One Great Institution

Love of the Public Library www.derricksweatdeepfreeze.blogspot.com

 

Wilder's Books

Presents

One Great Institution

FROM A ACCLAIMED AUTHOR

George WilderJr.

© Copyright 2010

by George Wilder Jr.

All Rights Preserved

One Great Institution

By

George Wilder Jr.

2011

With the once vast stumbling of the American economy, libraries' still some budgets around the country will be or have been cut to the bone. And that include layoffs and service cuts in some of the most vital areas. I and everyone who loves libraries should know that these institutions are the backbone of the United States. My experiences at my local branches and the central libraries are almost legend in my Chicago community. My young son and I just love almost literally slumming at the library. That is very true. What other place on earth can you goof off at and gain so much pertinent knowledge of just about anything you need and want to know? My son and I are very enthusiastic readers and daily patrons of one of the world's greatest institution. There isn't a day go by that he doesn't ask to visit our neighborhood library. It's almost has become our second home. Libraries are a God-Send to all neighborhoods and communities. We must preserve their existence.

Most patrons realize that. My young son, Denver, knows all about the economic

problems that plague libraries because I have told him. Like so many other children

throughout the country, my child will be affected by all the cuts at his library. Who would argue with me about so many important things that libraries bring to the communities, neighborhoods, and by ordinary people throughout the many cities within the United States? Americans are readers and seekers of quality information. What a collection and wealth of information and services that we all can utilize with the help of references librarians and the kindness of other staff. But all of this could and would tumble if and when massive cuts are implemented by cash strapped municipalities. In a downed economy, Americans are holding on to their money. And not buying much of any thing and includes the latest books that are on the National Best Sellers lists. In stead, Americans are utilizing libraries to check out those and other materials when they become available. Whoever said that most people do not read books? In this ailing economy, I want to tell all of them that they are just flat wrong. People are reading more than ever and checking out great and classic books and other materials all the time, and most of it because of tighter wallets. When we go out to the library in search of elusive bestseller and if it has been taken out, we do not panic, especially when we have the option of putting that book or books on hold for more than a good chance of receiving it later. They always alert me with an email or by phone when my books and other material have arrived for pick up. And that is just fine with us avid readers.

As mentioned, the computers are freely available at the libraries with access of a library card number and can that depends on the standing and status of the borrower. However, these services and others are only a footnote of the past, if serious attention isn't paid to the now ailing institution. There are so many reasons to keep our libraries viable, and talking about those things and using my son and our constant use of the facility is just one of many thousands of patrons around the country who walk through the doors of any library to check out a book and to do research.

Also, some children are pulling up video websites and playing games just like some

adults are. However, I think that is only a small percentage of young patrons. There are so many others who actually are doing legitimate business and work on the library computers, and they are students, business people, housewives, and writers. For those students and others who do not have computers at home or internet access, the library has become, as mentioned, God-Send for that mixed income crowd. It's the people from all walks of life and backgrounds utilizing the latest technology at the library. They all have a great appreciation for all the expanding innovation libraries have to offer.

One of the things that make Chicago so beautiful is its main learning institution, the

Harold Washington Library along with its outlining branch libraries. I love to walk up to a reference librarian and try and pick his or her brain on the up coming attractions to the libraries and the city. What is so amazing is that they are always are so helpful. No matter what time my son and I walk into the library, and no matter how much that person has on her plate, he or she is ready to help with everything we ask for, no matter how many other patrons are waiting in line to be serviced. They always make us feel very special. I guess

I'm just making a case for libraries. Just like many others, I'm hoping someone is listening about the important part libraries play in the lives of Main Street America.

We all marveled at the extreme makeover libraries have undertaken. This could all

be lost someday if lawmakers refused to see the magnitude of the situation that seem to be looming large. Books and many other materials can now be checked out online. And that is so neat. Could this be one of the vital services to go? I hope not. What if my son should need help with his nightly homework, I would have no problem accessing such help online.

And there is always teacher or tutor available when needed right inside libraries. This is awesome. My son and I also marveled at the refined searchable events calendar.

Since the advent of the makeover, I have seen people patronize the libraries more.

For me, it's a wonderful sight see ordinary people take advantage of the services their

neighborhood libraries has to offer. Some do not realize the trouble or pending doom that may befall all or most libraries. If they are regular patrons, they will surely be

disappointed. Moreover, libraries gets at least some people out of the house, which is a good thing. There is pep in their steps and their smiles are wider then ever on those soft faces.

That small walk to the library can be a little exercise for some of them and which could be a lot better than no exercise at all. Therefore, visiting the public library can be good for the patrons and community's physical health as well mental health. Read. Read. Read. It's all good.

There is always so much material available at our libraries. We just gobble up

everything that is not checked out. I love getting the newsletters about the libraries

informing me on what is latest that is going on and how my participation is vital. Just

another reason to take care of our libraries.

As I mentioned earlier, when my son and I visit the library and that's almost every

day, we always expect and get courteous treatment. And we do. There is always a librarian for every patron seeking help on just about anything at all pertaining to the library. We can always call the Reference and Information Service if we are baffled about something. I love using the expanded Interlibrary Loan Service. If borrowed materials are one day late or more, borrowers can expect to pay fines that are more then reasonable for time the materials are checked out. When I registered my son for his first library card, the clerk behind the circulation desk was so gracious and prompt. My son had his library card in no time. And he began checking out books immediately.

Libraries always need funding for purchases of current bestsellers and other popular materials and services for the communities to feast on. But in this case funding

may a thing of past as mayors in big cities tackle balancing their budgets.

When my young son and I walk into the library, we always expect a clean, safe,

and a reasonably quiet facility. And it never let us down. Whether we are doing research or just wasting time, the library experience is one we will always welcome. And it would a crime if budget cuts makes that next visit to the library a shame.

Libraries are built constantly throughout America and each one has its own

uniqueness and architecture. Libraries could not exist without the community, and the community would be totally lost without a good library. Taking my son to the library has greatly approved his grades is school and knowledge in other areas. Therefore, I'm totally indebted to our community library and they indeed has, again, been a God-Send.

As using, the library is almost like our second home. I'm sure that some of the

friendly staff sometimes wonder if my son and I really do have a home. Yes, we do have a home, we just love the library. Even though a lot people do attend the libraries, however, we are a bit sad because some of my son's friends hardly ever step one foot inside of the library. They go to his school and some are his classmates, but they never are seen at the library, at least not as much as we are seen patronizing the place. I hope that will change.

We will always love and respect the body of information, sources, resources, and

services that are freely available at the library. The tremendous amount of knowledge is endless and beyond. Libraries will be here forever, and as long as we can, my son and I will continue to goof off in the library however, only in a very positive and productive way. All that to say libraries and their current problems should not be pushed aside and ignored.

My son and others would be devastated if libraries start closing up like the mom and pop stores down the street and putting up for rents signs. If the Federal Government thinks and talks and then initiates bailouts for Wall Street, Corporate Moguls, and the automobile industry, why not the nation's most vital institution that plays a sufficient role in education of our children and young people. I hope that my little rant right here might someday soon encourage more anticipation, involvement, technology, innovation, and of course more dollars to keep our libraries as viable institutions for all people.

Hope to see you at the library.

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Author's Note

Some parts of this article was published in the Chicago Suntimes Newspaper