Library insights please

NorthernLight

NorthernLight

Well-known Member
Location
Northern BC
As I've mentioned, I moved to an isolated backwater. The major industry closed down a few years ago, but there are plenty of low-level service jobs. The main activities seem to be hunting, quilting, and the like.

So ... My local language partner is from here, but he went to a private high school in The City. He has a university degree and a good job, which he does remotely.

He joined the library board because he cares about youth. He is very frustrated because the library seems to just give the people what they want, which is at a pretty low level in this town. Video games (and a deluxe gaming system) for the kids. Until he started the nonfiction book club, the only book club was a "cook book club."

I had noticed the same. But I figured that's what libraries do -- just give people what they want, which varies according to local demographics and so on.

He thinks the library should be providing something more. Perhaps getting children and teens interested in higher culture, or getting them interested in careers, or in the wider world?

The mandates and missions of various library systems are mostly gobbledygook (serving needs, providing programs, etc.). Does anyone know what role a library is supposed to play in a community?

Should he have a private chat with the librarian? Bring this up at a library board meeting? Anything else? Thank you.
 

I worked for 10 years as Admin Asst for two directors. Our library at that time was an integral part of the community.
It served many purposes for different people. Reading times for toddlers, teens doing homework, loners coming to read the morning newspaper, 4 men gather daily to discuss current events, tutoring school age kids, mentoring, craft programs for adults, summer programs for all ages, and the list goes on.

I understand your friend's frustration at simply giving in to whatever is current today. Essential to enriching the community and all of its residents, in positive and educational needs has been the foundation of libraries for decades.

What you have described is sadly more common than not. He should be a strong advocate, speak with the Board, the director, and encourage stronger support. Best of luck to him.
 
My library has a resident golden retriever who serves as a "reading buddy". Children can check him out to read with or to. He's absolutely fascinated by your reading ability, whatever level that is. He's willing to be a pillow to make you more comfortable to read, he loves to look at pictures with you, he's perfectly happy just resting his chin on your knee while gazing at you lovingly.

I haven't had a chance to make his acquaintance yet as there's always a long line waiting for him.

One of my sister's dogs was a reading buddy at their library. She took him in for a couple of hours twice a month. He thoroughly enjoyed it.

I think every library needs a dog. It's been proven over and over again that children who are resistant or nervous about reading will read to a dog. The dog doesn't care if you stumble over words or don't know how to pronounce them. A dog doesn't care how long it takes to get through a page. A dog doesn't judge or criticize. A dog doesn't tell you that you need to try harder. The dog just is there to assure you that you're doing a great job as far as he is concerned.

Who doesn't need that?
 

Good for your friend!

I have not been to a library in years, I used to go and liked it but now find all my reading online. I suspect its hard for libraries to stay relevant and popular today. I suspect that's the reason for the video games.

Book clubs sound like a good idea, then even if everyone reads on their Kindles or something they still get the intellectual stimulation of talking about it.
 
Our library is wonderful! It has a huge lobby with many conversation/reading areas with nice big comfy chairs. Off the lobby are many different meetings areas. They bring in artwork/displays of all sorts for viewing. They offer many great concerts, musicians and speakers on a wide variety of topics and other things for the community to enjoy. They have many different programs for children and teens.
 
NorthernLight said:
He thinks the library should be providing something more. Perhaps getting children and teens interested in higher culture, or getting them interested in careers, or in the wider world?

The mandates and missions of various library systems are mostly gobbledygook (serving needs, providing programs, etc.). Does anyone know what role a library is supposed to play in a community?
Click to expand...
Well, on one hand the child could receive "Encouragement" from the library, teachers, parents, to seek higher learning, careers or knowledge.

But in the basic sense, libraries are the repository of knowledge and if the patron isn't interested in that, then the library hasn't failed them, they did themselves.

I recall one day working in Missouri at a coke machine rebuilder plant. On break, two people were chatting about the past weekend "We got drunk, puked, got drunk again and ate and puked"

I thought "Is THIS all they live for?" and frankly from others talking, "Yes, yes that's their lives here" Nothing higher to shoot for, unless you hook up with a shop that wants to teach you.

Before they turn 21, the local DQ, or similar ff joint was the hangout, once they were 21, they started hitting the liquor store. Few made it out of that town.

There's not much choice for employment if it's a small town. Indeed, it's a most rare bird who gains freedom and success. But he can try, after all. If he doesn't, he hasn't lost anything, but he could have.
 
@Disgustedman I agree. Some young people might want more out of life though, and not know what's out there.

I grew up in a factory town, and didn't have much of a clue about careers, etc. (still don't). Nowadays even the "good" factory jobs are gone.

I did have a clue about some other things, because my father was older, had experienced many things, and was self-taught. So I became interested in linguistics, astronomy, etc.
 
Our library keeps sending out an online newsletter or invites through the branch asking for suggestions. Do they act on them, not that I can see.

One suggestion I have made is for them to offer a delivery service with a small fee for those unable to access the physical building.

Others have suggested that parking should be free, it is metered close to the building and if you want free parking you walk a block down, hard for some using walkers or in icy conditions.

They seem to cater more to children's programs, story time, arts and crafts.
 
Thank you, @Lee . I think our library is very responsive to suggestions and local conditions. But that is a starting point. Every library should be accessible, etc. Then what?

I guess he/we have a vision of providing a window on the world, beyond what they get in school. Lots of teens wouldn't care for that, but a few would. There are inquiring minds in every town.

My language partner says he's going to bring it up at a board meeting. Perhaps a 6-part series with presentations and discussions. I'm going to help him develop the idea.

I'm so glad I met him! My life would be so dismal otherwise. I think. Who knows really?
 

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