A question I often hear when I tell people I am pursuing my MLIS and that I currently work in libraries is, “Who still goes to the library?” \u00a0I wish the people that ask that question could step into a school or public library and witness the range of activties and interactions taking place. There is exploration, learning, curiousity being satisfied, and humans of all ages connecting in different ways. A glimpse into the space may show school students participating in a book tasting, a group of adult learners in a study room, poring over their textbooks and supporting each other on their educational journeys, or the adult patron looking for classes for seniors. They would get to experience the magic that is the the learning laboratory also known as the library. \u00a0The library is a more digitally connected space than ever before. So many things are accessible online through various platforms. From Libby to Driver’s Education, there are many digital programs in addition to all of the in person programming available. We have more ways than ever to be connected, but there is still a chasm between those who are able to navigate these digital learning spaces and those who are somewhat sidelined for a variety of reasons.<\/p>\n
\n“In the networked society, learning is everywhere and everywhere is here”. <\/span><\/em><\/strong>Nygren (2014)<\/em><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
There are two disconnects I see happening. The first is those who have an outdated perception of what is happening in the library. Bookey (2017)<\/a>, exemplifies this disconnect between the the perception of libraries past versus the libraries of today. \u00a0“Kiss your image of a library as a book warehouse goodbye, and say hello to community spaces and gathering places for the 21st century”. The second disconnect are those being left out or behind because they do not have the digital literacy skills required to get “connected”, which Nygren (2014)<\/a> discusses as well as opportunities to address this gap. Libraries to me are a school for lifelong learners. The library is a place of structured and fluid learning ranging from food preservation<\/a> to learning to play bocce ball<\/a>. They are truly the centers of our communities and the endless learning opportunities prove their importance in our society time and time again. The library is not the quiet, stuffy space that acts as a museum for books that people don’t read anymore. The stacks are alive with well curated titles. There are classes for all ages and exhibits that engage and inspire. There are community groups practicing other languages and playing games. I would be remiss if I did not mention tool libraries<\/a> and the worlds those open up for patrons. The library is the epitomy of community connection and learning. I hope word gets out that the best school in town is your local library.<\/p>\n
\n“In the \u2018connected learning\u2019 approach, learning is accelerated when it is powered by an individual\u2019s interests and passions, supported by peers, and in spaces where an individual feels valued and safe”. <\/em><\/span><\/strong>Nygren (2014)<\/a><\/span><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
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References:<\/strong><\/p>\n
Bookey, J. L. (2017, December 6). 8 awesome ways libraries are making learning fun<\/em>. HuffPost<\/em>. https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/entry\/8-awesome-ways-libraries_b_7157462<\/a><\/p>\n
Nygren, \u00c5. (2014). The public library as a community hub for connected learning<\/em> [Paper presentation]. IFLA World Library and Information Congress, Lyon, France. ifla.org<\/a><\/p>\n
San Francisco Public Library. (2026, July 28). Activity: Bocce Ball<\/em>. https:\/\/sfpl.org\/events\/2026\/07\/28\/activity-bocce-ball<\/a><\/p>\n
Solano County Library. (n.d.). Special collections<\/em>. https:\/\/solanolibrary.gov\/catalog\/special-collections\/<\/a><\/p>\n