10 Reasons Why Is the Library Important

This week is National Library Week, and it got me thinking: with information available electronically at our fingertips, why is the library still important?  There are many reasons the library has relevance in today's age, but for now I'll give you 10:

1. You can check out items for free.  Let's start with the basics.  You can check out everything including books, audiobooks, DVDs, CDs, and more for free.  How many places loan things without charging a dime?
2. You can get free e-books and e-magazines.  Have an e-reader or tablet?  You can download books and magazines to your device for free as well.
3. Someone can show you how to use your electronic gadget.  Suppose you don't know how to use that e-reader or tablet you got as a gift.  The people at the store are in the business of selling products, not teaching how to use them.  Enter the library staff, ever willing to help for free.
4. The computers and Internet are free to use.  Maybe times are tough and you don't have a computer or are able to pay your Internet bill.  The library offers free use of their computers and Internet.  And if you do have an electronic device, you can use the library's Wi-Fi free of charge.
5. There are free programs and classes.  Want to learn how to knit or crochet?  Walk with other walkers?  Learn how to do computer basics?  The library has programs and classes to teach you these things and more.
6. It's the new community center.  Where can you get together with other people?  Where can you find out what's happening in the community?  You got it--the library, the modern town square!
7. There are still some things you can't get online.  Although a lot of things have been digitized, there are still so many more things that can only be found in print.
8. Librarians can proctor tests.  Taking a college class online?  Perhaps you need to take a proctored exam.  Well, library staff can serve as proctors.  For free!
9. It promotes literacy.  Maybe this is a no-brainer, but the library is in the reading business.  It has storytime programs for babies and for preschoolers.  Additionally, there are book clubs for young kids, teens, and adults.
10. It's both entertaining and useful.  If you're bored, you can always find something at the library to keep you entertained.  Something for home, something for that vacation you're taking.  If you want to learn, get information, apply for a job, or whatever, the library can help you do what you want to do.

The library is as essential as ever with its various offerings, most of which are free.  And not that you need any more incentive to come into the library, but this week in honor of National Library Week, we're giving away free book bags and other goodies, so come on in!

Yours truly from the perch.