If you have Abibliophobia, then there is only one place you can come to ease the symptoms. There is really no cure for this, only a treatment. We at Wedsworth Library can provide that treatment at no cost.
It’s February and there’s always a lot of love in the air and so much to go around! But we’re not just talking about romantic love connected to Valentine’s Day. Did you know that February 14 is also Library Lovers’ Day?! Not only that, but the entire month of February happens to be National Library Lover’s Month! Looking for a warm and friendly place to come in from the cold? February is dedicated to people who love whole buildings devoted to reading, organizing, categorizing, finding, and otherwise loving books.
So why love your local library? Libraries are a sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. They offer serenity, security, peace and quiet and a corner to curl up in with a good book. They are a place where you can be surrounded by likeminded people. You also get candy.
Libraries provide more than a place to enjoy great novels or discover amazing adventures and untold history. They provide us the ability to explore the internet, discover other worlds through books and movies and discover visiting speakers, authors, artists and musicians. We offer computer classes, which helps everyone stay engaged in a digital world or the chance to add a touch more skill level to the tech knowledge.
There’s more to a Library than just the physical books. When most people think ‘library’ they think physical books. Nowa days, books take different shapes, such as e-books and audio books. We offer links to audio and e-books from other sources. Libraries lend not only books but movies. Now, we also provide access to online classes, magazine access, and ACT and SAT testing prep through the Libby app.
Libraries provide preservation services by preserving treasured books, periodicals, pictures, and documents for future generations. All you need is a Library Card to access all the multiple services or items Libraries have to offer.
In addition to connecting people to information, libraries connect people to people. Public libraries help communities cope with the unexpected. Libraries have become indispensable in the aftermath of storms and disasters by providing access to government forms and communication with loved ones. They have become shelters for those that have lost their homes or need a temporary place to stay amidst a disaster.
Libraries offer services like free assistance in locating uncommon information, filing FAFSA, accessing your email or finding paperwork from an obscure government site. Libraries through time have provided not only books, but daily newspapers, and periodicals. We even have tax forms.
It’s important to remember that not everything is available on the internet (yet). Libraries can have access to vast digital stores of information. In most cases libraries are a much more economically viable solution when looking for information.
Many rely on their libraries for meeting space for public forums, socials, and fundraisers. At your library there’s also microfiche of our local newspaper reaching far back into antiquity, and that’s just a start!
Libraries entertain preschoolers with hands-on activities and expose them to the world of books and their first friendships. They are safe havens for kids when school is not in session, games and the ability to spend some quality time with best buddies.
Libraries are front runners for advocating for your right to read and your right to reader privacy. The American Library Association promotes the freedom to “choose or the freedom to express one’s opinions even if that opinion might be considered unorthodox or unpopular, and stresses the importance of ensuring the availability of those viewpoints to all who wish to read them. Challenges do not simply involve a person expressing a point of view; rather, they are an attempt to remove material from the curriculum or library, thereby restricting the access of others”. We have become the leader in ensuring that books remain available to all who choose to read the book they want.
Libraries are also champions in maintaining patron privacy. Article VII of the Library Bill of Rights states that “All people, regardless of origin, age, background, or views, possess a right to privacy and confidentiality in their library use”. The right to privacy is the right to open use without having the subject of one’s interest examined or scrutinized by others. “Privacy is essential to the exercise of free speech, free thought, and free association. Lack of privacy and confidentiality chills people’s choices, thereby suppressing access to ideas” according to ALA. Confidentiality of library records is a core value of librarianship.
Jarrett J. Krosoczka says “It is an awfully sad misconception that librarians simply check books in and out …” “A librarian is a person who is in charge of or works professionally in a library and is responsible for its management and services. The librarian takes care of the library and its resources. Typical job of a librarian includes managing collection development and acquisitions, cataloging, collections management, financial, circulation, and providing a range of services, such as reference, information, instruction, and training services, etc. The increasing role of technology in libraries has a significant impact on the changing roles of librarians.”
Laura Bush in her famous quote said: “I have found the most valuable thing in my wallet is my library card.” Visit your library, get your library card, and you’ll be able to borrow a print or electronic book, use free internet, or attend a course that will improve your digital skills.
During this month that is dedicated to all Americans who “Love Libraries” there’s no better time than now to visit. We’ve been cooped up inside hiding from the cold weather or COVID so now is a perfect time to catch up on your leisure reading, view a DVD during these long winter nights or get serious about your research needs.
“Libraries store the energy that fuels the imagination. They open up windows to the world and inspire us to explore and achieve, and contribute to improving our quality of life.” Sidney Sheldon