Did you know February is Library Lover's Month? It's unclear when Library Lover's Month first began, but it is clear that people have loved libraries for centuries. The concept of public libraries - with free and open access - is still relatively new, but according to History.com, the oldest known library was established "sometime in the 7th century BC." This library is referred to as The Library of Ashurbanipal. So clearly, libraries have been around for a while. But what's so great about them? If you're an avid library user (and, hey, even if you're not!), you might have an elaborate answer to this question because there are just so many amazing things that libraries - of all types - have to offer. But don't take my word for it - ask a neighbor, a family member, or your favorite neighborhood librarian what they think about libraries. You may be surprised by what libraries in this day and age are offering.
I could go on and on about how amazing libraries are, but I think it would be much more interesting to find out what my co-workers think about libraries. I asked the library staff to share what they love about libraries, as well as what they most enjoy about working in the library. This week's post is a compilation of those responses. Read on to find out what they said.
Laure
What do you love about libraries?
What I love about libraries is that we have so many different things to offer people. It's not just about the books (of course those are important too) but there are endless resources and items that can be really helpful to people. Our databases, computers, and researching abilities are just a few of those.
What do you enjoy most about working in a library?
What I enjoy most about working in the library is how we are able to help people in the community. I feel that what I do in my job really makes a difference in people's lives and that is important to me.
Lea
What do you love about libraries?
When I first started working at the library I thought it was just a cool place to find some books. But as the years go by and all walks of life come into our little library, I have found that this is a place to truly see and feel life.
What do you enjoy most about working in a library?
We all have difficult and joyous times in our lives. In those difficult times, I feel that we are here to help and try to comfort as best we can. In the joyous times, we can celebrate along with our patrons. From helping someone get on their feet from being incarcerated to celebrating with a long time patron in her fight and triumph over cancer. The fact that I can have a small part in someone's life is the best part of this library.
Marina
What do you love about libraries?
I have always been an avid reader, but before working in a public library, all my library experience was in the school library. I loved that there were so many books to choose from, and I could read them for free! Now, I love how entrenched libraries - especially public libraries - are in their communities. Modern-day public libraries are community hubs, as well as great wells of information.
What do you enjoy most about working in a library?
I love the variety of people I get to meet and know while I'm working. People from all walks of life come through the library doors, and there is always something new to learn from them. Perhaps my favorite part of working in the library, though, is helping people find the resources they need to make their lives better.
Megan V.
What do you love about libraries?
As a whole, I love libraries because they were always an escape for me. A way to drown out the noise of everyday life when it became too much to bear. They helped me deal with and understand an unfair world.
What do you enjoy most about working in a library?
Working in a library offers me the chance to give people that same small oasis in a sea of despair when they need it the most.
Megan W.
What do you love about libraries?
I like the work that libraries do to help the community.
What do you enjoy most about working in a library?
I started because I like books and now I want to make it a career because I love the work that is done at libraries. It's so much fun seeing the joy on someone's face when we are able to help them with something they have been struggling with or when someone who has been using our computers to job hunt tells us they finally found a job.
Michael
What do you love about libraries?
I love that libraries are a free public space that welcomes anyone. I love that libraries attract people from vastly different backgrounds, socioeconomic, racial, and cultural. Libraries socialize and democratize commodities and expect nothing in return. They empower their communities through information access and literacy.
What do you enjoy most about working in a library?
I enjoy working in a library because of these reasons. It feels good knowing that people can come and get access to things they wouldn't be able to if they had to pay. When so much of our economy's labor is focused on generating revenue, it's great to work in a place that's focused on providing excellent service to its community because it is part of that community.
Sharon
What do you love about libraries?
I first loved libraries because of ... books! I love books. But now, in addition to all the lovely books, I love the library because it is a gathering place -- a place where anyone and everyone is welcome.
What do you enjoy most about working in a library?
Working at Caldwell Public Library is a joy. I get to organize, I get to discover all kinds of new (and old!) books to read. But most of all, I get to be a part of providing space, security, information, encouragement, and delight for all kinds of people. My life is far richer because of this place.
Did you learn something new about libraries? We hope so!
What do you love about libraries? Share your love in the comments below!