Why Libraries are still VERY Important

I was very naiive — thinking I would never use my library card again. I misplaced it or threw it away some time ago, I really can’t remember.

Today, after many years of never even stepping foot into the library, I found my way back. The familiar smell hit me instantly, bringing me back to late middle school and early high school years. I would spend hours finding the perfect collection of DVDs to bring home to watch. Somehow after stopping my monthly library visits, I have acquired a massive amounts of DVDs as well, more than I know what to do with — a major problem in the digital age and minimalism movement.

As a teenager, I thought, “why rent books when I can ‘own’ them?” That’s probably my ‘only child syndrome’ possessing my body, never having had to share. But, thankfully, I discovered the concept of minimalism, thanks to a Netflix documentary, where sharing can be a major component of building your community with others — isn’t that the whole point of a library? It doesn’t hurt that I also recently boarded the Ebook train, (which I vowed to never do because I am a firm believer in the physical act of page turning - funny how that worked out). After recently acquiring a Kindle, (thanks Santa) I realized I don’t even have to LEAVE my house to rent a book for FREE, you just need a library card — it’s the Netflix of reading.

Now if you wanted to read the controversial biography on Amanda Knox via Ebook (did she kill her roommate?!), you can do so from the comfort of your own home. Get reading!

I also do understand the importance of supporting art and artists, by buying their books, seeing their movies. I am never against a good theatre movie every other week (or every week, funds permitting). But also, we’re completely forgetting to support PUBLIC Libraries — a way to share knowledge within a community. Libraries are a service underutilized and often left flying under the radar.

In the midst of my job search, I kept hearing about these FREE online courses that I can access with my library card. Now, I don’t know about you, but when I heard ‘free learning,’ my entire brain lit up like a Christmas tree (how timely) considering the last 4 years of college courses have cost thousands of dollars. You can learn for FREE. What a concept!

Libraries are not just for the nerdy (although I will gladly take that title any day). They’re for those trying to, bear with me, ‘ball on a budget’ (I promise Urban Dictionary is your friend). It’s an economical way to continue your life-long journey of learning.

I don’t know about you, but these all sound like some extraordinary reasons to utilize your local library. Just don’t forget to return your books.