National Book Month - Blog Posts

Meishu, Leider, Ledare

Today, many in the US celebrate a world of chocolate, candies and fantasy. While books tells us the stories of ourselves, our community, those we don’t know and those we will never meet the public spaces we can enjoy these stories, explore and grow. But while many of these stories are true and these public spaces not all in libraries, many of the libraries would be empty if existing at all if not for...authors. 

November 1st is National Author Day, Gracia!

Whoops—

As we work to improve access, equality of access, and diversity some of us will get there faster than others as some have more pressing matters to focus on. For many young girls, their time is mainly taken up walking miles every day to bring clean water home to their families. For them, having a book that describes their personal story or an ancestral connection is first dependent on whether they were in school long enough to know how to read. Other challenges such as those taken on by Malala Yousafzai, deal with female suppression, war and tyranny and of course children who are currently walking hundreds of miles to escape violence, war and famine. 

Not all have the ability to begin to think about education, our stories and our futures as they can only think of reaching tomorrow. But for those that in the midst of this chaos, there is still hope and those who work to bring books to those who don’t have the ease of going whenever they can.

(1)    https://litreactor.com/columns/the-10-most-unusual-libraries-in-the-world

The Common folk, Contribute to their Community

Australia has approximately 25.2 million people but because of the size that equates to only approximately 3 people every square kilometer (8 people every sq.mile). Similar population countries are Taiwan with 23.7 million (671 people every square kilometer) and North Korea with 25.6 (213 people every square kilometer). Countries with a similar people per mile are Iceland (3 people every square kilometer) and Canada (4 people every square kilometer). (1) Because it is so spread out, Australia has had to make some adjustments to how they hand local libraries.

Increased use of university libraries, high priority of public libraries supported by local state and government endeavors are only combined with school libraries when the community or local communities are not large enough for individual need. Ensuring all residents have at least one local library of access. Similar to the Netherlands, there are also specialized libraries that focus on art, feminism, Indigenous people, Lesbian and Gay history and legislative history and procedure. What is most telling about the importance, care and thought of those in Australia is the introduction page about how Australian’s public libraries and the Australian Public Library alliance meets” at least 10 of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals” that do not focus on just environmental book policies

The Alliance itself is also a note to the goals of the country as it was only formed about ten years ago, July 2009, to work towards creating a national goal and concentration on resident’s free, equal and diverse access to information  

(1)    https://www.worldometers.info/

(2)    https://www.alia.org.au/node/184/public-libraries

Krijasto

It should not be any surprise that a majority of the Happiest report countries in the world, also have the highest reported intellect, education and success. One such country, Finland, is consistently praised for various reasons. It has great access to nature (including the Northern Lights) and a clean environment, there is a real sense of community as it is not uncommon for people who have lost their wallet to have it returned and high parental leave for all parents; and there is a great freedom to express oneself as seen with the creativity that has pushed design boundaries, created mobile games and metal music.

While not the only foundation of these achievements, another instrument of this success is the love Finland has for their books and public libraries. Noted as the country that takes out/borrows the most libraries in the world these libraries truly are epicenters of the community where new and established residents may learn, explore, think, question and grow

(1) https://s3.amazonaws.com/happiness-report/2019/WHR19.pdf

(2) https://www.visitfinland.com/article/greatest-things-about-finland/

(3) https://www.buzzfeed.com/frankmartela/12-surprising-things-in-which-finland-is-the-best-fvkn

(4) https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2018/may/15/why-finlands-cities-are-havens-for-library-lovers-oodi-helsinki

St. Catherine’s Monastery

While not always the most exciting, important or useful; there is something to be said about being “first”. Believed to have been opened around 560 CE, St. Catherine’s Monastery in South Sinai, Egypt is believed to be the oldest, continually operated library in the world. 

