I am a librarian. Currently I work for a system with nine library branches as a substitute librarian. What I love about being a substitute is that I get to work at every branch and get to know everyone throughout the system. I get to observe the differences and similarities between the branches and become better acquainted with diverse personalities and populations. Plus, I get to manage my own schedule and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Right now all of the libraries I work at are closed to the public. In fact, nearly all libraries around the country (and probably world) are closed right now. Most are maintaining some level of service to patrons as best they can. There are virtual story times and other programs abounding. Some locations are offering curbside pickup of requested materials. Ebooks and other digital materials are still available and heavily used right now.
I strongly support the closing of libraries at this time, because it is absolutely necessary for the health and safety of patrons and staff. While I miss my libraries and the people I work with, I am grateful that I am not needed at this time so that I can be at home. However, I am acutely aware of the effect that library closures have on our society.
For families or individuals who are frequent library users, the decrease in access to print materials can be really difficult. There is no substitute for a public library when it comes to diversity and quality of resources. Not to mention, buying books is expensive even when good bargains are found. While there are more and more videos going up online every day of authors, librarians, and other professionals reading picture books, the act of a parent reading a picture book to a child on their lap is a fundamental element of developing early literacy skills for young children. For adult readers who are trying to switch to ebooks, they may find that the selection is limited or the waitlists are impossibly long, or that they just don’t get the same cognitive experience as they do with reading a print book. Even when print materials can be obtained through curbside pickup, not being able to browse the selves or converse with other readers and librarians within the building can make selection difficult.
The effect is even more drastic when it comes to patrons who rely on the library for technology needs. Many people don’t have computers or internet at home. These patrons come to the library on a regular basis to apply for jobs, get in touch with friends and family, and get access to much needed services for themselves and their children. They print out school forms or essential information about medications they are taking. They use the fax machine to send documents to insurance agents or immigration offices. Many people don’t use computers at all and don’t feel comfortable using them, but are finding that they have to in order to submit a resume or fill out their census forms. These are the people I spend the most time helping at libraries, because they have nowhere else to go and no one else who can help them.
This time of year libraries are usually inundated with people struggling to complete their tax forms. They come to the library for both print and online forms and instructions. Many libraries are the location of free tax help services provided by AARP and other organizations. Libraries are also a common location for homeless people to spend the day or use a bathroom or a phone. And for all of the people who fit any of the library usage categories I described above, they are a place where people with similar needs, interests, and circumstances can meet and support each other.
The loss of library services and resources is already having a drastic economic effect on our society and the lives of the people I usually serve on a daily basis. We will continue to see the results of it for years to come. As time marches forward, I know that librarians everywhere will continue to innovate to find ways to meet the emerging needs of the public. I hope that we can all observe and learn how essential libraries are through this loss. I look forward to the day when I can return to the information desk and doing the job that I love.
Angie Gustafson 