Let's Go: In Praise Of The Public Library
When I was a kid, my favourite thing to do was to visit the library. The biggest one locally was on Byres Road and I would spend hours browsing, choosing books to take home, and trying to sneak into the Teen section to see if THAT Judy Blume book was on the shelf. A family friend was one of the librarians and I reckoned she had the best job ever. Imagine being surrounded by all those books! All the time!
I must admit, there was a period of several years when I barely used public libraries. During my student years I was in and out of the Queen Mother Library (may it rest in peace) and between studying, working and socialising there just didn’t seem to be any time left to read for pleasure. Even for a few years afterwards I never got back into going regularly. However, I am once again a card-carrying member of the public library fanclub. Here are just some of the reasons why.
Libraries are free!
I know, it seems kind of obvious. But just for a second, stop and think about how few indoor activities are truly free any more. Being able to just turn up, read books, borrow books, DVDs, and other resources. Using a computer and accessing the internet. Speaking with service providers (the benefits advisor has a weekly surgery in each of the council libraries here). Taking part in events and activities, not having to buy so much as a cup of tea to be allowed to use the space. We are so lucky to have access to this. Librarians are trained and skilled in locating and helping others to access knowledge. They must be not be made redundant!
Most UK libraries now also use apps (like Borrowbox or Overdrive) that enable users to borrow e-books and audiobooks for free without even having to visit the building. Check online which one your library uses.
Libraries are an excellent way to introduce kids to reading
There are reams of scientific and not-so-scientific data that show how beneficial reading is. Many parents struggle with how to get their kids to learn to love reading, especially if they grew up in homes where their parent or carers were not readers. Libraries are welcoming and child-friendly, with areas that kids can sit and read or borrow books on their own ticket to take home and enjoy.
This is Cameron. We’re going to hear more from him in future blogposts
Early and regular library use will create positive associations and good reading habits in kids. Events like Bookbug sessions help children understand the rhythm and cadence of books even before they can understand the words, never mind read for themselves.
Libraries support authors
Many libraries hold regular author events, readings, and signings, which provides a platform for newer or local authors to get their names better known. Also, the Public Lending Right, or PLR means that authors make an income when their books are lent out from UK public libraries, meaning they are able to write even more great works for us to enjoy!
Libraries are good for your health
Research published by the Arts Council in 2015 indicated that regular library use is associated with a 1.4% increase in the likelihood of reporting good general health. While there are many and complex factors that will also influence this, I’m happy to be a guinea pig for similar studies. I can see no down-sides!
Libraries are for everyone
Libraries are one of the most truly inclusive spaces in our country. Usage is higher in adults who are not working than in the working population; higher among those with limiting disabilities than those not disabled; higher among people from BAME groups than those of white ethnic groups. Unfortunately, people from minority groups are far more likely to experience exclusion and deprivation, and for many, libraries are an absolute life-line.
Given all this above, it’s calamitous that library funding in the UK has been cut by roughly £400m over the last eight years, resulting in not only fewer resources to existing libraries, but hundreds of libraries closing. This seems myopic at best, and a casualty of the short-termism of governments of every hue.
There are bright spots – new purpose-built facilities such as the one in Chester, England which opened in 2017 have seen a huge upsurge in footfall, with an increase of 50% in book loans. Investment in these facilities and therefore the community around them really does pay dividends. These buildings are not geographically accessible to everyone, though - and the loss of smaller more local facilities are felt perhaps more keenly.
Use Them Or Lose Them
Where there is clear demand for library facilities, it makes it that much harder for funding to be reduced or removed. The more of us that use our libraries, the more likely that they will still exist for us and for future generations to enjoy.
Find your local library in Scotland or in England and Wales
Do you use your local library? What do you love about it? Tell me in the comments below!
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