In fact, Matt says that many libraries are under threat and that he worries that “in time public libraries will become generic council services that have a few books and computers with for profit organisations plugging what they offer into so-called community services.” 4. If people aren’t talking about libraries, those who never visit them start thinking they’re obsolete – like that tweeter. One of the most important things we need to do is to tell librarians what great work they’re doing. Most librarians are incredibly helpful and willing to go the extra mile if you need to source something for a project, looking for a book that’s not on the shelves or even if you just want a recommendation. Rudi adds “because we are also an information service and offer diverse programs, we offer things like storytelling, homework assistance, holiday programs, reading programs and access to PCs with a librarian's expertise at your disposal.” They have programmes like arts and crafts events, movie screenings, games days and market day events. School holidays? Send your kids to the library. Make use of the services that are being provided Numbers matter folks, so be counted as a member. “Public Libraries don't have access to the same funds that private and University libraries have, so we're subject to the necessary treatment of the various laws and procedures that require us to show how effective we can be to our communities.īy joining your local public library you tell us, the local Councillor, the Municipality, Provincial and National Government that you have a deep need for Public Libraries and our services.” I recently asked Rudi, a Cape Town Public Librarian for some of his thoughts on what we can do to support our local libraries and here’s what he had to say: 1. Matt, a South African librarian based in the UK has written a post explaining that “public libraries have been about equality of access to information, learning resources and, yes, reading for pleasure.” Too many people simply assume that the function of a library is to only provide books. And during my escape to the building, I’ve often encountered help from the librarians who always made me feel like I belonged. It’s the one place I always knew I could go to (and still do) because it offered me refuge from the schoolyard bullies that plagued me through my primary school and high school years. For me, libraries have always been a place of sanctuary, like a never-ending portal that provides you with the kind of adventures that are boundless, limitless and encourage the mind to grow.
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