Student Blog: How to Support Your Local Libraries

Hello!

As you have likely gathered by now, I have a lot of love for the library system. Libraries, censorship, and book banning have all been rising topics of discussion in the past few years. I do think that thanks to this raised awareness, we have seen an increase of people who are in favor of keeping libraries funded. Perhaps, however, not everyone knows exactly how to help. If you are someone who is interested in this subject, here are some things you can do from time to time to show libraries your support!

1. Get a library card, and check stuff out!

Starting out with the most obvious: go get a library card, and check out your local library's content! There are plenty of items you can check out at a library, fiction or non-fiction, from books to magazines to DVDs, and even to digital content. The best part is that it's all free! You could even strike up a conversation with your librarians and get a tour of the building.

2. Donate

Your library will likely have donation drives or membership programs. Consider donating books, up-to-date magazines, or school supplies that are in decent condition. A library's budget can only buy so many new items each year, so donations of any amount from patrons can help immensely.

3. Go to events

If you look up your local public library's website, you will probably find a handful of events and weekly club meetings. I've learned that my town's library has a Dungeons and Dragons club, a chess club, and a LEGO club! Invite your friends and have group hang-outs with them to bring attendance numbers up.

4. Host an event

Alternatively, it is pretty easy to reserve a room at a library for your own events. At many libraries, you can start clubs of your own, have study sessions with classmates, or even hold birthday parties. This goes back to the point of bringing attendance numbers up. Libraries are more likely to receive better funding when they have a high number of visitors.

5. Vote, vote, vote!!

Show up to your local elections! Social media is a great place to learn about the representatives and candidates in your town. You can look up legislation that relates to public libraries in your state. Your local libraries may even provide information on their own social media. Local elections tend to have a low voter turnout every year, but they have a lot of impact on your daily life. Therefore, I encourage you to learn more about what is going on around your town, regarding any causes that you hold close to you.

Libraries are amazing because they hold so much content and knowledge, but they're also great public spaces that you can just visit for free. They're great if you want to be by yourself, or if you want to meet people with the same interests as you. If you feel the same way, I hope that you are encouraged to try any of these things, and that you continue advocating for what you are passionate about!