There is also an older, and probably still not the oldest or first, the Al-Qarawiyyin opened first in approximately 860 CE has had to be closed and access restricted due to structural damage.But it is still beautiful, as is St. Catherine’s, and rich of history to share just by walking around

(1) https://matadornetwork.com/trips/15-super-unique-libraries-around-the-world-pics/

(2) 

(3) https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/worlds-oldest-library-al-qarawiyyin/index.html

Vereniging Openbare Bibiotheken en meer

Outside of Amsterdamn, the Netherlands are a wonderful place to live. As one person writes, there is a lot of diversity creating a space of different languages and environments, but while there is a separation between true locals as those who don’t fully integrate (i.e. Learn Dutch) there is still an openness and friendly culture. Even while striving for the achieved academic, educational and intellectual excellence, there is also a note that it is not forced (1).

Focused on overall growth, personal acceptance and diversity the School 7 library in Den Helder won the International Federation of Library Assocation’s best library...in the world (2)

But there is still more. Throughout the country there are various specialized libraries (libraries focused on new immigrants, feminism, Jewish and African cultures) and a focus by the VOB (their library assocation Vereniging Openbare Bibiotheken) that encourage residents to ask for help with legal and business needs, how you can use the resources for advocacy and how proud they are that approxiamtely 50% of their users are under the age of 18 (3)

(1) https://wanderwisdom.com/travel-destinations/Pros-and-cons-about-living-in-Holland-from-an-Americans-perspective

(2) https://www.frameweb.com/news/school-7-library-netherlands-van-veen-mars

(3)http://www.debibliotheken.nl/

Freedom, חופש, Vrijheid

While libraries should be for everyone, not everyone will be able to use them the same way. Some will use them for tutoring, others for book clubs, some for research and other for light novels readings among other uses. Here are BLANK libraries that are working with those different needs (1)

Multiple studies recently released indicated a difference in male and female brains; (2) while not specifically divided by gender, the Tromsø Library has set different temperatures on different floors allowing those who operate best or have different comfort levels for reading or needed for their focus to all use the library together at the same time. Separately, the Biblo Tøyen, is selective in it’s audience. Only open for residents ages 10-15.

While not limiting patron wise, the Levinksi Garden Library operates with a specific function and purpose, as a haven. Open 24/7 this library has no closed off structure (no walls or doors) and operates as an encouraging, open space to receive refugees and migrants in Israel. (3)

Throughout the world, many countries also have libraries specifically for prisoners as they are held within prisons. Libraries in prisons however are not universal but some countries that also provide more equality and freedom to prisoners while serving their time have libraries and librarians focused on goals for the inmates after they are released and have seen less recidivism back into the criminal justice system (as defendants).

 (1)    https://www.visitnorway.com/things-to-do/art-culture/literature/6-libraries-you-need-to-visit/

(2)    https://time.com/5592353/office-temperature-study/

(3)    https://litreactor.com/columns/the-10-most-unusual-libraries-in-the-world

Leabharlann and dhachaigh, Dhachaigh and Leabharlann

Extending what you can and cannot experience

What you can and cannot find

You take what you can get

As sometimes your connection, the community and history is only met if you don’t hold yourself to the expectations and goals and resources of others

图书馆

China is an extremely complex country, while many question why Chinese are okay with censorship and high government regulation, others understand that there are positive and negatives of why they operate and how. I do not extend this to the current situation in Hong Kong, where the people re adamant about wanting to remain separate from China as promised but with the pros and cons of any decision and particularly the decisions and lifestyle in the mainland.

While in some ways more advanced, early last year China’s public libraries were ordered to have a major overall with a standardization of access to all. This included set open hours of operation even during holidays and on weekends, open public spaces, service programs and easy access to information. (1) Additional focus was put on protecting individual’s research and information protected from hackers, special services and safety access for the elderly and disabled and educational activities focused on children. These activities are also multicultural, physical and conversational with centers including family reading campaigns, foreign language training, art and culture exhibitions including books and other community activities available in various foreign languages. (2)

Multi-layered, China has successfully educated and increased their residents access to certain aspects of information and has promoted the access and diversity of information that does not hold the mirror close

 (1)    https://news.cgtn.com/news/7859544d35637a6333566d54/share_p.html

(2)    https://www.emeraldgrouppublishing.com/librarians/management/viewpoints/china.htm?part=5

Combat, Cure & Craft

Some of the most prosperous and advanced countries have the comfort and ability to create and provide access to libraries. But with education and knowledge having the ability to create and improve communities, even in times of despair there are still those who promote the beauty of books

The National Library of South Africa (Cape Town, South Africa)

Bibliotheca Alexandrina (Alexandria, Egypt)

Syria’s Secret Library (Damascus, Syria)

Access, Access, Access

Today is the last day of the original “Libby app” free book club reading of “After The Flood” by Kassandra Montag ends. Along with the freedom, increased access, and connection this personal book club brought there are also many advantages provided by libraries who have set up electronic lending of books.

