The world’s first library is believed to have emerged in 7th Century B.C. Mesopotamia, as a sanctuary of knowledge, exclusive to the King and his scholars. Fast-forward over 2700 years later, and libraries today are a community resource open to all. However, with information now just a couple keyboard clicks away, many fear that libraries will soon become another relic of the past. But in a new age dominated by digital technology, London’s local libraries are not only surviving- they’re thriving.
While ancient libraries in the likes of Ashurbanipal or Alexandria faced the threat of physical destruction through invasion, today’s libraries face a new threat: digitalization. With the rise of e-books, online resources, and digital entertainment, it seems that fewer people should be visiting libraries and that many Londoners, accustomed to accessing information from their smartphones, feel little need to step into a physical library. Right?
As a clever response to the computer age, London’s libraries have chosen to embrace technology. For example, the Idea Store network, which serves Tower Hamlets, offers free tech literacy classes, to equip people of all ages with the essential skills that are asked of a digital world, such as coding, media literacy, and online navigation. Other libraries across the city have adopted similar programs, and now provide free access to Wi-Fi, and even tablet loans, to help bridge the digital divide for those who may lack internet access at home.
From clay tablets to the computer, we’ve proven that the pursuit of knowledge is timeless. Looking ahead, London’s libraries will continue to evolve alongside us, to prove themselves far from being obsolete. Why not check one out for yourself?
