Community.

With Thanksgiving fast approaching, now seems to be an excellent time to talk about libraries within the community. None of us can deny how grateful we are for libraries or the amazing progression they have made within our communities.

Once monoliths of quiet study, and houses for books, libraries have expanded to much more. We have grown to be members of our communities, helping to knit them closer together. With libraries becoming hyperlocal, we have had to start rapidly reinventing ourselves starting in the 1990's.

Rather than being known exclusively for research or knowledge that you can now gather within seconds on your phone, we have become learning centers, centers of literacy and most importantly, a main hub for community involvement. From offering free programming to adults and children alike, free access to computers and wi-fi, meeting spaces, a quiet refuge to get out of the cold, out-reach programs to schools and businesses, a spot for best friends to have playdates and goodness, much, much, more....

It is no wonder that libraries tend to hold such a sentimental place in our hearts. We grow up with them and they grow up with us. They are there in trying moments of needing to seek jobs, requiring social services or a quiet friend to be found on pages of paper. Librarians know our patrons on a first name basis. We end up loving our patrons like family. Our children give their librarians hugs, and we know we are doing good for our community.

So, the next time you overhear someone say, "Libraries are outdated," spread the word that we are as modern as any other fast moving technology. That we will always be at the center of our towns and cities. And that the library will always be an ever loving family member.

From Our Family to Yours,

The Happiest of Thanksgivings.