First, the access greatly increases. There is approximately one library for every 173,224 people in Japan, 15,932 people in the UK, 12,011 people in Switzerland, 58,178 people in Canada, 6,875 people in Norway, 2,799 people in the United States, for every approximate 600,000 people in China, 29,500 people in the Netherlands and 15,100 people in Australia. Some of the discrepancies can be understood as some countries have institutions similar but not considered traditional public libraries. For other countries, (UK and Japan) people are close enough to each other where for the most part a smaller number of libraries doesn’t necessarily mean less access as it does for other countries (China, the US). Countries with public libraries that aren’t able to be as spread out may increase the access to residents through downloading and while a good portion of these areas may also have issues with internet access mobile libraries or programs that can take back the books once the due date occurs will give residents opportunities they otherwise didn’t have.

Second, it should not come as a shock to many that have been in school that the books students are required to have for school are massive, cumbersome and have been somewhat linked to posture and other spine difficulties. Electronic books, even strictly for entertainment or so you can take many when going on a trip because traditional books would add too much weight to your luggage allow you more freedom and access by taking away both a physical and space-related con.

Finally, a great instance with electronic books (depending on the library), is that it’s right there! You don’t have to wait to get home, get in the car or the bus, get your card, travel to the library or have to wait a few days to get the book. You can get it right when you’re in the mood to read it (I believe, that is how it should be set up—I go traditional)

Nasjonal bibliotekdag

The population of the entire country of Norway (less than 5.5 million) is less than NYC (8.4 million), allowing for greater oversight of resources and focus on what these resources can do. First off, have a lot of resources. Following the insight of someone who has been to Norway; (1) their libraries focus on the community and this is first highlighted in their listed priorities (2):

To argue and emphasize the importance of libraries in the democratic process and promote freedom of information and speech

 To ensure the principle of the free lending right, independent of technological and political changes in society

To develop and strengthen libraries as promoters of knowledge, information and culture

To develop and strengthen libraries in building and supporting education, and as an arena for learning, research and innovation.

To promote an effective and robust library service of high quality.

To ensure development and innovation in the Norwegian library sector, amongst others promoting the realisation of a Norwegian digital library

To build alliances and co-operate with relevant national and international organisations within the fields of research, education and culture.

Their priorities are noted by strong examples of free access. While they close like all libraries, there are over 800 public libraries; therefore a minimum of one library per every 6,875 people. While that would be a lot of people to all be in one library at once, that is easily one library per small town not including University libraries that are open to the public. This access is increased as one library card gets you access to any and every library in the country including mobile libraries that increase access to those far away.

As of April 2019, the US is the highest GDP in the world, account for 23.6% of the global economy. Taking away the other top 9, the rest of the world still makes up less as 21.2% (3). While both countries have overall well educated and successful; Norway is getting a lot more bang for their buck and has tried to make sure all members of their country and communities are succeeding and have access to opportunities.

(1)    https://www.lifeinnorway.net/libraries-in-norway/

(2)    https://norskbibliotekforening.no/om-foreningen/about-norwegian-library-association/

(3)    https://www.investopedia.com/insights/worlds-top-economies/

Hailed, Held, Hung

While my main venture into a library will be for books, as previously stated they are also community centers and should me a resource to increase opportunity and equality of the local residents. A recent episode of Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj looked at another form of inequality, unequal access to the internet.

