The library of today is about so much more than books on shelves.
The Guardian recently wrote an article that covered many of the traditional and unexpected ways that libraries in the United Kingdom support their patrons.
Within this article, there is a quote that we feel sums up the role of the library in society:
“The average public library…is now an informal citizens advice bureau, a business development center, a community center, and a mental health provider…a homelessness shelter, a literacy and foreign language-learning center…without anyone expecting you to buy anything.”
The public library has, in many cases, become “The Library of Things”; a place for connection, new opportunities, and – in some cases – an essential lifeline to modern technology.
The way libraries help communities can, in many cases, be shaped by circumstances. The support can range from the seemingly small, like digital literacy training (which we covered in more detail in a recent blog post) to providing essential services in emergency situations, as libraries in New York and New Jersey did in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy in 2012 when they opened their doors so residents who were left homeless could complete relief forms and communicate with loved ones.
Within this blog, we explore some of the core extra services libraries provide – plus some examples of real-life cases that you can use as inspiration in your own branch.
Employment Support
Libraries have long since been a space where people can gain help seeking employment – but this role is ever-expanding.
Often, employment support starts with access to technology that patrons may not be able to afford for their homes. In the UK, a survey showed that 62% of library computer users were unemployed, and a third of them were using the computer to look for a job.
CV writing classes are a popular fixture in many libraries, and librarians will help patrons find resources that help with their job applications.
An initiative in libraries around the world is supporting people to start businesses. The library offers budding entrepreneurs a space to build their skills and test ideas without investment.
Almost 50% of libraries in the US offer free services to entrepreneurs – from coaching to incubation spaces, and access to market research databases.
At the Toronto Public Library, for example, small business owners can book appointments with librarians to learn how to utilize collections and online resources to move their business forward.
Another case study comes from Spokane County, who run a Small Business Boot Camp; monthly workshops designed to develop the knowledge of entrepreneurs on essential business skills, such as marketing, tax, and finance.
Upskilling
Lifelong learning takes many forms. The initiatives you offer will always depend on your patron demographics.
Upskilling initiatives could cover everything from English language lessons for non-native patrons to the establishment of media production studios where people can edit photos, videos, or even record their own podcasts.
The library can also be a supportive space for patrons to continue with more traditional routes of education. The San Diego Public Library, for example, has partnered with Gale’s Excel Adult High School program to allow patrons aged 19 and above to participate in a self-paced online diploma completion program.
Education opportunities have expanded beyond the four walls of the library building. Webinars and online courses are becoming increasingly popular too.
The world is constantly changing, and so the education opportunities offered in libraries must change too.
If you are seeking inspiration for new programming to offer to your patrons, we recommend checking out Programming Librarian. This initiative from the American Library Association (ALA) provides a space for library professionals to learn of excellent programming examples they can implement in their branches and share examples of their own successes too.
Warm spaces
Libraries provide a safe space for patrons in many ways – particularly if they feel they have nowhere else to go.
This has become increasingly important as the cost of living continues to rise. Last Christmas around the UK, many libraries served as “warm banks” for their patrons – a heated space where they could spend their days if they couldn’t afford to keep their homes warm.
Many libraries also provide hot drinks, hot water bottles, blankets, and even winter coats; all in the name of giving people dignity and keeping them comfortable.
As the winter months approach, now is a good time to consider how your library could support patrons who will struggle in the colder weather.
Activities for all ages
The beauty of the library is that it can support patrons at all stages of life.
Mother and baby clubs and play-reading groups help new mothers to socialize and build relationships. But more than that, they introduce young children to the library – which often turns them into lifelong patrons. The library’s role as an essential resource for developing early literacy levels has never been more important. As day-to-day life becomes more expensive, people have less to spend on books.
The Central Library in downtown Calgary, Alberta, has shown it takes its role in bringing children to the library very seriously. They have a lecture theater, a large children’s area with play activities, and a teen area with hangout spaces and gaming consoles.
Libraries are also a welcoming environment for a group that is often overlooked: the elderly. Many libraries support older patrons with their digital literacy levels and run social sessions to help them combat loneliness and isolation.
Education on social issues
Finally, the library provides a welcoming and inclusive space for patrons to explore issues and world views beyond their own communities.
The Human Library Organization arranges “Living Library” events – where people from different backgrounds serve as “open books” to connect communities, challenge stereotypes, and open up new perspectives.
Sustainability is a hot topic globally, and more and more public libraries are integrating climate-themed content into their collections. In the UK, for example, almost 300 climate-changed-themed activities took place during Libraries Week.
Finally, the ALA’s “Libraries Transforming Communities” initiative is helping to reimagine the role libraries can play in supporting their vast demographic of patrons. Free dialogue and deliberation training and resources are available to help librarians lead forums and provide safe spaces for patrons to come together and discuss challenging topics.
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In ways both big and small, libraries around the world continue to innovate to help their patrons. In almost all cases, programs and resources are offered at no cost, to eliminate financial and class barriers, giving every patron equal access to initiatives.
T.S. Eliot once said:
“The very existence of libraries affords the best evidence that we may have hope for the future of man.”
New opportunities and challenges arise for librarians every day. Despite budget cuts at every turn, librarians are leading the charge in serving the changing needs of their vast demographics.
At collectionHQ, we are committed to doing everything we can to support librarians in providing the right resources for their communities. Our collection management software can help speed up your data analysis and help you make more informed decisions about the best materials for your patrons.
To find out more, please get in touch to book your free demo.