Beyond the Books: Libraries as Social Hubs

 Beyond the Books: Libraries as Social Hubs

By: Melissa Arreola

Roadway Reading Room at NYPL's Brooklyn Branch

In our digitally focused society, it’s easy to assume that libraries are becoming increasingly obsolete – but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Although most people associate libraries with books, they have so much more to offer beyond the stacks. Programming, events, and performances bring the people of the community together in a shared space where connections can be made and nurtured. High tech makerspaces and gaming options encourage hands on activity and provide patrons the chance to meet likeminded individuals and make friends with similar hobbies. Food and beverage offerings allow patrons to break bread with one another and foster friendships. Storytimes give mothers and children an opportunity to socialize. The list goes on… making it abundantly clear that beyond the books, libraries function as valuable community social hubs.

In a 2023 article in England’s “The Big Issue”, Poet and author Joseph Coelho shared a personal take on the matter, saying “Libraries are the hearts of communities. I can’t think of any other spaces where anyone can just walk in and you can just sit and you don’t have to buy anything. You can be warm. You can get advice” (Kelly). I think that’s a great way to put it. Libraries are the hearts of communities in so many important ways. By bringing people together, libraries build up the community as a whole and promote communal wellness and growth. Joyce Higgins, a libraries and digital development manager, highlights this sentiment by saying, “Libraries are social spaces […] where people learn, share, participate, and create, where everyone is equal and welcome and where improving our shared wellbeing is at the heart of the service” (Kelly).

During the COVID pandemic, the significance and benefits of having these accessible social gathering spaces became evident. Without them, many people began to experience a deep sense of loneliness that impacted their mental and emotional health. The article “Hungry for Connection” by Hallie Rich takes a deeper look at how social connections are what help shape a person’s sense of belonging and combat feelings of isolation (Rich). She explains that connection is so vital in fact, that the United States Surgeon General’s advisory includes specific actions that community-serving institutions (like libraries) should be taking to promote togetherness, including engaging the community through social programming, and “fostering a culture of connection by modeling and highlighting heathy social engagement” (Rich). This shows that the library’s role as a social hub goes beyond fun and games – it actually helps us to stay healthy!

The New York Public Library’s handling of the COVID quarantine provides a great example of community commitment as well as the public-driven demand for these social gathering spaces. Because in-person visits were virtually non-existent, the NYPL came up with some pretty genius ideas to bring vital library services outside. They added antennas to extend WiFi, which resulted in masses of patrons gathering outside on the lawns (Jacobs). They installed elemental sheds called Roadway Reading Rooms so people could sit, study, read, and come together (Jacobs). They did what they could with what they had to satisfy the needs of their neighborhood. Regardless of the shelves being inaccessible, the library was still able to function as a social hub – and the citizens who relied on them for a sense of community were not let down.

The desire to belong is built into our very nature. And thankfully we have libraries – places where we are able to foster and cultivate that sense of belonging in so many different ways. Libraries have proven their dedication to their communities time and time again by acting as valued social hubs that at the core, use their facilities and resources to promote togetherness and connectedness. 

References:

“Roadway Reading Room.” builtbybednark.com, 2021, www.builtbybednark.com/shop-blog/roadway-reading-rooms.

Jacobs, Karrie. "Libraries Are Still People Places: [SpecialSections]." New York Times, Apr 24, 2022. ProQuest, https://login.ezproxy.palomar.edu/login?auth=shibboleth&url=https://www.proquest.com/newspapers/libraries-are-still-people-places/docview/2653659122/se-2.

Kelly, Laura. "‘LIBRARIES ARE THE HEARTS OF COMMUNITIES’." The Big Issue, 2 Oct. 2023, p. 20. Gale In Context: Opposing Viewpoints, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A775607882/OVIC?u=cclc_palomar&sid=bookmark-OVIC&xid=f534c5fd. Accessed 2 May 2024.

Rich, Hallie. “Hungry for Connection.” Library Journal, vol. 149, no. 2, Feb. 2024, pp. 12–15. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=175003988&site=ehost-live&scope=site.

Social Networking and Libraries

Social Networking and Libraries
By Jennifer Miranda

 

One of the first social networking platforms to launch was Myspace (King 6).  Social media has developed so that it is not only for individuals use, but also organizations such as libraries and companies. Businesses are using social media to market, promote and sale goods.  Approximately 5 billion people around the world use social media for roughly two hours daily (King 6).  We now learn about current and popular events occurring around the world instantaneously. 

However, there are also downsides regarding social media that can be detrimental to others.  The platforms have attempted to block material that is violent, sexually explicit, and discriminatory (King, 6).  Censorship is a heated issue in our country and is causing a political polarization.  I believe that if the post is not harmful to others, then they should be able to share their opinion.  That is what makes our country a democratic republic.  Some groups are stating that their posts are to educate the public about their viewpoint on issues (Foote 32).  Libraries utilize social media to fight against first amendment censorship where books are being challenged (Foote 32).