The internet had become an additional resource all residents in the U.S. and in other developed nations need to have in order to be a successful part of society. Further than the internet, more accurately it’s the instant access to the internet via smartphone but even if not instant the internet has replaced many telephone, mailing and older forms of communication and information access, especially when it comes to research, employment and getting assistance. And again, libraries were part of making up for these inequalities for those who cannot afford, understand or otherwise access the internet.

Unfortunately, again libraries and the communities who need these opportunities and access are hit the hardest. Closing libraries, shorter operating hours and fines related to late library books are creating a further divide. As the world progresses, we have to make sure that not only we don’t leave people behind but that we are doing what we can to rise everyone up together

Unequal, Shattered, Abandoned

The United States is Big as FUCK. While not reaching the billions such as China or India, the US is the 3rd most populated country in the world being 25% larger than the next largest country (Indonesia) more than one and a half times the size of the 5th largest (Brazil) and two and a half times larger than the 10th most populated country (Mexico). (1) Unable to discuss US public libraries in their entirety and not an official determinant of success, I’ve looked at the libraries between the state with the highest life expectancy (Hawaii: 81.5), the average (North Dakota: 78.6) and the lowest (Mississippi: 74.5)

Not the best example, Hawaii only has one public library located on the island of Honolulu. This makes some sense as Hawaii is an island-based state with a smaller population; however, in comparison North Dakota only had 5 registered public library districts and Mississippi had 14. In this context, it would seem those who live longer either read less  or fared better without library access; but when compared to much larger states NY (132) and California (155) quantity of libraries is more determined on population than other things to some degree as Texas (97) and Florida (65) have less libraries than their population should. Regardless, library access is very much linked to community and wealth as rural communities and the poorer parts of urban communities having little or no access. (2)

In a country of such prosperity, equal access and opportunity should be considered and implemented at a Federal level and not center on the self-fulfilling prophecy of only those who can afford the best opportunities are able to provide the best opportunities and resources for themselves. An additional note of importance is that part of the official Library Servers website, there is “Books You Really Should Have Read” advertisement, of noteworthy books and how to get them on Amazon

(1)    https://www.census.gov/popclock/

(2)    http://www.lib-web.org/united-states/public-libraries/

Inequality: Indifference x Insufficiency

Today 300,000 plus Chicago students didn’t go to school today, spending the day at home, hanging out with friends or joining their fellow classmates and over 25,000 educational workers in Chicago who are striking against working conditions and educational opportunities of the Chicago Public Schools. 

Along with adequate nursing staff, emotional and mental health support a main complaint from parents is that there aren’t libraries in schools and how that lack of community space deepens the fractures occurring. Linked to the lack of community space in the schools, there is also a lack of bilingual teachers creating another barrier for students who either rely on other students to help them with their work or give up. 

The strike has two sides to it: the teachers and the students. The teachers need more pay in order to lessen their financial and connected emotional stress and anxiety so they can focus more on their students and be the best teachers they can. But they are also fighting for their students. By demanding smaller class sizes, mental health resources so student can be assisted before they hit that breaking point, and pushing for school libraries they are fighting for their students now, in their next grade, their next school and the rest of their lives

Displaced, Deserted...Degraded?

Another library institution is school libraries, which if not more crucial to a community to a local library are at least equal. School libraries, as with education, can be a great building block and equalizer of the community and the current racial, economic, social, and other divides in our communities by bringing people together and expanding their horizons.

The city of Chicago has a lot of diversity with a portion of it having to do with it’s large immigrant communities. Separate from their history, the people of Chicago and from around the world come to see the  renowned museums mixed with avid sports fans, corporations and religious organizations. But for a community with so much action and so many people working hard and creating, there are apparently few school libraries. While people can pretend the age of smartphones, video games, and ereaders are partially to blame and make this change okay, from 2013 to 2017 the school libraries decreased by 65% (from 454 to 157)(1). This drop has been noted by students, some who didn’t even know school libraries were a thing and it’s a bigger deal than even they may understand. Similar to local libraries that can be centers of community, education, exploration, personal and community growth while promoting opportunities; school libraries do all that earlier on while also introducing children to reading. By introducing students to libraries earlier in their school years and as a part of education where they can choose their path, learning about different people’s stories and encouraging them to see reading as an expansion of their lives and can be a guide to their futures. Even something as simple as a library cart can make a world of difference, but I hope Chicago continues to work to bring back their school libraries for now and for all of our futures.  

