The readings from Module 9: New Horizons was very concerning to me and stirred up emotions about humanity and the polarization between the have and the have nots. The power of innovation is intense and incredible and continually advances, but it also leaves many behind. There’s also so many other things that divide us, it’s hard to imagine that we as a society can find a place in our hearts and minds to connect, listen, learn, and support humanity and Earth and stand together as equals celebrating our true selves with compassion and enthusiasm.
So many things…
…but then I think about libraries. I think about the power of the librarian and their ability to reach out to those who are being left behind and help connect them to resources they need to achieve goals, gain access to FREE education, to find a community, to find a place that will support them and see them through.
A library can be there for that person who never graduated high school and offer free GED services so they can finally receive a high school diploma. A library can provide technology for that person who doesn’t have internet or a computer so they can take online courses and learn new skills that will help them get a better job. A library can give free tutoring classes for that person who needs to learn how to read so they can fill out job applications or a housing rental agreement. A library can offer hands on training on how to use a smart phone for tele-health appointments. So many things a library can do for that person who just needs to see that hand open up and guide them to a place that will enlighten their future and connect them to their community and find opportunity. Who knows? That person could be an Oscar winning writer who just needed that extra support to fulfill their dreams. That person could be the one who saves a life because they gained skills to be an EMT. Who knows? That person could end up being a librarian who reads amazing stories to children at story time and creates future life long library fans.
Anderson, J., Rainie, L. & Vogels, E. (2021, February 18). Experts say the new normal in 2025 will be far more tech-driven, presenting more big challenges. Pew Research Center https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2021/02/18/experts-say-the-new-normal-in-2025-will-be-far-more-tech-driven-presenting-more-big-challenges/
@christinew Oh yes – the power of libraries to level the technology playing field is huge. I hope we see more and more learning and experience labs created within library spaces.