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How to make your public library an integral part of the community |
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The library of the 21st century must transform itself from being a separate entity into an integral part of the community in order to survive into the future. Library funding is being cut nationwide. While some public libraries are lucky enough to have community support and funding, others are understaffed, underfunded and underutilized. Many are cutting back on staff, hours and collections, while still others are being shut down completely. Take a look at the ALA’s current stories about libraries suffering from this lack of funding at http://www.ala.org/ala/news/libraryfunding/libraryfunding.htm If a library can become an integral part of the community then it will be much more difficult to close it down and it will hopefully stand a better chance at receiving its fair share of the pie in local government allocations. Its’ resources can be utilized and shared by all members of the community. Community outreach, targeting special populations, working well with others in town, central location and giving service with a smile are all ways to achieve this goal. |
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Lunenburg Public Library by Will Sadkin |