I have often heard this question posed, based on the reasoning that most everything a library provides is now available online. This type of comment is usually followed up with — “since libraries are obsolete, they are a wasteful use of tax dollars”. A drain on an over-burdened system. So, I decided to investigate this theory.
As a historical/genealogical researcher, I know from the world of archives that only about 10% of all information has been scanned, digitized, and provided online. Personally, I have also discovered that my favorite genre of books (historical fiction) is limited in digititzed/audio format.
I drove to the nearby newer Indian Creek Library in Olathe, Kansas. I wanted to ascertain what a modern library offers. I was rendered speechless by what I encountered. This is nothing like our parents’ library. I requested to interview the administrator, and was introduced to Bob Miller, who also helped design and curate the Olathe Indian Creek location. Bob told me that the libraries of today are “not just about books anymore”. This particular library offers remarkable services to the community.
Bob has a degree in music, so he created the Media Room with a green screen, instruments, and a sound board for bands to record their songs. This room can also be used by podcasters.
Down the hallway is the Makerspace. This room really dazzled me. I got excited just watching all the creations in process. Look at the gorgeous owl scene on this embroidery machine.
This is a large format printer creating a vividly colorful poster for Azaya Fruits. Who knew you could get this done at a library?! They have a list of materials that can be purchased onsite for your projects.
I was mesmerized by the 3-D scanner and printer. A patron told me she uses them to make her own customized cookie cutters. That set my mind ablaze with what other possibilities it could be used for.
The Makerspace also has a t-shirt press and a laser engraver. The staff are incredibly knowledgeable and helpful. That is a good thing because I would love to try all the equipment but I would surely need some help.
Here is a display of items that were created in the Makerspace. They are very impressive and inspiring.
The Olathe Indian Creek Library offers a coffee shop, contracted by the local Sweet Tee’s. I taste-tested and my seasonal blended coffee was delish.
There are extra-cozy seating areas, and even a Friend’s Bookstore. For the past several decades, I have almost exclusively bought my books at a Friends, as my small way of supporting libraries.
Bob says the modern library is “now a community gathering hub”. I like that. What a proactive concept to harmonize an area. This library energetically draws people.
Even if you don’t have a modern library nearby, every library usually provides access to in-house paid subscription sites, such as Ancestry.com. Plus all libraries can do interlibrary loans. Some of the more unusual items requested have been cartoon cake pans, taxidermy specimens, handyman tools, and board games. If you only need something temporarily, why not get it at the library, rather than purchasing it?!
One of my favorite things to do is download an audiobook from the library to my Kindle, and then have my Alexa device read it to me in the evenings, when I am winding down. It is a lovely ritual that I look forward to each day. I have several library cards from multiple districts in my region. Each one has a different selection of books from which to download.
Just down the road is another new facility — the Olathe Downtown Library. It has a rooftop terrace and an event room in which the library hosts guest speakers. The upcoming presenter is Matthew Quick, who penned “The Silver Linings Playbook” which was made into the Oscar-nominated movie starring Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper. How wonderful to have such a renowned author visit our local area. Libraries are a big deal these days!
Olathe Downtown prepares “Book Clubs in a Bag”. Each backpack contains 12 – 15 of the same books to make it easy for your group. Please stop in at your library and see what they have to offer. You may be delightfully surprised.
At the end of my day, I asked a patron if she thought libraries were outmoded. Without hesitation, she responded, “this is the best use of my taxpayer dollars”. I instantly realized I agree with her. I am now wholly convinced that libraries are utterly indispensable.