Do We Still Need the Public Library?

Across the country, the public library of many places needs serious upgrading, updating and expansion. While this problem is a dilemma for many towns and cities, maybe we need to dig deeper, look at how the public library system evolved to what we know today, and ask the larger question. In this day and age of home computers and information access via the Internet is the public library still a viable option? What does the public library offer the individual citizen and the community at large?

Libraries go back as far as clay tablets. There were also papyrus libraries in Greece, Rome and Egypt. Aristotle had a large library of Greek writings. Damascus, Baghdad and other cities of the ancient Muslim world also had libraries, though most were destroyed by the 13^th century. In Medieval times monasteries became the repository for manuscripts and books.

Printing brought the cost of books down and private libraries sprang up. The 17^th and 18^th centuries saw the founding of libraries for academics in France and England. Books were rare and expensive and few could afford them. Benjamin Franklin believed individuals other than the wealthy and clergy should have access to literature. Though a few others before Franklin had the idea for free book lending, it was his founding of the first subscription library in 1731 that began the pattern for the American public library. Dues paid by members were used to purchase books, which then could be borrowed without charge. Their motto: To support the common good is divine.

The first public library opened in 1803 with the first free libraries opening less than 30 years later. The public library gave everyone a chance to read books and to stimulate their imagination and intellect. The public library became the repository of old and valuable texts. The public library has also become the repository for local historical documents.

As times changed and books became more accessible, the public library also changed. The public library began offering tapes and movies, then CDs, DVDs and Internet access. It is easy to think the public library has served its purpose now that most people have books at home. However no one can buy all the books they may wish to read, and certainly not all the reference books needed for research. Not everyone has unlimited access to the Internet in their homes.

The public library still serves by being a safe place for local history as well valuable texts. The public library is still a place where books can be read for free. Yes, the public library still has a place in our society. But, are we willing to support the intellectual stimulation of not only our generation, but also of the generations to come? In a time of economic crunch are we willing to pay for a public library some see as outmoded?

We must find ways to upgrade, update and expand the existing public library system. In a changing world, we need to look at different options as we insist government live within its means. Maybe the cities need to partner with benefactors to expand the public library? Whatever the choices, we need the public library system and should strive to help our local public library in any way we can.