Why Libraries Still Matter

One thing you don’t hear students say much anymore is “I’m going to the library.” The library today is often seen as passé, and why not? Almost everything you need research-wise is at your fingertips. I mean when’s the last time you used the Dewey Decimal System to find a book? So yes, it can be really tempting to file the library away with all the other dusty old places no one goes to anymore, but the library actually does and always will provide numerous educational and spiritual benefits. Let’s examine a few:

A Quiet Place: Talk about a place that’s conducive to studying: libraries create the perfect aesthetic for your academic pursuits, not to mention some are just downright beautiful. There is something very Zen about a place full of books, nooks and crannies to sit in, and other people busy reading and studying. If you’ve ever had trouble concentrating at home, the library can provide a much-needed quiet space. Furthermore, you can usually reserve study rooms if, for instance, you have a group project. The library gives you every opportunity to study the way that works best for you.

Palpability: It’s nice to hold a book in your hands. It’s simply not the same to stare at a screen, and, in fact, numerous studies have shown that reading a physical book is better for you health-wise than is using an e-reader. Forget virtual reality; the library is as interactive as it gets: you can explore the stacks, take the book off the shelf, read the dust jacket, and have a palpable experience that you simply can’t get from an electronic device.

Modernization: Just because your local library may not look like a Starbucks doesn’t mean it doesn’t offer just as many opportunities to be connected. Libraries today are as plugged-in as anywhere else, from offering wi-fi to computers to charging stations. Don’t think that you’re stepping into the dark ages when you enter the library.

Beyond Books: At my county library, patrons can take out CDs, DVDs, vinyl records, audiobooks, and even sculptures and framed paintings (perfect for a student who, for instance, is doing research for an art class.) To think that a library only stocks books is to underestimate its offerings. Next time you’re at your local branch, see what else is available to you.

Personal Touch: Recently I was at a local library to find light reading for a sick family member. With really no idea what I was looking for, I was lucky to have had the help of a librarian who was able to make numerous recommendations based on my personal situation. While I certainly am not against finding things online and reading online reviews, there was something a little more personal about this interaction, something you can get from library employees who are passionate about what they do.

A Blast from the Past: I’m not even that old, but I remember looking up articles on the microfilm machine in my college library. While internet databases have made this research tactic somewhat obsolete, you can still use these machines if you choose. The library in many ways is an incredible hybrid of past and present: you can go old-school if you want, or, as mentioned above, you can use the newest technology to complete your research. Either way, the library gives you the chance to find what you need in a way that’s most comfortable for you.

It’s FREE: Seriously, what could be better than this? It’s free and pretty much every town has one. If you don’t like a book, bring it back. No salesperson harasses you; there’s no obligation. As a member of your community, the library is literally your space—don’t be afraid to use it.

Written by Phil Lane

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