Friday, April 03, 2009

Every Library Is A Lighthouse

Bad times do strange things to free, public places, especially those with internet access:

Urban ills like homelessness have affected libraries in many cities for years, but librarians here and elsewhere say they are seeing new challenges. They find people asleep more often at cubicles. Patrons who cannot read or write ask for help filling out job applications. Some people sit at computers trying to use the Internet, even though they have no idea what the Internet is.

“A lot of people who would not normally be here are coming in to use the computers,” said Cynthia Jones, a regional branch manager in St. Louis.

“Adults complain a lot about kids just playing games and you know, ‘I need to do a résumé, or ‘I need to write, I need some help,’ ” Ms. Jones said. “There’s a bit of frustration.”

Ms. Jones instructed her staff to tread carefully. “You don’t want to upset people,” she said. “You don’t know what might set somebody off.”


Philadelphia recently had a long and torturous go-round over proposed library closings. The idea I floated among my small and relatively uninfluential circle was to keep the libraries open and move other public/social services into space at the libraries and close THOSE buildings.

I still think this is a good idea, especially once you grant the notion that libraries are a place to access public information of all kinds, not just those found in books. If libraries are where people are coming for help, then that's where we should go to reach them. Every library is a lighthouse, a city's or town's beacon to guide the way in the night.

2 comments:

Allan Smitheel said...

In theory I agree with you except in most cases the branches are already completely utilizing their spaces. Not to be "snarky" but have you been to one of the branches recently other than the regional one in West Philly?

Perhaps the other public/social services & agencies need to add computers/internet access as part of their services for the clients they're already helping. Would probably bring in more of the needy also.

Allan Smitheel said...

Oops. The library branch (40th/Walnut) I was referencing is not a regional one despite it's size.

Once again, think you idea is a decent one though the non-regional library branches I frequent are already tight regarding space and probably couldn't house other agencies.

*Port Richmond
*Fishtown
*Rodriguez Branch
*Rittenhouse Sq.
*Independence


Anyways,

Regards