Your Library - Should it Be Updated?

My hometown - a small, but growing town in Iowa - is working on a capital campaign to build a new library and community center. Like most small town libraries [towns of less than 2,000], the library is very limited because of space, outdated facilities and it is not handicap accessible.

Do they actually need it?

Some people believe that reading actual books will soon be a thing of the past. "Everyone is using computers," they say, "why would anyone go to the library to get a book?" This is a very interesting point when communities of any size are trying to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars. Everyone wants to know that their dollars will be used wisely and for the best purposes. If indeed, as some claim, no one will even walk through the doors of a library and they don't know how a library will be utilized why build it?

However, if we step back and take a look into the future we may visualize a very different picture. Libraries will certainly be more than a grand collection of tall bookshelves, stern librarians who demand absolute quiet and dusty books that no one has checked out for eons of time.

Most new or refurbished libraries are carving out a new place in the community. They are becoming buzzing centers of technology. Kids and grown ups alike can check out everything from a cake pan to an audio book for passing the time while driving or a GPS device. Individuals are learning more each day about photography and use of digital cameras in attempts to preserve family history. What better place to have access to those helps, than at a community library. Internet access and classes are available, meeting rooms, story times for kids and staff that roves around truly willing to help.

Devices for reading electronic books have thrust themselves into the market and many people love the new technology. Libraries everywhere are working diligently to keep up with technology.

However, for others, the feel and comfort of sitting in a comfy chair, a cup of your favorite beverage near-by and your feet propped up reading your favorite book cannot quite be replaced. There are those who love reading in the bathtub. They want to be able to prop up their book, enjoy a good bubble bath and float away with the author.

Currently Iowa rates third in the number of people over 65 and that percentage will likely increase in the next couple decades. People of all ages continue to live active lives and want inexpensive, creative and fun things to do. These library gathering places could offer classes, work-out areas and areas for teens to meet. Gaming may not be identified with library needs, but a library's function is to be the center of the community so that could be a role both a small town and city library could easily play. If the needs aren't met, people will move, kids will find alternate things to do and towns will deteriorate.

Seriously consider giving a few bucks if your town is building or refurbishing a library. It could be one of the best things you've done for yourself, your family and your community - for now and for many years to come.