I recently had a chance to visit the main branch of my local library for a screening of the documentary, “Free For All”, a film about the history of the library system in the United States.  It was a fascinating watch, and I highly recommend it (you can catch it on YouTube at this link).

We often think of the local library as just a depository of books that can be borrowed, but it is so much more than that.  It is a gathering place.  It provides accessibility to the internet.  Its one of the last, true democratic institutions, where no matter what your sex, race, social status, or economic condition, the knowledge and services provided by the local library are open to you – free of charge.

My local library helps people with their tax forms and provides a place where home schooling Moms and Dads can borrow teaching resources.  There’s a weekly story-time for parents and their toddlers.  There are craft sessions, lectures, book club meetings, and contests that encourage reading at all ages.  Knowledge truly is power, and the library can nurture any thought or idea you can come up with.

Librarians (such as my wife) are also more than just the “gatekeepers” of books.  They are resources for services, they can order materials from other libraries, and they are often the leaders and facilitators of classes and programs.  Just last week, my local branch hosted an event that provided new mothers with free supplies, information, and on-site experts to answer parenting and child-rearing questions.  Librarians are passionate and caring about what they do and how they can help.  It truly is a calling.

The most common thing heard at many of these events is “I didn’t know the library offered this kind of thing.”  The local library is a community center, a knowledge depository, and a research facility – all rolled into one.

Libraries are once again under attack, where certain individuals feel the need to dictate what information can be offered and who can access it.  Funding cuts at the federal and state levels puts the continuing operation of these facilities in constant jeopardy.  If you don’t agree with a book or program offered by the library, then by all means, don’t check it out or attend the function, but your personal belief should not prevent others from the same access to that information.  A single few shouldn’t’ be allowed to make a choice for everyone, especially when it comes to matters of information and accessibility.  That’s what the library system is all about.  Access and information for all.

If you haven’t been to your local library in a while, I encourage you to stop in and pay them a visit.  Look over their event schedule.  Check out a book or video (yes, they have those, too).  You may be surprised at what you find – and remember, it’s all for free.  

Many thanks to those early library pioneers who fought for the idea of “knowledge for all,” and my ongoing gratitude to today’s librarians, who continue to keep that spark of wonder and quest for knowledge alive and well.