I remember going to the library as a kid and checking out a stack of books so large I could barely carry it. There was something magical about browsing the shelves and, without any outside input from Goodreads ratings or BookTok recommendations, picking out something to read. As I got older, somehow the library got left behind. I was a fool to stay away for so long.
Libraries are a crucial part of our communities in so many ways. I’m a little saddened as an avid reader when I see other readers on BookTube showing off their book hauls and bookstore trips and hardly anyone mentioning their local libraries. For many years, I bought all my books too. Until I realized that the library has 90% of the books I want to read. By finally visiting the library again, I discovered that my local library is much more than a warehouse for books.
A Very Brief History of the Public Library in the US
In the United States, sharing books began with subscription libraries, but the books were only available to those who paid for membership.1 The first public library was established in the town of Franklin, MA.2 In 1790, Benjamin Franklin donated a set of books to the town, which then voted to make the books available to all residents.3 Another well-known name, Andrew Carnegie, funded the building of nearly 1,700 public libraries in the US.4 By 1920, there were over 3,500 public libraries in the country.5
In the 1890s, libraries began to open up smaller branches away from the city centers.6 And in 1964, Congress passed the Library Services and Construction Act, which helped to establish new libraries for under-served communities.7 Today, there are roughly 9,000 public libraries across the US.8
You Can Borrow More Than Just Books
I used to think the library just carried books. So when I rediscovered my local library a few years ago, I was amazed by the collection available to me. And through the online catalog, I can put a hold on any item I want to check out and have it brought to my nearest branch. My library card is powerful!
Books:
Our county library system is extensive, with over ten branches. But we can also borrow books from the local city libraries that operate through the same online catalog, as well as the local community college and university. And in addition to traditional hard-copy books, the library lends out audiobooks, ebooks, books in large print, and some books in foreign languages (mostly Spanish).
Magazines and Newspapers:
Some libraries won’t allow you to take these out of the library, but they’re usually available to read at the library branches.
Movies:
It’s not just the classics or years-old releases! New releases find their way into the library shortly after leaving the cinema, though you may have to wait a while for them, as the hold list is often very long.
Music:
You may find physical copies of audiobooks, Great Courses lectures, and music. Just like with the movies, it’s not just the classics; you can find newly released albums too. In our library system, I have found that not every branch has a CD section, but the system as a whole has a good collection. Our library even carries some LPs.
Passes:
Libraries often carry park passes or museum passes, allowing you to explore your local community for free. State parks usually come with a parking fee, so utilizing your library’s passes can save you money.
Seed Library:
This is kind of a new thing I’ve noticed at a few libraries. The idea is to take a packet of seeds for your own use. Then gather seeds from the plants that you grow to return some to the seed library.
Equipment:
Some libraries also lend out items like laptops, sewing machines, telescopes, or hiking backpacks.
Libraries Host Events & Provide Services
Libraries organize free events for the local community. Some examples of events that your library puts on might include:
- Book clubs
- Author talks
- Presentations on local history
- Story time for children
- Language conversation groups
- Technology workshops
- Poetry readings
- Writing workshops
- Mending meet-ups
Libraries also have computers, printers, and WiFi for public use. For history enthusiasts like myself (or unenthusiastic students writing a history report), you might find collections of local history materials at some branches. In my county, for example, one branch contains various archives, including surveys and maps, genealogy records, photographs, and videos, some of which is available online. You may also find other helpful information at your local library. This might include transit schedules, voter registration forms, or DMV handbooks.
Our libraries also provide one very underrated resource: a quiet place to work, study, or read that is open to all.
Libraries May Be Our Last Third Places
If you haven’t heard of a “third place,” think of it like this: your home is your first place, your work/school is your second place, and a third place is anywhere else you go regularly.9 Third places might include coffee shops, bars, parks, churches, gyms, and libraries. Third places provide us with connection to our local communities. Frequenting a third place doesn’t necessarily mean directly conversing with others; it could simply mean being around other people.
