Libraries as Social Hubs by Alison Thompson

Libraries are continuing to become the center of communities all over the country.  It's hard to understand why some believe that libraries are a dying resource with the increased focus on digital resources and ebooks.  The truth is, libraries are more important now than ever.  An increasing move to have libraries be hubs of local communities is continues.  In last June's Library Journal's, LJ News-Branching Out, we learn about several cities that are making improvements to their community's libraries, or building new ones outright.  All of these libraries are projected to be the center of their communities.

The Anne Arundel County Public Library in Annapolis, MD, is set to complete renovations to it's 65,00 wuare foot Severna Park Community Library.  One of the exciting improvements is its Crofton Community Teen Space.  The Teen Space will feature new comfy seating, new carpeting, new Mini Mac computers and a Wi-Fi bar and charging station.  The site will attract teens to an updated, safe, meeting space.  The library has become a hub for the area's teens, sponsoring an annual Teen Art Contest and displaying remarkable teen art samples.

Another public library that is adding a new space to it's list of branches, is the Chula Vista Public Library system.  In March, the held the grand opening of the HUB, a 2000 square foot space located in the Otay Ranch Town Center.  It includes a US Passport Processing Center and will have room for special events, story times, meetings, tutoring and classes.  It will serve the local area as a vital community resource center.

Another library that is focusing on programs for teens and children is the Boston Public Library.  This Fall, the Jamaica Plain Branch will undergo it's first extensive renovation in over 50 years.   It's new teen zone and children's section will house a dedicated Maker Space, with access to a 3-D printer and graphics-editing software.  It will be a state of the art hub for the area's children and teens.

Last May, New Orleans voters went to the polls and agreed to raise property taxes in order to add over $8 million a year to the New Orleans Public Library system.  The improvements began in January and staffing increases have been made to ensure all libraries will be open seven days a week.  In addition, a rebuilding of the 7th Ward's Nora Navra Library, damaged by Hurricane Katrina, will take place. Extensive improvements of all the NOPL branches will take place, ensuring the communities have access to all the services in updated community hubs.

As we move deeper into the digital age, libraries are becoming more and more important to its patrons.  Local governments are trying to reach deeper in order to fund these vital community hubs.

References:

Fox, B. (2015) BRANCHING OUT. Library Journal, 140(10) 16-17