(1)    https://www.saveschoollibrarians.org/chicagoschoollibrarians 

Bibliotheque

Canada is another nation at the top of lists that look at math and science, income, education and other levels of success. Noted as more progressive, neither their progressive stature nor education balance can be seen when looking at their libraries. As stated in an article from 1948 (1) and seen when going through the, easily accessible, list of Canadian libraries, there is a discrepancy and a distinction between more populated and less populated areas (2).

This is even more concerning considering that Canada does libraries right. Three of their libraries came in the top 10 (3) because Canada has expanded their library to be a true communal spot including movie nights, helping with job seekers, being a place for new residents, public spaces for meetings and places where local business people can expand (4).

When it comes to their libraries Canada is doing very well, but as with most movements forward it’s had a bit of difficulty makings sure they are not leaving anyone behind.

http://faculty.marianopolis.edu/c.belanger/quebechistory/encyclopedia/LibrariesinCanada-CanadianLibraries-Canadianhistory.htm

https://www.lib-web.org/canada/

https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2018/jun/15/risotto-robotics-and-virtual-reality-how-canada-created-the-worlds-best-libraries

https://www.oclc.org/content/dam/oclc/reports/canadastackup/214109cef_how_libraries_stack_up.pdf

Re-imagined, Reinstated, Regretted

Today many libraries are closed because of…..ahhh!

 For a few, today is Christopher Columbus day and with it being removed many have fought for it to remain as part of Italian’s contributions and mark on the U.S. But that’s stupid, whenever Christopher Columbus was celebrated or taught we learned about how he sailed for Spain and ate Turkey with Native Americans—not his Italian Heritage. Instead join in on the celebration and reflection of Indigenous people and the Native Americans slaughtered and create a separate day truly for Italian Americans as a whole or focused on the many Italian-American Nobel winners (six, who are literary focused and whose work is noted as different tones of their heritageà https://theculturetrip.com/europe/italy/articles/six-italian-nobel-prize-winners-in-search-of-a-national-identity/) by dropping the loser who GOT LOST at best.

 So why is this being mentioned during National Book month or as part of this celebration and spotlight on libraries? I wasn’t taught this distinction in class, I learned it on my own. After being taught and performed a play about how Christopher Columbus discovered America it was mentioned quickly that the Vikings discovered America and questions about the contradictory lessons were ignored and I looked on my own where I could. So thank you books on shelves up high, heavy and beaten. Thank you for making HIStory not the only story left

Closed

Ahhhhh! As someone who loves a local library and rare bookstores, getting up early in the morning to get to the next book in a series, or because a book you’ve been waiting for has come in or just  thinking you want to reread a favorite you don’t own and then you see the “uh-oh” group of patrons who also forgot a schedule change, random holiday, short day the library is closed group is crushing. 

I’ll never get over that feeling. I ended up looking forward to the summer being over because that’s when the library had better hours. 

Gutted, Gentrified and Gone

Libraries are great community spaces that should be free so local residents can learn, explore and expand their minds and creativity. But libraries like our schools, are generally paid for by the income of the local residents, therefore, poorer communities get less funding and therefore poorer quality libraries. Similar to the recent “Aunt Becky” college situation, this goes against the ideals behind libraries and in the US, our equality, and how knowledge, perseverance, education and will is supposed to allow us all to flourish.

