Wrapping it up

When we began this journey, I was just looking to find out about public libraries and their goal of providing free access to information. The investigation was partly because I wanted to know more about libraries’ role in society and democracy, but it was also because I wanted to see up close what libraries were offering to their communities. I grew up with the concept of a library being a big building filled with books where you could go to borrow books, look up information, and get help from the librarian in finding what you needed. Of course, I know that now there are computers for use at the library and you can access a lot of information online from libraries’ Web sites, but had no idea what public libraries had to offer these days.

Through my research, I found that the “information” a library can provide access to is far broader than I imagined. I also learned a little about the history of public libraries and how they fit into the fabric of our country. I understand more now about what local public libraries have to offer their patrons. Beyond the standard books, movies, music, and periodicals, libraries have a wealth of information at their fingertips that can be accessed from our homes or at the library; and there are trained librarians available to make searching for what we need easier. But it’s more than that, libraries offer events, programs, and resources that can help people dealing with tough times. Library staff members have worked to bring patrons a variety of things that can help make their lives better and more enjoyable.

Public libraries reach out to their communities and offer services to all patrons without regard to who they are, what their beliefs are or how much money they make. They help those who can’t afford a computer gain access to one and help them learn to use it. Public libraries help people whose native language isn’t English learn to speak it so they can function in their community a little easier. They encourage those who aren’t English speakers to become not only readers, but to ignite that passion for reading in their children.

Another way that some public libraries help democracy function is to provide free access to information about our government and its operations through the Federal Depository Library Program. To me, that’s a pretty important role to play.

If you thought that a public library was just a big building filled with books and other materials before you read this blog, I hope you’ve learned along with me just how much more than that it is. I also hope that you’ll be eager to find some of these free opportunities at your own public library and take advantage of them. In this day and age, who can say “no thanks” to deals like these?

Civic duty

As part of their mission to uphold free speech and foster open access to information, many libraries participate in the Federal Depository Library Program. Since 1813, some libraries have been part of a system that assures the American people access to information about their government’s workings. In looking into just what the FDLP does, I found this information:

“The Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) was established by Congress to ensure that the American public has access to its Government's information. Since 1813, depository libraries have safeguarded the public's right to know by collecting, organizing, maintaining, preserving, and assisting users with information from the Federal Government. The FDLP provides Government information at no cost to designated depository libraries throughout the country and territories. These depository libraries, in turn, provide local, no-fee access to Government information in an impartial environment with professional assistance.
“As institutions committed to equity of access and dedicated to free and unrestricted public use, the nation's nearly 1,250 depository libraries serve as one of the vital links between 'We the people' and our Government. Anyone can visit Federal depository libraries and use the Federal depository collections which are filled with information on careers, business opportunities, consumer information, health and nutrition, legal and regulatory information, demographics, and numerous other subjects.” (About the FDLP, www.fdlp.gov)
You can check out their video here.

Looking at the directory of FDLP libraries, I found that the following libraries are part of the program: Washington State Library, Bellevue branch of the King County Library System, Seattle Public Library, Highline Community College and several other academic libraries throughout the state, and numerous law libraries. To be honest, I had never heard about this program before, but it’s exciting to learn about. Not only does the Government Printing Office provide the libraries with the documents and information, it also can provide pamphlets and information the library can give to patrons about how government as a whole works and there’s even one geared for kids! That’s pretty amazing if you ask me.

Another facet of the civic mission of public libraries is the assistance many provide in both “English as a Second Language” and how to become a citizen. The majority of public libraries I researched offer ESL classes and information; many of them even have events where people can practice their conversational English skills in an informal setting. There are podcasts, databases and often links to other information as well offered on many public libraries’ Web sites. One public library I found – Kitsap Regional Library – even offers information about becoming a citizen. They have exam preparation tools including DVDs and databases.

Libraries across the country are part of an annual event called “El día de los niños/El día de los libros (Children's Day/Book Day) -- also known as Día. Each year, it is held on April 30 and includes bilingual storytimes, book giveaways, and other family and literacy events. The day is aimed at partnering with parents and other caregivers to help raise enthusiastic readers among Spanish-speaking families. The event is coordinated by ALA’s Association for Library Service to Children and was originally started by children’s author Pat Mora in 1996. (ALA)