needs.

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Programs and events

One of the fastest growing areas in public libraries are programs and events for all ages. Library programs are usually free and open to the public and take place all over the schedule (even after-hours).

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Libraries do a lot!

Libraries provide a huge variety of other services too, depending on community needs. And it’s all available to community members for free, right? The truth is, part of what makes public libraries “public” is that they’re supported by public funds. In fact, the average household in the United States pays approximately $7.50 per month for their library. That may sound like a pretty penny, but when you break it down, the value of public libraries is incredible!

Indeed, countless studies have shown that every dollar spent on public libraries returns an average of five dollars in value. Pay 1, get 5 back — It’s that simple!  READ MORE >>