The Public Good of the Public Library

A while ago I saw a headline or social media post about how there aren’t many public places anymore (or maybe there weren’t many to start with) where you can spend time without the expectation that you will pay to be there. A notable exception to this is a public library. Bars and coffee shops are common places to congregate and can be good places to work or read, but along with the space comes an expectation of payment. Although the payment may only be a few dollar beer or coffee that few dollars can add up quickly and can exclude people who don’t want to or can’t spend that every day or who don’t partake in those common vices.

As a person who primarily works from home I have experience trying to find a place to work out in the public sphere when I want to change up my routine or get a little more human interaction. Although I enjoy going to a coffee shop or bar every so often, and have a very nice time working there, there is something special about working at the public library.

It is truly a community space. There are people from all walks of life enjoying the services and atmosphere of the library. The library in my city has wifi, a ton of study space, public use computers, community information, community events such as music performances and philosophy discussion groups, tax help, printing services, and many more resources in addition to an incredible selection of books and other media. It’s also a warm or cool (depending on the season) and safe space for people to be.

Public libraries are such a public good and I am so grateful to have access to one. I highly recommend you visit your local library or bookmobile if you haven’t in a while. The access to free information and adventure is worthwhile on its own, but libraries also provide so much more.