Is the library for people like me?
Almost everyone I meet is surprised when I tell them that I’m a public librarian. I think part of it is that librarianship isn’t exactly a popular or common career for people my age and from my background. Another thing I’ve noticed is that almost everyone I know who is my age does not use their public library very often, if at all. I find myself wondering why this is? Why don’t more people my age take advantage of their local public library? Sure, parents and children use their libraries, and so do older adults, but why not your average 25-35 year old? I think it’s fair to say that, for whatever reason, libraries become irrelevant to many people once they leave behind high school and college.
Emily over at Library Revolution talks about this in a recent blog. She explains how many people view the library as a community asset for others (the poor, children, and older adults), but not necessarily for them. She explains:
…It’s the gut impression that many people get when libraries are mentioned… the impression some folks get when they are not thinking real hard about it. It’s an asset to the community as a whole, but not for me. They don’t envision themselves as library users, so they never get so far as to walk in the door and see what the place is really all about.
She also asks for responses about what libraries are going to do about it? I think that one of the things libraries can do is get creative and passionate about offering interesting, fun, and engaging adult programs. People who come to the library for an interesting documentary film screening, technology class, or gaming night for adults will start to think of the library as a place that can offer them something valuable. They’ll start to see the library as relevant and want to know what else the library offers. They might get interested in our dvds, books, magazines, and other collections. They might look at our website and figure out that you can do a lot of cool things on many library websites these days…things that will save time and money. They might discover that they don’t actually have to buy Consumer Reports or pay for that online newspaper article if they take advantage of the numerous electronic resources the library offers. They might discover that their library offers free wifi access, unlike their local coffee shop that charges a monthly fee to stay connected. They might discover, or remember, that they actually like books and reading….I could go on and on.
Basically, I think most people are interested in finding a place where they can feel a part of a larger community. I think most people appreciate good services, especially free ones. What do you think?
Rich — You are a really great evangelist for the community library! Seriously, you had me hooked by “gaming nights for adults.” As people look for a sense of connection and community, a library where you can learn, explore and play together (for free!) sounds like a great gathering place.
I LOVE LIBRARIES…
and I see people between 25-35 there all the time; but that’s in the big city of LA where many struggle to make ends meet. LAPL also offers a lot of programming that appeals to collegiate and post-collegiate people at their various branches and the downtown library. However, I do agree there’s a need for more outreach to this age group which will be the parents of the future…