Reconceptualizing the Library, Or, We Aren't What You Think We Are

"Libraries are useless, I can find all the information I need on the internet."

"Isn't that a place where a bunch of old books that smell sit on shelves that are, like, 100 years old?"

"I have a computer at home, whats the big deal about the library having computers?"

Go out in public and sometimes you will hear people say those exact statements. Some people, no matter what, believe the idea of a well-funded, well-rounded library is an antiquated notion. They believe libraries were important during the time when there was no internet, no Google, no e-books. Whatever. The average person who holds such a belief about the library does not make them correct.

Sure, there are older libraries who have not quite adapted to the newly formed theory of what libraries should be. Maybe their funding is low, therefore not allowing them to keep up with the library Jones. It happens, it is unfortunate, but those are not all libraries.

The Sumter County Library is an example of what libraries are trying to become in this chaotic, evolving library landscape. The Sumter County Library is not just a library - we are a community hub where people all over the county come for many different reasons.

What are these reasons? Check them out:

1. Free meeting space. Groups from all over the country have come and used our meeting facilities for free. We have several different rooms for all sizes of groups.

2. Public computers. Many people in this rural area don't have a computer. They cannot afford one. They lack computer literacy skills and need a librarian to help them fill out job applications or find tax forms. Our free internet is a vital source. Even patrons with laptops may come in, sit in a comfy seat and browse the web.

3. Classes. In our Reference Department several librarians teach computer classes in the Fall and Spring. We teach everything from Microsoft Word and Excel, how to use Ancestry.com, Facebook, you name it. Patrons need these classes to form skills which hopefully will translate into a job, or simply being able to manage a household budget.

4. Entertainment. The number of programs we offer to the entire community is awesome. From our Classic Movie Nights at the Sumter Opera House, movies at the Main library, child storytimes in the library and community, author talks, Book Sales and on and on and on. There is always something going on in our library system.

I do not mean to brag about what we offer here. We are a hard-working library attempting to serve our community in many different aspects.

The next time you have a conversation with someone about libraries, tell them libraries are a hub of life, a center for the community, a place for everyone to enjoy life, obtain an education and attempt to harbor a better future.