Libraries as a Social Hub

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           Libraries of the past used to be a quiet space to privately research, check out books or read the newspaper. Libraries of today have evolved into social hubs for the community. Librarians are no longer shushing conversations in the stacks. They are encouraging the use of the library for book clubs, teen scene, movie nights, classes and other community activities. A letter writer to the Guardian stated that “ libraries are one of the vehicles for local libraries to deliver community engagement and equality and diversity”. The Importance of libraries is that they can attract people of all ages and sections of a community. 

     A library in Australia, after noticing the high rates of retiring baby boomers, created opportunities for them to enhance public service. By offering an environment rich with physical and technological resources, volunteer opportunities and more. They are helping spread awareness that library services can support personal well-being, mental dexterity, social contact, and independent living. It it a great thing to see libraries reaching out and engaging with all members of the community that they serve. 

Works Cited

Williamson, Kristy. “Creating the New Village Green: The Impact of the of theBBy Boomers on the Public Library.”  APLIS,  vol. 22, no.   2, June 2009, pp. 83-88. EBSCOhost

“Letter: Libraries are vital community hubs.” Guardian[London, England] 19 Mar. 2010, p. 37Gale in Context: Opposing Viewpoints, link.gale.com/ apps/do

OVIC?u=cclc-palomar&sid=bookmarkOVIC&xid=27d8ede5. Accessed 15 may 2023 

 

 

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