Good News From the Pew: Reading and Library Habits Are On the Rise

There is good news out there in the reading world. Could anyone have guessed that young adults are reading and using their libraries? It really shouldn't be a surprise to those working in libraries and bookstores. With the slew of writers in the Young Adult genres that keep producing compelling stories that has readers begging for more this certainly not a surprise. Every generation no matter if the times are good or bad, everyone loves a good story. When the Pew Research recently presented their findings on the habits of young readers there were a couple of surprises. (Younger Americans Reading and Library Habits, October 23 3012) One surprise that instantly leaps out of the report is the format usage for younger readers. It is interesting to note that young adult (16-29) who read books in the past 12 months, read a print version more often than an e-book or audio book. This seems to be odd coming from the generation that basically grew up with the Internet, gaming systems and cell phones. Why would the numbers be so lopsided? There could be many reasons which can start with economics situation at home to a child's school policy which prohibits all types of electronic gadgets in schools, including cellphones and e-readers. This is not to say that this age group is not adapting to technology, it simply just may be that print is still an acceptable format for books. As the e-readers grow in popularity and usage it should be interesting to revisit how reading habits will change yet again. High school students are more likely to use the library more frequently than any other age group. This can be attributed to the need for completing homework assignments. High schoolers are also open to receiving book suggestions from a librarian. In the same survey, over 50% of high schoolers said that they did not think that libraries were that important in their lives. Looking at the overall picture of the survey this isn't necessarily a bad view. It simply means that the young adults today will more than likely support the library as adults. To take it a step further, the stretch can be made that they will be the patrons that will embrace technology changes within the library. Libraries will always have to compete for every tax dollar from the citizens. If they are not up-to-date with technology or simply serving a small population seeking to stay with a "print" majority, the library will lack relevance not only directly to the community they serve but in their counties and states. It's not a bad idea to begin a program called No Library Left Behind to help smaller libraries keep up with the technological trends. Thus keeping them relevant in the eyes of their community. Perhaps the most fascinating part of the survey is that high schoolers did not know that e-book borrowing was available at the library. Could it be that they are walking into a library and are following the adage what you see is what you get? Changing this perception may take time since most teens hate asking "What services do you offer?" for fear that they may look silly asking the question. As the library begins to shift towards to digital reading, the progress will be gradual. Keeping this in mind it will have to be every librarians' duty to promote e-contents and help patrons discover and use them effectively. This comes from the top down. This includes the Library Directors who should promote the technology to local officials and agencies to the circulation clerk when assisting patrons to check out books asking the question "Do you know you can borrow e-books at this library?" The whole survey is good news for libraries. It is a good indication that the support for libraries is strong across all age levels. That should make the "Year" if not the "decade" for every librarian. This study definitely points to the need for libraries now and twenty years from now. Once again proof that libraries are not dead yet. In fact, it should be said out loud, libraries are not even on life support. Given the right leadership and willing tho grow with the challenges of new technology there should be no reason for any library to have to close its doors ever.

Libraries As Lifelines!

A world without libraries would be similar to a world without words. Too dramatic you say? A little over the top? Perhaps, but consider this, the best place preserve, exchange and enjoy the written word, is the library. Every civilization that has ever existed on this earth has had in one form or another a library. A special place designated to store the ideas, artifacts and words of the culture. In a symbolic way, it has acted as the collective "memory" bank for the society. When the libraries burned down, in many cases the civilization that built it died along with the people. It is with joy and hope to report that in recent months, many libraries across the country have been given a "new" life due to citizens demanding that their libraries stay open. Which brings even better news that the demise of libraries has been greatly exaggerated. Its time to put things into perspective in order to continue the fight to keep all libraries open and accessible to all.

libraries are the bedrock of democracy. One of America's founding fathers, Benjamin Franklin, established the first "public" library in Philadelphia. Granted the use of the library was limited to those who could pay "fees" but it still paved the way for the idea that anyone who wanted to educate themselves on any topic could do so with access to a community resource of books. What can be more American than having the desire to learn, grow and make a difference in life? It's in the American gene to have the Do-It-Yourself attitude as the main ingredient to the pursuit of happiness.Libraries will always stand firm to protect the rights of all to free access to information.