A prime example of the differences in communities is nestled within San Francisco. Known for massive hills and hipsters, San Francisco’s Pacific Heights Presidio Branch Library is just six miles away from the Bayview Linda Brooks-Burton Branch Library in Bayview-Hunters Point. There is nothing wrong with the Bayview Library; its open frequently, it’s clean and the local neighborhood seems to enjoy it but with comparison you can see a difference to the Presidio Branch Library. First, the Bayview Library is in an semi-industrial area and has classes geared to computer classes for Adults & Seniors including sales meetings and tax classes. The Presidio library is surrounded by open grass where you can comfortably read outside, has information available about it’s environmental LEED Green Report Card, highlights inter-library loan, foreign language staff and diverse classes of baby and toddler interaction, writing classes and Tai Chi. The Presidio Branch Library has the resources and access residents need to want to visit the library and develop new interests. This is not surprising as Pacific Heights is noted as a rich and thriving community (1) and Bayview has been graded one of the worst based on income and education opportunities (2) and has a history of gentrification and marginalization (3). Libraries don’t have to be pretty and I can understand how they’re not always the most updated but we cannot forget that “a rising tide lifts all boats” and that we are all equal.

(1)   https://www.businessinsider.com/photos-pacific-heights-san-francisco-billionaires-row-2014-3

(2)   https://www.roadsnacks.net/worst-neighborhoods-in-san-francisco-ca/

(3)   https://www.mccalman.co/portfolio/i-am-bayview/

Bibliothek

Switzerland isn’t as neutral as portrayed, ranking high in various records related to education, intelligence, happiness and diversity. While not definitive, the online access and draw of its libraries may symbolize how these institutions wish to encourage development in various education and entertainment avenues. Bibliothek Chur is extremely automated and while having strict rules and either monthly or yearly patronage costs is overall reasonable, especially considering the service and information provided. Similarly, Konzier bibliotheken has fewer hours but boasts an online presence and has events focused on individual community issues and larger intersectional issues.

The prime example of course is The Swiss National Library. With a newsletter release every four to six weeks, you may also take guided tours and speak with workers online or in person if you need help understanding or accessing the archives you are trying to work towards. Within the past ten years, they have even had a focus on both the “digital future” of libraries and books, while holding onto the history of printed bookts

Focused on more than just literary documentation, the Swiss National Library also promotes the importance images and sound documents as important artifacts of their shared history in addition to the smaller archives of each canton (individual states) and different exhibits that occur at the libraries.

Parts Unknown

Libraries are not just about books and education; sometimes a connection doesn’t come from a written word or common experience but the opening up of one’s experiences and becoming vulnerable. Libraries have all different mediums for these connections and sometimes the break in the sentence, flutter in the eye you experience directly adds to the depth of the spoken word that cannot be expressed by their writing. Diversity in writing, community and stories includes diversity of media.

Ugh; Anthony Bourdain’s Buenos Aires episode. I hope you can hear us all now, you did so much more than just shove food in your mouth. 

Highlighting the significance of how the food is prepared to the culture and history and individual--it’s why the show wasn’t called something generically--food “Unknown”, but parts unknown. 

Parts of diets we don’t know of, parts of the world we don’t know of, parts of ourselves we don’t know of. 

Thank you, I miss you--> I’ve been missing you

Worldly, with, Wonder

 A lot of the public support of libraries is that they are places of great connection, education and comfort that will improve the community. I praise libraries that host book clubs, political discussions, gardening events, work to get children to read; but other times my trek has to do with only myself to find peace in isolation. 

Feeling overwhelmed, lost or uncertain, books and the library can be a peaceful place to rest, decompress and wait to come back to the world. In addition to being a community resource, libraries are one of the few places where quiet peacefulness is put as a higher priority than usual; children may be in a separate area and aren’t criticized for being too loud but gently reminded. Here, where you may easily allow yourself to detach from notifications and screens, you can let your brain recharge and breathe peacefully, letting the stories of others wash over and take you away

Technology: Transcend and Transform

Technology has become a necessity in most of our society, even those with limited disposable income or countries with lower economies have updated how they function to include smart phones, computers and apps as part of daily or at least common function. 

I love libraries has been working on a local libraries ebook (Libraries Transform) where patrons can instantly (if connected to a local library) use their app to download the selected book to read and have the ability to discuss the books with other app users. Along with being a more universal book club that some communities might not have or certain age groups have easy access to, this allows individuals to have larger conversations and may allow for opinions more diverse than you would get to experience in a normal book club. And of course, this allows those who might not have a well equipped or have personal easy access to their library and issues with returning books on time or other barriers to be connected to reading and the reading community. 

