In the UK over 400 libraries face closure due to dramatic budget cuts. Libraries are sometimes seen as a 'soft target' because they do not offer essential services like water or transportation. But today is a day to reflect on how our community might be impacted if the local library closed. What would be missing from our lives and the lives of those who rely on the library's services? What hole would b created if the library closed?
So on this the national day of library action in the UK, I offer 5 ways to support your library. This is by no means a comprehensive list, but a starting point for those wishing to help.
1. Use the collection
Here's a secret about library budgets...they are all about statistics. Libraries regularly have to argue for more money to keep up with inflation, argue to keep the budget they have, argue for money to upgrade all of those computers, etc, etc, etc. And the simple fact is that the more popular a library's collection and services are they more weight the library has to fight for that money. So go to your library today, borrow something, get on a computer, sit and read a magazine, whatever. And take a friend with you, double down those statistics.
2. Share your story
Has a library helped you at some point in your life? Are you a mother who met some new friends at storytime? Did you go to your local library and use a computer when yours was unavailable for some reason? Did you take refuge in the library one steamy summer day when you were a student and couldn't afford to go to the movies like everyone else? Share your story. Blog it, tweet it, email it, video it, just get your story out there. Does your library have a Facebook page? Post your story on their well. Libraries love this kind of stuff. Again, these are the things libraries can use when they are fighting for their existence. Plus, you can give a librarian warm fuzzies, what could be better than that?
3. Tell 'them' how much you love your library
As much as librarians love to hear your library stories, politicians NEED to your library stories. Tell your local representative how much you love and need your library. Tell them how important this resource is to you, your kids, your 97 year old grandmother, etc. Keep them believing that a library is an important place for the community. The library you save could be your own.
4. Discover you library online
Here I go again with the statistics... every time you go to your library's web page the hit is recorded. We know that. But remember that all of those hits add up and when it comes to budget time a library can try to argue for more cash to offer more online services if the numbers are there. Does your library have their local studies collection online? Do they offer access to journals from home? Do they have an 'ask a librarian' facility? Can you access e-books from home? Do you even know? If nothing else make today they day that you explore your library's online presence. You might be surprised what is there, and the more people use the online resources, the more your library will try to offer.
5. Donate
Most libraries take book donations, but please do not use the library as a dumping ground for all of those musty paperbacks from the 80's. The rule is, if it's too gross for your shelf at home, it’s too gross for your library's shelf. But if you have the money, next time you are at the local book shop browse the top 10 display and buy one book to donate. It really doesn't matter what one you pick, cook book, crime fiction, kids book, just pick something uber popular. Most libraries cannot afford to hold the 35 copies Eat Pray Love to keep up with demand, and even if they do have 35 copies, the books are probably so worn out a new copy would be greatly appreciated. But please (please please) do NOT put this new book through the nigh drop chute without a note, the library most likely will have to put your donation into their lost property for the next 3 months before they can add it to the collection. Or if that sounds too hard you could just write a cheque....
These are just a few ways we can all support our local libraries. When services like this are taken away it is nearly impossible to get them back. The final thought in this post will fall to Paula Poundstone, Emmy-award winning comedianan library lover. Paula has been working with the Friends of the Library in the US:
“It’s funny that we think of libraries as quiet demure places where we are shushed by dusty, bun-balancing, bespectacled women,” said Poundstone. “The truth is libraries are raucous clubhouses for free speech, controversy and community. Librarians have stood up to the Patriot Act, sat down with noisy toddlers and reached out to illiterate adults. Libraries can never be shushed.”
-AB
