How many times have you heard it? Why do we need a library? If you stick around with an open mind you might find out.
Libraries have been around since the 3rd century BC and I don't see it going anywhere. You might say "Why do we need a library if we can just search something online or watch a YouTube video? My answer is the validity of information online. Anyone can create a page and post bogus information on it. The same goes for Wikipedia. If someone writes a book on a subject he is really tenacious and the information could be more valid than what you would find online. It does not necessarily mean that the information is correct.
Libraries have these "myths" to them. People keep asking who uses a library. Well the guy next to you who can't afford a computer that needs to find a new job, the new doctor doing research on a substance that might one day cure Alzheimer's. The walking from school every day learning to read and write for the first time. People who can't afford Netflix or who does not even have access to the internet that are using public libraries for recreational activities. Libraries are not a place that store and organise information. Libraries are communities.
People still use libraries! And they still will for another 30 centuries. Virtual libraries are increasing. It is a fact. Artificial Intelligence will replace librarians. Books will all be digitised in the future, no more printed materials will exist other than in museums. I can agree to this. But libraries will still exist.
Libraries offer a service, an information service. Libraries are as important as a hospital, school, church, police station or fire station. It helps develop a country. It helps illiterate become literate. It helps communities come together and prosper. It helps people access to information that might change their life.
Libraries are here to stay and we should teach our children to not be afraid of libraries so that we can set them up for lifelong learning.
