Members phkrause Posted February 19, 2024 Members Posted February 19, 2024 Libraries on front lines Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios Public libraries have morphed into all-purpose community centers amid soaring demand for social services. Libraries are enjoying a renaissance in usage. They're also battling book bans and bearing the brunt of a host of societal issues — from caring for unhoused people and migrants to distributing COVID tests and Narcan for drug overdoses, Axios' Jennifer A. Kingson writes. Why it matters: The result is frazzled staff and budgets spread thin from competing needs. Librarians, while still helping kids with their homework, are helping migrants apply for asylum, and jobless people write resumes. Libraries are offering expungement clinics to help people erase their rap sheets, and "digital navigators" to help boost patrons' computer skills. Onsite social workers are assisting people with mental illnesses. They're becoming cooling centers and climate resilience hubs. Between the lines: "Libraries have never been more important than they are in 2024," says Patrick Losinski, CEO of the Columbus Metropolitan Library in Columbus, Ohio. "I'd much rather have these challenges for additional services and pressures than have people saying that our time has passed." Reality check: Librarians are fending off physical and verbal assaults from angry customers — some of whom blame these frontline workers for the content of books they'd like banned. And they're grappling with everything from the high cost of e-books to the need for free outdoor Wi-Fi so people without broadband can have off-hours access. Read on. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted July 21, 2024 Author Members Posted July 21, 2024 Altamonte Springs commissioners decide to save city library after residents push back Altamonte Springs commissioners agreed late Thursday to keep the city’s library open after hundreds of residents made it clear they opposed the city’s announcement last week about closing the facility because of budget cuts. https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2024/07/19/altamonte-springs-commissioners-decide-to-save-city-library-after-residents-push-back/? Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.