The value of local libraries
Public libraries have been a fundamental part of UK society since the Public Libraries Act of 1850 was passed.
For many years now, libraries have lived under a cloud of uncertainty with threats of funding cuts or complete closure. But with a cost-of-living crisis affecting so many of us, libraries have come to the fore as safe havens. We’re living in a time when more and more people are having to choose between food and heating their houses so having a warm, welcoming space to spend time in for free has never been more important.
Libraries have so much to offer their visitors. The first, most obvious one, is books. Whether you’re looking for a touch and feel baby book, a YA novel or a travel guide, there is something for readers of all levels and preferences – there are even audiobooks that can be listened to rather than read. I have memories of excitedly picking out Choose Your Own Adventure books (remember those?!) and finding Enid Blyton treasures I’d never read before.
Libraries welcome everyone with open arms and without obligation. You can walk out with an armful of books without paying a penny (just remember to return them by their due date!). Renewals and reservations can be done online making it so much easier for people with busy lives. For those out there who are unable to access a physical library, there are mobile libraries – these are essentially vans packed full of books and audiobooks, providing an on-the-move library service, delivering books to library members. You can also download apps such as BorrowBox which opens up a world of e-books and audiobooks just begging to be borrowed.
With demands being constantly thrust upon us to be more organised, productive, accessible, sociable, etc., what’s so refreshing about libraries is that they’re places where you can simply BE. You don’t have to read, or work, or socialise. You can just sit and think in peace without having to deal with expectations placed on you by others. I’ve used them for research, to study in, to find my next good read and take advantage of services such as computers and printers.
I now have children of my own and have nurtured their love of books by reading stories to them from when they were newborns. Not only are they surrounded by copious books at home, I also take them to the library and observe them taking pleasure in flicking through the various titles on offer. Education doesn’t just happen behind the school or nursery gates or is confined to exams and tests; libraries form the bedrock of learning, immersing children and adults in culture, information and knowledge – opening hearts and minds, and broadening horizons.
Libraries aren’t, however, just a treasure-trove of good reads – they offer so much more to the local community as a whole. Many libraries host courses and events such coffee mornings and social groups, story time for young children and various arts and crafts sessions. This can be a vital source of company for those among us who experience loneliness. Anyone who finds themselves in need can contact the library who will signpost them to local services.
So, instead of lamenting their demise, let’s all make the effort to get out there and make use of our local libraries and appreciate them for the invaluable establishments that they truly are.
Posted by Laura