NEW YORK TIMES: …Far from becoming irrelevant in the digital age, libraries in New York City and around the nation are thriving: adding weekend and evening hours; hiring more librarians and staff; and expanding their catalog of classes and services to include things like job counseling, coding classes and knitting groups…
Nationally, public libraries are redefining their mission at a time when access to technology, and the ability to use it, is said to deepen class stratification, leaving many poor and disadvantaged communities behind. Sari Feldman, president of the American Library Association, said library workers had shown people how to file online for welfare benefits and taught classes in science, technology, engineering and math to children who could.
“All libraries are having a renaissance,” Ms. Feldman said. “We’re seeing that libraries have really stepped up to take on roles that are needed in a community.” … (more)
EDITOR: Local library leaders believe that the need for libraries is shrinking, rather than expanding. They have turned down millions in donations conditioned upon expanding and renovating the downtown public library as was planned in 2008 and put on hold when $3 million in promised state funds were redirected to completing the Convention Center..
What local library leaders have told you that the need for libraries is shrinking? That is certainly not the case in Manheim Township, where all our numbers are up in terms of visitors, circulation, computer use, story time attendance, passport issuance, etc
EDITOR: This is what officials at the Lancaster Public Library argued last month in declining a multi-million dollar offer to expand and renovate the facility. They claim that it would cost too much money, but acknowledge that had never looked at the former plans until when we met or priced them out. So much for the library’s almost half million dollar investment from 2006 until 2008 and the volunteer efforts of some of the most knowledgeable contractors in our community.
If a person of your position and expertise (we don’t publish names) cannot understand their stance, you can appreciate how I feel.
Although urged by me, no community leader has the guts to intervene. The only thing that seems to matter for most of the Lancaster establishment is to make money and get along. It sets a terrible example for others on the rise.
“New ideas must seek shelter in old houses”–James Palfrey. NYC gets it. Bravo.