Member-only story
Public Libraries Aren’t Going Extinct — They’re Evolving
These venerable institutions are far more than a musty collection of books — they’re now everything from recording studios to nightlife hotspots
Some may be tempted to think the humble public library is going extinct. I beg to differ. Throughout history, this incredible institution has constantly evolved to keep up with the times. Before they were public, they were exclusively membership-based. Before there were online catalogs, there were card catalogs. Before there were free streaming services, there were (and still are) physical movies and audiobooks.
Now, our libraries are doing even more. They’re shifting from information centers to community social hubs. Think cafés and bars. Think loaning out ski and snowshoe equipment. Think providing services for the homeless. All this is what our public libraries are doing, and there’s a lot to be excited about.
Arts and science services
Let’s start with one of my favorite examples of libraries doing more: the Chattanooga Public Library in Tennessee. The downtown branch has a fully-equipped recording studio available to library cardholders. The Studio has three live rooms, including a vocal booth, drum booth, and the main control room. Patrons can reserve the studio for three hours at a time, and also receive instruction and guidance on how to use the equipment properly.
Anytime our public libraries support creativity in their programming or services, it helps community members express themselves and become more open-minded. Equally as important are resources geared toward STEM subjects. More libraries are now purchasing 3D printers, allowing kids to experiment with design and opening access for adults to pursue new hobbies.
Other institutions have “seed libraries” for gardeners. These repositories of vegetable, fruit, and flower seeds can be checked out by patrons to use in their own personal gardens. The Old Town Fort Collins branch of the Poudre River Public Library District in Colorado recently debuted its seed library, which includes seeds ranging from kale and corn to sunflowers and sprouts. After harvesting the yield that the “borrowed”…
