Remember periodicals? Yeah, that newspaper and magazine section you learned about in school and thought the Internet killed.
Most libraries still have them, and are updating them based on usage. One of the libraries I work at has History Today and Smithsonian Magazine which I check out every month.
When I started at the other library I work at one of my first assignments was to look at stats for our existing subscriptions, select 3 titles to cut, and recommend replacements.
Everyone I've ever talked to has loved their local library. But most of them also admit they don't go to the library because "who goes to the library anymore?"
Tons of people! We sign up new members every day! You love your library? You want to support it? Get a library card! Check out books! Check out movies! Check out magazines!
FFS one of the libraries I work for lends out ukuleles, hiking back packs, bocce sets, night vision goggles, and so much more depending on the season. Both of them lend out telescopes.
So what if you don't like to read books? We won't judge you. Come in and use the computer! Ask about our museum passes! Check out our upcoming programs! You don't have to be a bookworm to love the library. You don't even have to be literate. (Seriously, one of my friends is functionally illiterate, it's not his fault. He has learning disabilities and the school system failed to help him.)
Libraries are one of the last places in America where you can hang out for hours without the expectation of paying money.
LIBRARIES ARE FOR EVERYONE!
Unhoused? Come to the library!
New to the country? Come to the library!
Teen who needs a safe space? Come to the library!
Retiree who needs stimulation? Come to the library!
IDGAF who you are, what your background is, or how you identify. If you come into my library I will treat you as a friend and equal.
Public libraries are one of the most valuable resources for the marginalized and underprivileged in this country. Help us keep providing valuable resources to those that need them. Support your local library! Show your elected officials how much you care!
Both of the libraries I work for are facing budget cuts and everyone is upset about it but they don't make their frustration known when it matters most.
Because our biggest patrons are the disenfranchised, few of them go to the voting booth. When a town or city is facing budget cuts the library is one of the first to go. Combine that with attacks from alt right groups that want to dictate what we can and can't do, libraries are in a crisis nationwide.
My experience is no different from someone in California, Kansas, the Bible Belt, or the Pacific Northwest. We are all struggling, we're all dealing with compassion fatigue. We all need the help and support of everyone in our communities in order to keep providing the kinds of access and resources that are invaluable to millions of people across the US.
