"Reading can be a social event." Can we really afford to lose a critical aspect of our
communities and continue to plunge ourselves into isolation in an already disconnected
world?
When was the last time you walked into a library? When was the last time you were welcomed
by the subtle aroma of curiously thumbed books? When was the last time you searched
through a catalogue to immerse yourself in a realm of vast and unique experiences, not
scrolled through social media reading half-formed ‘inspirational quotes’ ?
Why Libraries are a Positive Aspect of our Communities
It had been quite a while for me. I remembered walking into Osterley Library today, with
patience and trepidation, completely unlike 8-year-old-me sprinting back from the swimming
pool changing rooms in the hopes of finishing off that one picture book.
Libraries are a cornerstone of our communities. They are "a free and open space for anybody
to come and use at any time". These were words that Ann had shared with me reflecting upon
her experience working as a librarian for over 30 years. She explained that "we don’t
discriminate between people coming in. [...] We’re very important for our local community
because we’re open and free". This sense of liberty and welcoming community of bibliophiles
offered at libraries was something that Ann and many people today can resonate with. In a
world quickly changing with the rapid content influx of social media it is not only harder to
connect with people in the same room with you but to also filter through information to find
credibility amongst a hoard of lies.
Our New Reality; The Decline of Our Libraries
According to the BBC, the country has lost 1 in 20 libraries since 2016 (1) .Ann herself noticed
that the general challenges she’s seen the culture of collective reading and quiet connection
faced was that "local authorities may not be able to fund their libraries and keep them open."
With the loss of libraries, we will lose a great opportunity to connect with those who may live
right next door. We lose centuries of research and carefully collaborated works.
What We Can Do to Help Preserve Our Libraries
These words that Ann said, left a touching mark:
I think a big part of the library is serving the local community and it’s nice to be able
to do that for people. "
So the next time you find you have an hour or so to spend, pop over to the local library
instead of picking up the next hour of doom-scrolling.
