The American Library Association's Washington Office tumblr. We post about federal policies that affect libraries, including copyright, privacy and access. We also post about ebooks, advocacy resources, and, admittedly, the occasional library fluff.
Between 1990 and 2014, visits to public libraries grew by a whopping
181%. For context, the population of the United States increased by 28%
during that period. Why have so many more people been using their
libraries in the last two decades? Here’s what I think…
Librarians Are More Involved in Communities
In the distant past, the library building was the center of a librarian’s professional world. Now, librarians regularly expand the library’s reach by presenting at
community meetings, staffing booths at events, and just generally
applying their skills in creative ways to helping their community.
Responsive, Unique, and High-Quality Program Offerings
Libraries have hosted programs such as book clubs, film screenings, storytimes, and arts & crafts for years. Today’s libraries have raised the bar with their program offerings in the past
few decades to respond to patron needs. Workshops and training on starting a business, basic job skills, and STEM programs for kids, “Community Reads” events and literary festivals are just a few new options available.
Embrace of a User-Centered Approach to Technology
Possibly the biggest reason that library visits have grown so
drastically in the last two decades is that libraries have become the
go-to places for computer classes, help with devices like tablets and
e-readers, and access to free ebooks and audiobooks.
Libraries succeed at technology not by upgrading their computers every
year, but by helping their patrons access the information they need,
whether it is at the library or at home using the skills they learned at
the library.
Throwback Thursday! Did you know that Library Card Sign Up month started in 1987 featuring the theme “The Best Gift You’ll Ever Give a Child.” https://bit.ly/2N4XnOK
Libraries = Strong Communities is a national advocacy effort aimed at highlighting the value of academic, public, and school libraries.
Follow the hashtag #LibrariesStrong on social media to keep up with the Libraries = Strong Communities tour and related events.
Graduation is nine months away. Seniors at Kensington High School hope that will give them enough time to finish creating their parting gift to students:
#FundLibraries advocacy succeeds at protecting vital programs
We have crossed the finish line for funding in 2019! The spending deal (H.R. 6157) has been signed. We are so grateful for all of the library advocates who made this possible!
When the new fiscal year begins, IMLS will have an additional $2 million towards grant programs and research. Grants funded through the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) will continue to receive level funding. Libraries will also benefit from programs administered by the Dept of Education, many of which received increases that will open doors to #FundLibraries in schools.
Here’s another idea for libraries hoping to engage in voter outreach efforts this fall! On District Dispatch, the Fair Elections Center discusses how you can encourage patrons to become poll workers.
