Libraries are underutilized and underappreciated places, and yet offer so much for local communities. They deserve more attention and attendance.
When people think about libraries, the stereotypical idea is that of a strict, quiet building with rows and rows of books full of scholars and students. While it’s true that the general use of libraries is to gain knowledge, libraries have evolved over the years to become touchpoints for communities and have much more to offer today than just books.
Libraries used to be very closed-off spaces reserved for those seeking knowledge, but today they’re very much open to the public and offer resources for finding jobs, free internet access and Wi-Fi, community events and more. These resources are all publicly available and ready to be used, and they should be taken advantage of.
In addition to those services, the Virginia Beach Public Library (VBPL), has 10 branches in different locations around the city and offers volunteer and community building opportunities. For teenagers, there are programs like the Summer Learning Adventure that they can volunteer for, and the Teen Advisory Group to let teens plan out their own programs and community activities for other teens attending the library.
Often programs and opportunities for other age groups are available as well, including, but not limited to, an online career course that can help adults earn a high school diploma and activities that assist kids with their reading and speaking abilities.
The programs and community work done by VBPL are vital for Virginia Beach. They offer resources that could save people’s futures and careers while also offering fun and recreation for those in the community who want it.
It’s not even just large city libraries doing important work. Even just at Ocean Lakes, the library holds not only books but recording equipment and 3D printers that are free and available for any student to use. It hosts clubs and programs. It also offers a valuable place for students to gather together to study or talk, encouraging creativity and collaboration with spaces to do creative group activities.
“A lot of kids use the space just to hang out, but some of them even read,” says library specialist Elizabeth Labiak, highlighting how much of a community space our library is.
Libraries are some of the most important cornerstones of our community, and more people should appreciate and utilize their resources than they do today. Exploring the resources, programs and spaces they have to offer could land someone their new favorite place to be.
