I love the library, always have, always will, so I thought
today was an appropriate one to show that love by busting a few of the commonly
held myths about libraries that I've heard recently.
Myth 1: “Libraries are dull and stuffy places full of books
and people telling you to ‘shush’.”
Modern day libraries are not the same now as the places you
remember from your youth. As well as books for all tastes and ages, you can
borrow magazines or ebooks, eaudiobooks and emagazines. For free. You can
access websites for family history research, driving theory practice, and Which
reports. For free. You can sit and read local and national papers, study, and
find information about local events. For free. Libraries provide activities for
children such as storytime, singing, crafts and Lego sessions. For free. Most
also run activities for adults, such as knitting or crochet, computer help, health
and wellbeing groups. For free. Libraries often host talks, quizzes, courses
and other activities, some free or for a small charge. Whilst there is often a
calm and peaceful atmosphere, that’s not always the case and no-one is going to
tell you to ‘shush’ if you are having a chat or taking part in any of the
activities that genuinely encourage vocal participation!
Myth 2: “I don’t need to borrow books, I buy them.”
Buying books is great and well done if you can afford to buy
them. But not everyone can. Borrowing books doesn’t stop you buying as well. By
borrowing, you can access even more books, you are still supporting authors who
receive around 9p for every library loan, and if you do buy books but are
running out of room to store them, you can donate books you have read to your
local library who will be happy to receive recent books in good condition to
boost their collections. Your pre-loved books can then be loved by others.
Myth 3: “No one uses libraries anymore, why don’t they just
close them all?”
It’s true that only around 10% of the population is a member
of their library, but the law says every local authority has to provide a
library service for everyone who lives, works or studies in the area. Your
council tax funds it. So if you are paying for this service, you may as well
use it. After all, as I’ve already mentioned, the vast majority of what
libraries offer is free. Whilst library membership figures appear low, the 10%
who are regular library users, do so because they enjoy or need the services
provided, the social interaction with staff and others, the provision of
computers, printing, the free WiFi, etc. People who use their library, love
their library. Wouldn’t it be great if we could share that love by telling
everyone who doesn’t use the library, what it is they are missing out on?