Third Places Are Hard to Find
But third places have become harder to find—partly driven by the ease of entertaining ourselves at home via the internet and streaming, and “connecting” via social media instead of meeting face-to-face with our friends. But it’s not just the convenience of staying home. Places like coffee shops and bars have become too expensive for regular visits or actively discourage lingering to maximize profits.10 Our emphasis on car-culture and suburban living have led to sprawl and a tendency to isolate ourselves in our private vehicles and socialize at home with our families.11 And if you’re like me, you wonder where you’d even find the time. Working full time and commuting to a downtown job is time-consuming, leaving little left over for making a stop on the way home—assuming your community even has a place to go in the evenings.
Libraries Remain
But libraries (libraries!) have been here all along. They are free to use, open to everyone, and host free events for a variety of interests. Not all libraries are open on the weekends, or open late into the evening, but some are. My local library system includes branches that close at 5 or 6pm, but also branches that stay open until 8pm on weekdays. Some have limited seating, but others have armchairs, tables, little alcoves to sit in, even multiple rooms. Maybe they’re not the perfect solution to our increasing loneliness—I’m sure we’d all rather be regulars at either Cheers or Central Perk—but perhaps they’re a decent start.
Libraries and the Environment
I recently wrote a post about the “No Buy” Trend, a social media challenge that’s been popular these two years. Most participants joined with the goal of saving money, but it was also a way for people (perhaps unintentionally) to reduce their consumption. And that’s something we collectively need to do in order to live sustainably on our planet.
Libraries, too, have a part to play, one that we rarely discuss as part of the fight against climate change. This is probably because they’re not that exciting; after all, they’ve been around for our whole lives. And libraries work quietly, providing access to knowledge, serving as community gathering spaces, and lending out a variety of things, reducing the need for individual consumption.
The Climate Impact of Books
Book publishing is not without its climate impact. Considerations include the materials used to make the books, the carbon emissions of transporting them, and the waste generated when the books are thrown away (sometimes, sadly, unread).12 Some publishers have taken limited steps towards using more recycled materials, but the costs are high.13 Ebooks also come with carbon footprints, as e-readers require resources to create and consume energy through use.14 You’d have to replace 36 small paperbacks with your e-reader to come out even.15 And then do it all over again when you eventually have to replace your device. For an avid reader, that’s an easy calculation, but for an occasional reader, it’s less straightforward.
Libraries Are Part of the Solution
Here’s where the library comes in. By borrowing books from the library instead of buying copies, you are reducing your consumption and thereby your carbon footprint. And as libraries offer more and more things that you can borrow—tools and instruments in addition to the usual books, movies, and music—there are fewer things you need to buy. You’ll save money too!
How to Support Your Local Library
First and easiest, use your library! Borrow books, movies, music, whatever strikes your fancy. Attend lectures, book clubs, knitting meet-ups, or other events put on at the library. If you don’t want to go there in person (or are unable to go), you can borrow ebooks and audiobooks through the online catalog.
Second, if you have the means to support your library financially, donate. Many libraries have a “Friends of the Library” group run by volunteers, often with an associated used bookstore. You can become a member, donate cash, or donate books to the bookstore. My local Friends volunteers run a secondhand bookstore. It’s got a great selection of used books, and all profits go towards library programs.
Third, if you want to get involved further, you can volunteer, either through the Friends or directly with the library. I volunteered at my local city library as a high school student, cleaning shelves and checking inventory. You can also advocate for your local library to your city council and your representatives. And remember to vote on local measures that affect your library!
Sources
- https://dp.la/exhibitions/history-us-public-libraries ↩︎
- See footnote 1. ↩︎
- See footnote 1. ↩︎
- See footnote 1. ↩︎
- See footnote 1. ↩︎
- See footnote 1. ↩︎
- https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/statement-the-president-upon-signing-the-library-services-and-construction-act-amendments ↩︎
- https://www.imls.gov/research-evaluation/surveys/public-libraries-survey-pls ↩︎
- https://www.today.com/life/inspiration/third-place-meaning-rcna94279 ↩︎
- https://theweek.com/culture-life/third-places-disappearing ↩︎
- See footnote 10. ↩︎
- https://wordsrated.com/impact-of-book-publishing-on-environment/ ↩︎
- See footnote 12. ↩︎
- See footnote 12. ↩︎
- https://www.npr.org/2024/05/25/1252930557/book-e-reader-kindle-climate ↩︎
