Are libraries still important? Of course. Are they important in the same way they were 40 years ago? No, not exactly.
Your parents may have told you the old wives’ tale of going to the library to write their school essays and projects (and how they had to cross the Northern sea to get to school).
Today, we open our laptops and can either purchase the reading material we need or search on the infinite web for articles and publications.
It’s not a stretch to say that public libraries have been on the decline in the past decade. It’s evident that they are not as prevalent in our communities as they once were. Are libraries on their way out?
The Rebranding of Libraries
At the core, the purpose of a public library is to lend books to the customer that will then be returned in a few weeks. A concept that feels a bit foreign in the age of mass influencing and overconsumption.
The problem with this is that the principle of borrowing and returning physical books is not as heavily practiced anymore. It may appear as though people don’t make use of their libraries anymore, which is just not the truth. We just don’t have to walk through the actual door to get the books we want anymore.
In 2009, 98% of library resources were found in the actual library, compared to only 45% in 2019. Libraries recognized the decrease in physical copy usage and converted part of their catalog to audiobooks and digital versions.
So, how does one participate with their local library? Well you can always get a library card and go grab a physical book. However, that’s not the common practice anymore.
A great platform for readers looking to read or listen to books without buying a book is Libby. Libby was created in 2017 as a way to borrow and enjoy books digitally. All you have to do is get a public library card, link it to your account and start placing holds on e-books or audiobooks. For kindle users and audio listeners, this is an inexpensive option.
Here to Stay
Why should we even try to hold on to libraries though? Well, there’s always a want to hold on to old ways that feel nostalgic. Although there are growing options in bookstores, libraries still have something to offer the community. They offer an inexpensive and sustainable way to keep up with reading.
In 2024, there are an overwhelming number of platforms for people to share their interests, including reading. With the rise of TikTok came the rise of BookTok, a book community online to share recommendations and tips. It’s reported that “BookTok also increased the number of books that the platform’s users read annually by 58%,” which is always good news. So not only are libraries not dead, but reading as a whole lives on.
Libraries may have died once, but they are resurrected now. With some adaptation, our public libraries are still standing.
Heidi Fendrick • Jul 29, 2024 at 10:30 am
As the person who collects usage statistics for Utah public libraries, and participates in discussions on library usage and their value at the national level, I can tell you that usage is increasing each year in terms of visits, circulation, attendance at programs, and computer usage. It is false to say that borrowing physical books is not the common practice anymore. Physical circulation outpaces digital circulation every year in every library in Utah. Let me know if you want to chat about library outputs and outcomes, and include that in your follow-up editorial as mentioned by the previous commenter.
Lisa Chandler • Jul 25, 2024 at 11:51 am
Please take a stroll through the Salt Lake City Library and then write a follow up editorial. While libraries have always been essential spaces for their communities, they are now more important than ever for providing resources and respite to all citizens.
The city libraries in the Salt Lake City area are vibrant, essential, places for the communities they serve . They offer far more resources than most people are aware of, and give sanctuary for our most vulnerable Citizens.
Go to the library and find something that speaks to your soul, whether it be a book, audiobook, or a movie, a concert, a lecture, or the enjoyment of simply connecting with others. You’ll be getting a double benefit. In addition to getting the resource you need, you will be engaging in our city’s most important public space. A space where there is as much knowledge to be found as you will find in any book recommended on TikTok.