For the release of this app, the Libraries Transform picked Kassandra Montag’s After the Flood; available Oct 7th - 21st through the Libby app and once you’re connected to your local library

Librarius

The United Kingdom (UK) somewhat undeserving, and somewhat deserving, has a reputation and overall appearance of being sophisticated and intelligent, worldly and exquisite. Another one of the top countries overall in various global lists of the most educated and intelligent, the UK also presents itself these just by the beauty of its institutions and that are intertwined within their communities.

Separate into four countries, probably the most historic, paired and well-known institutes are the University of Oxford and University of Cambridge which have been promoted throughout media culture in classics such as A Tale of Two Cities, Pride and Prejudice and more contemporary stories as A Discovery of Witches and Wilde. Adding to the prominence placed on this type of institution, the Belfast Library in Northern Ireland is located on Royal Avenue, and has expanded the education selection to a well-equipped music section all by itself that contains the music along with books about music throughout history. The Newport Central Library is part art gallery, museum and library in Wales. Being a larger infrastructure this library is a successful tourism spot possibly because of the focus on local communities with a large emphasis on community activities for children, film screenings and local dialect and history. Unfortunately, sometimes the historic presence of libraries can get lost or drowned out by the prestige of the surrounding community. While the New York Public Library may not be anything grand, its architecture compared to the surrounding environment make it stand out. However, with its cobblestone roads, local castles and older feel many are likely to mistake the Library of Edinburgh as just another building, completely passing the opportunity to visit the reading room or art pieces placed throughout that connect locals to their history.

The UK puts library and education at the top of its priorities, so it’s place and presence as a world leader while smaller than in the past is still properly recognized and deserved.

Practicality with Poise and Purpose

Libraries are becoming one of the only true public spaces in community, and not all communities have them. As we become more developed and cramped for space, parks are dwindling and most other places to explore and learn also cost money: museums, gallerys, etc. Libraries are also unique as they not only provide education access to books, movies, or night classes sometimes they also are public spaces that hold discussions and talks where those who are not as connected to the community or have a unique or newly peaked interest can explore and connect.

Growing up in a wealthier neighborhood, my local library expanded to introduce scientific talks with epidemiologists, chemists, pharmaceutical companies where these guest lectures would visit and speak, but then give us the ability to ask questions, and have discussion among ourselves. Overtime, similar topics brought similar people together and you got to meet those in your community that you became more attached to that you otherwise wouldn’t have known. Similar to more common library activities such as Mahjong, these events allowed that connectivity in diverse groups, with diverse ages and unique topics. It is important to remember that libraries as public spaces are not just for education or history knowledge, but future growth and exploration, discussion, a diverse community engagement and equality.

Dreamed, Desired, Determined

Tripzilla, a Southeast Asia Travel-Media company, created a list of the 10 libraries you must visit around the world. (https://www.tripzilla.com/10-bucket-list-libraries-you-must-visit-once-in-your-lifetime/27470)

Stadtbibliothek in Stuttgart, Germany

With a bit of an Escher vibe, I love it, though I highly doubt it looks this way all the time. Everyone in Germany can’t be this neat.

Biblioteca Vasconcelos in Mexico City, Mexico

This one looks a little scary, both what I would imagine being stuck at a microscopic size in a large industrial machine but also in the engine room of the Titanic but I can see through walls. Looks nice, but I think I’d spend most of time fearing a book or something else was going to fall and kill me

Liyuan Library in Beijing, China

Well that was dumb, I didn’t even think about going to a library when I traveled and my guess is that for the most part I won’t be going back. I love the homey and natural feel of this mountain-nestled library.  It definitely looks like a place where you feel welcome to sit and read all day with some tea.

Benediktinerstift Admont in Admont Abbey, Austria

This one, for me, is just one to look around in. Along with the distraction of the ceilings and insane molding, I’d be too afraid to drop something and make a mess (after my Belle swing on a ladder and sing about books moment of course)

New York Public Library in New York, U.S.A

Ehh. I’ve been here but while it’s beautiful and I guess famous it’s also incredibly strict, convoluted to get through and the true library portion of it is a small floor in the basement

Musashino Art University Library in Tokyo, Japan

So, maybe it’s because it’s the Art University library and maybe this is for better planning but all I can think is, WHY ARE THERE SO MANY SPOTS WITHOUT BOOKS! Nope, not a fan.

