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Libraries Transform Communities
By Rhonda B. Sewell, Library Governmental Affairs and Media
Strategist
The Truth Contributor
The
Toledo-Lucas County Public Library is participating in a
recently launched “Libraries Transform” campaign, a public
awareness effort that will highlight the transformative
nature of the nation’s libraries and elevate the critical
role libraries play in the digital age.
When it comes
to helping customers succeed, our system plays a critical
role in being the great leveler of privilege. When you walk
through our doors, we are open to all! We help our customers
to live, learn, grow and succeed. But, not everyone is aware
of the multi-faceted offerings of their public library. We
offer FREE programs and assistance that can and have changed
people’s lives for the better.
This
“Libraries Transform” campaign was launched recently by Sari
Feldman, newly elected American Library Association
President, and also director of the Cuyahoga County (Ohio)
Public Library. TLCPL Director Clyde Scoles and other
directors, administration, boards, and staff are helping to
spread the message to users across the country.
The campaign
points out the rapid advances in technology which are
helping to fuel a library renaissance. No longer just places
for books, libraries such as the Toledo-Lucas County Public
Library, now offer an assortment of free digitally-based
programs and services including 3-D printing, eBooks,
digital recording studios, Maker Spaces, and technology
training.
Such
tech-based resources are transforming lives through digital
literacy and lifelong learning, contributing to education,
employment, entrepreneurship, engagement, and empowerment.
Yet, libraries are often overlooked as catalysts for
powerful individual and community change.
“Our system is
proud to engage in this most timely “Libraries Transform”
campaign. Sari Feldman’s vision of demonstrating how
libraries have dramatically converted people’s lives for the
better is brilliant. It’s time for public libraries to be
bold in our enthusiasm and extremely proud of how we impact
our customers and help them to succeed in life,” said Scoles.
“The stories of transformation right here in Lucas County
are powerful and endless. We’ve impacted individuals,
families, the elderly, students, small business owners, the
underserved, and so many others on such a
transformational and epic scale. This will long be our
legacy, a system that has been transforming lives for
more than 175 years.”
As part of the
Libraries Transform launch, Feldman will tour some of the
many transformative libraries in our nation, and join
Smithsonian library staff for a tour of the museum’s
Fantastic Worlds exhibit.
"Today's
libraries are not just about what we have for people, but
what we do for and with people," said Feldman. "The goal of
the Libraries Transform campaign is to change the perception
that 'libraries are just quiet places to do research, find a
book, and read' to a shared understanding of libraries as
dynamic centers for learning in the digital age. Libraries
of all kinds foster individual opportunity that ultimately
drives the success of our communities and our nation."
For more information about Libraries Transform please visit
http://www.librariestransform.org.
Follow #LibrariesTransform on Twitter.
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