Nicholas Yum

Public libraries used to be huge knowledge hubs and the primary medium for information
gathering. That fact no longer applies to our modern Information Age society. However, the
everlasting importance of libraries is undeniable. Although libraries are no longer favored over
tools such as Google, the purpose they serve in our communities for people of all ages and
backgrounds is noble. The continuity of library services is integral for the prolonging of not only
tradition but the accessibility of basic leisure and data collection. By analyzing interviews, news
articles, and data from study reports, it can easily be deduced that the American people would
greatly benefit from the continued subsidization of public libraries all around the nation.
The viability of public libraries is vouched by a former president of the American Library
Association, Nancy Kranich and writer Jenny Shank. Firstly, in her opening, Kranich begins by
saying “If a free society is to survive, it must ensure the preservation of its records and provide
free and open access to this information to all its citizens” (Source A). Keywords such as
“preservation”, “free”, and “open” are cornerstones of the purpose of a public library. Kranich is
arguing for the maintenance of libraries as a form of contribution to the greater good. If
American society is to succeed, its people must be informed. These institutions were established
with the intention to provide a means for an educated general public. The deprivation of such
basic means would, therefore, be to the direct detriment of the American ideal. Secondly, in her
article titled “What Is the Role of Libraries in the Age of E-Books and Digital Media?”, Shank
includes a quote from researcher Michael Crandall that reads, “Without libraries, the division
would be even greater, since for many people they serve as the only access point for digital
information and services” (Source C). Crandall was able to conclude that even though the library
was not the major source of information for a majority of the American populace, it still served
that purpose for a significant amount of Americans. The fact that “22 percent of library computer
users” would be shut out from internet access is not a figure that is easily overlooked. That fact
alone is enough to argue for the continuation of library subsidization. The interview of Nancy
Kranich and article by Jenny Shank provide sound reasoning for the library’s feasibility in the
modern age.
In considering the inner workings and amenities provided by libraries, detailed statistics
provided by Lee Rainie and the Orland Park Public Library’s June 2014 calendar point attention
towards the good that libraries actually provide. For instance, Rainie’s published report includes
notable figures such as 81% of books read with children are printed, 69% of book sharing is done
with printed books, and a significant portion of each age segment (at least 11%) of library users
has received assistance from a librarian (Source D). These statistics all indicate a sense of
necessity for libraries. Children must learn to read, books need to be shared, and sometimes
people need help to be pointed in the right direction. These are all things that libraries evidently
provide. These are all things communities would be lacking without their public libraries.
Additionally, in Orland Park Public Library’s schedule for June 2014, numerous community
services such as “Books Before Kindergarten”, “Teen Inc.” and “Microsoft Excel 2010 Part I”
are available for all members of the community (Source B). Having options for any and all
people are integral in a successful community. Libraries of this nature are yet another way that
communities can provide for people. This only strengthens the argument that libraries are an
irreplaceable aspect of any community. The data put for by both Lee Rainie and the Orland Park
Public Library go a long way in illustrating the true importance of libraries.
Some people may argue against the institution of public libraries as a whole just because
of the simple fact that it could cost taxpayers money. This is claim is preposterous when
considering that libraries are still functioning despite rigorous budget cuts (Source F). Funding
for public libraries has been slashed dramatically for years, yet most are still able to support their
basic functions which are: to provide books and information. The allocation of budgets to other
areas has resulted in twenty-three states restructuring their budget allocation programs. Money
has been pulled from libraries, but the fact still stands that libraries are working as they should
and even minimal budgeting is integral for community edification. Even with reductions,
libraries are still being funded. This, in turn, has no effect on the common taxpayer. Libraries
have shown they can operate with limited budgets and still provide the necessary amenities that
absolutely should be well funded.
It is clear to see that libraries are still a worthwhile investment. They provide for
communities in a way that the internet could never. Their adaptation to modern times has proved
that no matter what, libraries will never truly be outdated. If a significant portion of American
populace still utilizes the amenities of a modern library every single day, there is no rational
basis to call for the closure or defunding of these noble institutions. Libraries will forever be part
of the American way from today to tomorrow and beyond.