In discussions of modern libraries with people who are out of touch, one often hears the comment: “Now that we have the Internet, there is little need for libraries.” Of course they are mistaken, as is pointed in an article in today’s New York Times entitled “Long Line at the Library? It’s Story Time Again.”
Here are three excerpts:
“ Forty strollers were double- and triple-parked on the main floor of the Fort Washington Library in Upper Manhattan. As another one came through the door, Velda Asbury waved toward a spot beside a book stack…”
“Among parents of the under-5 set, spots for story time have become as coveted as seats for a hot Broadway show like “Hamilton.” Lines stretch down the block at some branches, with tickets given out on a first-come-first-served basis because there is not enough room to accommodate all of the children who show up.”
“Workers at the 67th Street Library on the Upper East Side of Manhattan turn away at least 10 people from every reading. They have been so overwhelmed by the rush at story time — held in the branch’s largest room, on the third floor — that once the space is full, they close the door and shut down the elevator. “It is so crowded and so popular, it’s insane,” Jacqueline Schector, a librarian, said.”
Today’s modern libraries can be best described as community centers. Just as the YMCA emphasize the health and physical well being of the community, an up to date library serves as a community center for a variety of educational and social endeavors.
They also provide informal space for people to relax and chat and meeting facilities for local volunteer and study groups.
The Lancaster Public Library on Duke Street was built in large part in the 1950s. This was long before the Internet, only a little bit after the popular introduction of television. It was largely designed to facilitate the finding, reading, and borrowing of booiks.
Nevertheless, the scant public areas that do exist are used to their maximum for children’s activities, adult education, and public services.
Over the past decade, there were two aborted efforts to expand and renovate the library. The public and donors applauded the efforts. Circumstances intervened and the projects suffered from boards that were not qualified to undertake such projects.
Today’s board of trustees has been greatly strengthened. The needs are greater now than ever. The public including donors are supportive. So now it is a question of leadership.
As with all major community projects, there will always be well meaning but not qualified individuals seeking to control the project and thus the effort will come to naught.
As is always the case, it will take strong, knowledgeable, and realistic leadership to steer the project to success.
