The role that a library serves in a community is unique. It is the one place that everyone of all ages can research information, as well as check out books and other reading materials or stay for a bit to use the computers. Yet, the best thing about the public library is that it is a place where everyone can go to take a break for a while in a warm, safe, welcoming environment. The newest Meeker residents might be unaware of what the public library here has to offer.
One can often tell the socio-economic health of a community by looking closer at the services available. I remember someone telling me that their discovery of the library made all the difference in deciding if this was the place they not only wanted to work but to raise a family.
“I didn’t realize that I could get all the materials I needed,” one new user of our library told me, surprised by the ease of using a statewide system that enabled libraries from all over the state to share their collections. This preceded the addition of the instructional room with language labs, as well as the bank of the computers. Experiencing that same realization, when I needed to obtain archival materials and could not get out of town, I was not surprised that more people weren’t using all of the services our local library offered.
The library’s role in every community has morphed or changed shape gradually. Almost all public libraries were closed down for a brief period of time during the past few years, so library boards found themselves faced with making decisions that might ensure continuation of the level of community services they previously offered. Online book check-out and return soon became available, as well as outdoor story times or family activities when weather permitted.
As we resume our routines and venture back out in the community, we may find things are different in even the smallest ways. Denver residents were surprised to find some of their libraries suddenly shut down after the drug use in their facilities required massive renovations. The rural libraries may not have faced such drastic changes but some of their decisions about providing services are equally tough. While many libraries are finding that their circulation numbers are continuing to grow, others say their numbers are down. As a card-carrying local library user, I know that each time I visit a public library, I am helping to make sure both kids and adults can continue to find this particular “brick and mortar” structure essential in their lives, as well.
By DOLLY VISCARDI – Special to the Herald Times
