Growing up Alana Peters practically lived in her neighborhood public library in Dallas’s Oak Cliff community. When her family moved to Houston, one of the first things they scouted out was the location of the nearest public library. So, it was just par for the course that when Peters grew into adulthood and became a mother, that she would carry on her family’s tradition of utilizing the public library.
“For my three kids, going to the library is a can’t-miss fun opportunity; they absolutely love it,” said the smiling, proud mother.
But Peters wasn’t smiling when she heard that the Houston Independent School District planned to convert the libraries on nearly 30 campuses and turn them into “Team Centers” for student disciplinary use.
“My first reaction was, ‘You can’t be serious. Who would think closing libraries was a good idea; and in a school, no less?’”
But HISD was not the last school district in the state to fire librarians and shut down libraries.
Following the lead of HISD and the San Antonio Independent School District, the Spring Branch Independent School District (SBISD) took the same actions, blaming the lack of funding earmarked for education of the most recent State Legislature.
Add to that, the national fervor by predominantly white, right-wing conservative Christians to ban seemingly any and all books pertaining to Black history and/or LGBTQ subjects, and many who love reading and reading spaces (libraries) like Peters, and the level of importance of public libraries increases dramatically.
“It’s almost as if public libraries are home to democracy’s last stand,” said Peters.
Retired longtime librarian Hellena Stokes says there has been a major paradigm shift when it comes to what most people believe about public libraries.
“No longer is it just a dull place where you quietly check out books,” shared Stokes, who earned her master’s degree in library science from the University of Texas at Austin. “Libraries today are more like active community centers, improving lives and bringing communities together.
“Public libraries promote literacy, continuing education opportunities, provide factual information and resources, offer cultural arts programs and exhibitions, opportunities to use digital services, the latest technologies, Wi-Fi, computer usage and other services for free with a library card.”
Still, many contend libraries have outlived their usefulness. But don’t tell that to those “Religious Right” crusaders who have been attempting to police and disrupt public libraries across the country just as they have been able to do with public school libraries; moving school administrators to ban books by and/or about Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., forever First Lady Michelle Obama and Ruby Bridges, the elementary-aged Black girl who helped end public school desegregation in Louisiana.
“Public libraries are not obsolete. Sure, there are still circulation services… in additional to books, check out CD’s, audio books, Hot Spots. Reference services are still available. Ask the librarian a question and they can help you find answers. Want to read the local newspaper and magazines? Libraries have the latest magazines and some allow checkout of the past copies. Inter-library Loan to search for and borrow titles that may not be in the collection. Libraries are vital to promoting the kind of society we say we want – one that’s about freedom, equality, justice and enlightenment,” said Stokes.
Did you know that public libraries also offer these services?
- You can reserve a study room for individual or small group study or a meeting room for your group for a small rental fee.
- There are Maker Spaces that house 3-D printers, embroidery machines, reality headsets, laser cutters and engravers. Those considering a career in music should view the HPL library as their Music Studio. Among the equipment available are digital and acoustic instruments, amplifiers, studio monitors and more. The Video Studio has all of the equipment needed to create animation, music videos, short films and even animation.
- There are activities for children to enjoy story times, arts and crafts, movies, author visits and performers. Additionally, there is adult programming, community gatherings and celebrations.
- The public library is often a warming or cooling space for community members.
- Libraries can assist with resume writing and have extensive resources to assist with job hunting.
- HPL allows non-traditional items to circulate such as science and literacy kits, games and bakeware to be checked out as well.
- Trying to apply for a passport? Contact the public library.
- Need to register to vote? Contact the public library.
There has been a radical change in the model of public library services however, The American Library Association provides core values for libraries. Approved January 21, 2024, the council approved the following Core Values that share the profession’s principles:
- Access – opportunities for everyone in the community to use library resources and services
- Equity – clearing barriers and creating spaces that welcoming and inclusive.
- Intellectual Freedom and Privacy – providing information from various viewpoints without restriction or bias
- Public Good – working to improve society and protect the rights to education, literacy and intellectual freedom
- Sustainability – making choices that are good for the environment, that make sense economically and treat everyone equitably
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