Op-Ed Why do libraries matter?
By Declan Bunch
For most, the concept of a library is limited to one you may encounter in grade school, the occasional city library, or a stunning piece of architecture seen during a once-in-a-lifetime trip. Few fully understand the integral place a library holds in culture, history, and advancement. Its vast importance juxtaposes its usually simple, minimal design and indifferent perception by the general public. This indifference can often leave the library vulnerable to political attack and quiet defunding. The realization of their significance, and the utilization of their resources, by the general public is essential to their longevity, and by this, the longevity of education, individual thought, and community.
Libraries have throughout history been an essential resource for a majority of people who haven’t had the privilege of an adequate education. One such example of this is the philanthropy of Andrew Carnegie, whose funds created 1,679 libraries on the belief and hope that they would provide the underprivileged and immigrants with the knowledge and resources to succeed in the United States. These contributions have aided in constructing an ideal that champions universal access to knowledge and resources of empowerment. This idea has integrated itself into the language and actions of nations that advocate for personal freedom.
Access to a wealth of information, with no bias or skew in the resources it presents, is critical to the development and endurance of individual thought and expression. One must have the ability to seek knowledge without intervention, following their own curiosity and molding their own opinions. An unrestricted allowance to read and interpret, seek and attain, try and fail, in an environment free of judgment or control is integral in aiding an individual to form their own opinions. Free thought is the language of revolution and reform. Recent attacks on the material offered in libraries and censorship of certain aspects in writing can be viewed as direct assaults on the privilege of free thought and opinion.
The community aspect of a library space is one that must not be overlooked. By providing a comfortable, quiet space for discussion and learning, the library is creating an atmosphere perfect for community interaction. This interaction between racial and class demographics further strengthens the general community by warding off isolation and allowing meaningful, often intellectual, discussion. The community in which a library resides would be interested in protecting this symbiotic relationship. The ever-changing, living community and the resources of a library that strengthens the community both benefit from mutual effort and protection.
Countless other qualities of a library provide benefit to the larger population. The longevity of this public, unbiased space is essentially connected to the longevity and success of the individual as well as the community. Both the knowledge and safety offered are often overlooked and underappreciated when considering the library's function in a community. These spaces are essential in schools and towns, and they deserve the respect, effort, and acknowledgement of the greater population.