Librije Zutphen in Gelderland, Netherlands

Okay, this is more for the historic obviously than for the actual bibliophile or community. But at the same time, maybe not the worst idea given the books, movies and other items that somehow never make it back

Taipei Public Library Beitou Branch in Taipei, Taiwan

Surrounded by just a bit of nature and peace, this library is a true haven for the local community who want to get an escape from the chaos of city and modern life. Not only made entirely of wood and glass, it is also a certified  green building with plenty of space and freedom to restore yourself

Villanueva Public Library in Casanare, Columbia and Min Buri Old Market Library in Bangkok, Thailand

These libraries are what it’s all about. Both intricate and developed by the community, for the community the Villanueva was designed and built my students and organizations in the community with locally-sourced materials and is meeting place for many of the community’s social events and activities.

The Min Buri Old Market Library was a small (3 by 9 meters) unoccupied space that residents spruced up into a library with local books, a small reading and garden space in the back and workstations “upstairs”.  

Forgotten, Flexible and Free

There has been a pretty one-sided debate about libraries and overdue fines with a majority of speakers stating that they go against the purpose of libraries and aren’t productive in getting books returned, and pretty much no speakers on the other side of the debate. Over the past few years various communities across the US have worked or looked into removing the fines and research has shown that 1) the fines are more time and sometimes monetarily more costly to the library, 2) you end up lessening your patronage as community members don’t want to deal with the hassle or cannot afford the fines, 3) those who have racked up the fines are majorly those who need the library resources the most: children and those without disposable income.

Recent removable of library late fees or fines by the Chicago Public Library system and San Francisco Public Library system will increase access for low-income families and children, who in Chicago make up 20% of cardholders who have had access removed because of late books fees, and will bring the library back to its true calling: where book lovers and the local community can come together

(1)    https://princh.com/4-reasons-why-removing-fines-could-be-the-next-breakthrough-for-your-library/#.XZeSQkZKgdU

(2)    https://www.citylab.com/equity/2019/10/public-library-late-fees-chicago-san-francisco-equity-access/599194/

Toshokan

According to various reports on world education and intelligent, Japan is one of the best. Inspired by the Western World, Japan’s first public library or “Toshokan” was first opened in 1982. 

The Japanese government has kept their libraries updated with the changing times, made them a necessity in cities with over 50,000 residents and after World War II deemed that libraries were meant to be free, meeting the needs of residents which necessitated the creation of mobile libraries in the 1960s, way ahead of their time. Almost all schools in Japan have a school-based library, introducing children to reading at an early age. No country or current library system is perfect; however, Japan’s residents are well read and educated because they have had the opportunity and access to develop and grow.

(1) https://www.jla.or.jp/portals/0/html/libraries-e.html

Japanese High School Library tour: 

Tough, Tattered and Tiny

A food desert, simply put, is an area in a community where at best residents and others in the community “best” access to food may be a local convenience store. Similarly, as technology has changed our world to more internet-based and virtual there are fewer libraries that are more spread out. While only hitting on a few of the benefits of libraries, these libraries have grown in the absence of traditional libraries. They’re small, partially funded by people’s unwanted or previously read books where you can take and leave books as you please and allows those who don’t have access to wider libraries to still keep the *free* possibility of reading open. A barrier that an enthusiastic reader such as myself cannot ignore.

 The most common, and smallest, are similar to those influenced or constructed by www.LittleFreeLibrary.org; that sells various little libraries that can be customized, eco-friendly and even some that also work as benches. While not ideal, these libraries can also serve as a viewpoint of the local community; are they sharing information about learning how to knit, how to join law enforcement, gaining citizenship? Are there more kids or adults, fashionistas or environmental advocates? Both? For those who cannot access a traditional local library, and even those that can; these smallest libraries are simply fabulous and I would encourage anyone to check out a book, check in a book or make a donation.