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Libraries as Social Hubs

        Libraries have always been a part of our communities but the library of today has changed from the ones I went to as a child They are no longer a place that you just go to read or check out books they are definitely a place of activity and where you feel a sense of community. When I visit my local library it is often a hub of activity with patrons attending one of the programs for children, teens, or adults that are offered on weekly or monthly basis. Another area that is often buzzing with activity is the computer areas or the rooms that community members are using for their book clubs or small business meetings. So what changed and caused libraries to become social hubs? One factor that has played a part in the changes is the digital age as it is causing the dwindling need for paper books which in turn has caused libraries to reassess and adjust their methods of operations to fit the communities changing needs and wants. Some libraries have created a collection of equipment pieces ranging from outdoor gardening tools to video cameras and computers which patrons can rent out just like books. Another factor is the limited or lack of funding for libraries which to reevaluate and change what needed to be changed so they could prove that the worth or value of the services that they provide community are ones they cannot live without. Libraries like the one in Hudson, Ohio and Seattle are making renovations to their older libraries to create libraries that are created with a design that is appealing and interesting both inside and out, they are also appealing to teenagers and young adults by creating rooms just for them that are away from the chidlren’s area and adding cafes or coffee shops. (Senville 2)

       One interesting factor I learned from my research that has played part in libraries becoming "social hubs" is the economic down turn. The way this is happening is that libraries have become a space where members of the community who are struggling to find a job have free access to computers and the Internet, it is where families who have limited finances can come for free entertainment and activities for their children, and for students who are living on students loans can use computers to study and get work done free of charge. In my opinion the libraries of today have created a space where anyone is welcome and where you can feel like you are part of a community any day of the week if they continue to be like this then they will always be a social hub of any community that has one.

References

Jansing, C. (Reporter), & Williams, B. (Anchor). (2008, December 10). Libraries Offer Free Relief From Tough Times. [Television series episode]. NBC Nightly News. Retrieved from https://highered.nbclearn.com.prozy.palomar.edu/portal/site/HigherEd/browse/?cuecard=39537

Senville, W. (2009). Public libraries: The hub of our communities. Aplis, 22(3), 97-103. Retrieved from http://web.ebscohost.com.prozy.palomar.edu/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=db0d6647-a5e4-43ef-9c21-f092586de6c0%40sessionmgr110&vid=1&hid=118

Yang, J. (Reporter), & Holt, L. (Anchor). (2013, August 24). A Library Card May Get You More Than You Think. [Television series episode]. NBC Nightly News. Retrieved from https://highered.nbclearn.com.prozy.palomar.edu/portal/site/HigherEd/browse/?cuecard=66474