The New Library

Last night, I had the huge privilege of attending a test opening of my local library. Because I am a member of the Foundation Board of Directors, my family was invited to visit and use the library along with many others who work with there.

When I walked into the library, I was amazed at how beautiful, roomy, and relevant it was to our community. I say relevant because the new library has more computer equipment than ever before, wireless Internet connection throughout the building, a coffee shop, a special collections room full of rare books and maps, and best of all, a children’s section filled with interactive play sites, children’s videos, sitting areas, and of course books, books, and more books.

To be part of this Grand Opening is a dream fulfilled for me, but to be part of a library that embraces the change of how information is used and delivered in today’s culture is amazing.

People worry that libraries will go unused in the near future, but I don’t think so. Perhaps libraries will be used more than ever before as a place to gather with family, friends, and neighbors. Our new libraries might well become the living rooms of our communities.

Yes, people will find technology there, but they will find books too. The difference is in how people will find the books and even how the books are checked out, since libraries are moving to electronic self-checkout kiosks.

 I watched the children at their new library last night and I said a prayer of thanks that my kids will have this place to hang out, to learn, and to read because the library has chosen to embrace the present culture and technology.