The theory has been noted that librarians, libraries and books are antique ideals of a by gone era. There are plenty of holes in that theory. Those who spew this line of reasoning, either don't have a library card or haven't been to other antique places such as baseball parks, banks, or shopping malls. In a bygone eras, baseball parks were simple, outdoors fields where people sat on wood bleachers to watch the game. Bank tellers were suppose to have been phased out due to the birth of the ATM. Shopping malls were suppose to disappear when the internet provided a time saving solution called online purchasing. All of these "antique" ideas have stood the test of time, with a few modifications here and there. Sure there are still ball parks but now there are retractable domes, comfort seating, and electronic scoreboards. Bank tellers are still employed, and the ATM has made some transactions easier, there is still something to be said for face to face customer service. Lastly, malls are still around because there are times that buying online is not as convenient as having the product in hand the very same day of purchase. Libraries follow the same pattern. Long ago the only items to line the walls of the building were shelves and books. Today, computers, books, dvds, and other items fill the space to meet the needs of savvy library patrons. Their needs have changed and the library has changed to meet the challenge.

The need for libraries is growing not shrinking. When troubled economic times hit, it is the library that many people turn to use the internet, take advantage of free programming for children, or to save money on purchasing personal copies of books. Keeping this in mind, why would anyone suggest that the library is a unnecessary luxury in the city's budget? To add further insult to injury, why would political officials ask the libraries to do more with less? It is time that library advocates repeat the mantra; "Libraries are not a luxury for the community, libraries are the lifeline for the community." As a lifeline to the community, libraries deserve full budgets, which includes funding for professional staff, to meet the demanding needs of their citizens.

Frankly, imagining a world without libraries is too depressing of a possibility. It is not just a selfish desire to continue working in the field. Simply put, it is the thought of many children, adults, students and life long learners who will lose access that feeds their desire to explore their world. In other words, libraries keep a community from dying. It is the lifeline to the past, present and future. It is a worthwhile fight to keep the lifeline open.

Universal Letter to the Editor Supporting Libraries

In my wildest dreams, advocacy was never part of my vocabulary due to images of activist from the 1960's. An activist or advocate was someone who held signs denouncing the ills of society. It did not ever occur to me that being an advocate for a cause was something I could do or would be take an active role. Who wants to spend days marching in front of public buildings to protest? Not this quiet librarian. However, as the old song goes, "the times are a changing." In these tough economic times, it is becoming apparent that libraries need an army of people who not only support them but will also take action to keep these institutions open. Recently, The Detroit Free Press published a portion of a letter I wrote in support of libraries facing mileages. Below, is the entire letter. This is the start of what is hoped to become a successful campaign for libraries in Michigan and across the United States. This librarian can no longer afford to be silent. Share this letter with friends, family and leaders in your community. The more people out in our communities spreading the word about libraries, the better!

Dear Editor:

The Michigan primary is just around the corner.  A very important time for our state and communities as the process begins to select the Gubernatorial candidates come this November.  In many communities across this great state, voters will also have to consider other matters such as a milage to support their local libraries.   Not to diminish the importance of selecting gubernatorial  candidate, but supporting local libraries is also important for the community and the state. No matter who becomes Governor of our great state, libraries will be needed.   In the past year alone, there have been one too many library closings due to lack of funding.  If Michigan is to be a leader in business, research, education and healthcare libraries must be the backbone of the community as a necessary support.   

In February 2010, EPIC MRA conducted a survey commissioned by The Library of Michigan and MEL to determine adult usage of the libraries in Michigan, it was revealed that 86% of the adults surveyed visit their local library on a weekly basis. The purpose of the visit ranged from internet access, homework to pleasure reading. Contrary to some public opinion, the library is vital to a thriving community. the argument that people will not need libraries in the future due to the ease of access through computers and digital downloads, is thoughtless as it is pointless. Consider in your own homes, how many books are on the shelves? If there is more than ten books on a shelf or a set of encyclopedia, is there still a need for a library? Of course! Libraries hold the keys to gathering information in print, digital and databases that are too expensive for a family to afford on their own. The futuristic library may be computerized but there will still be a need for professionals to instruct, assist and provide information through whatever available format.

In a perfect world, all of Michigan’s communities would have leaders who understood the importance of libraries and the services they provide. In reality,  libraries are fighting to stay open due to leaders looking for an easy fix to an economic situation. For some community leaders it is easier to thow away a valuable service than to stop to consider what will be lost.  What will be lost is the one place in a community where privacy matters, self-education begins and effective means of sharing resources and ideas come together.  It is democracy in action. 

On August 3rd voters will be make many decisions that will affect their lives. In the communities asking for a milage to support the libraries, think about the value that libraries bring to your community. Support candidates who understand the value of libraries, then support libraries by voting yes to the milage. Voting yes for libraries is a vote for a thriving, prosperous community for present and future generations.

Mrs. Nowc Librarian At Large