Libraries are a beacon of hope in their communities. Over the last two years, libraries in Ferguson, Philadelphia, and Baltimore have received national attention for staying open when rioting was occurring in their cities. These libraries are a shining example of what libraries do best. Libraries strive every day to be a safe haven for the community. Behind the scenes librarians are fighting every day to get the funding necessary to provide the services that those in their community need.
Libraries are more than the new bestseller that you want to read, although that is also an important part of what we do. Libraries supply internet access to people who cannot afford or do not live where high speed internet is an option. This access is life changing. With the internet access people are able to look for jobs, connect with loved ones, seek legal aid, and enroll in prescription discount programs to they can afford their medication. People come to the library in the summer to cool off and in the winter to warm up either because they lack access to central heat and air conditioning or they can’t afford to repair theirs or pay for the cost of the electricity it takes to run the heating and air conditioning. There are people who come to the library when their plumbing fails or they don’t have water.
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