“The public library is a center of public happiness first, of public education next. The necessity of the library, its great value to the community, should be urged by the local press, from the platform, and in personal talk.” – John Cotton Dana (1920)
I enjoyed listening to Pam Sandlian’s TED Talk (2013) about the relevance of public libraries in the 21stcentury. She provided many additional great examples of how far libraries have come in this century. My favorite example that she brought up (and that always amazes me) is how libraries can and have been early responders, such as the New York Public Library in Queens opening after Hurricane Sandy hit to distribute important resources (TEDx Talks, 2013). Truly astounding! Throughout this course, we have seen many more examples of what public libraries can do for their communities beyond providing media like books and movies, computer access, and the internet. These new models created by public libraries show us how truly indispensable libraries are to the public.
One of those amazing new models can be seen at the Salt Lake City Public Library (SLCPL) in Utah.
After noticing a gap in their ability to provide adequate help to all people that patronize the library, the SLCPL decided to hire a full-time licensed clinical social worker (Harkins, 2023). Nicole Campolucci was hired as the first Social Services Coordinator at SLCPL. This is something that is incredibly important considering that public libraries are one of few safe and welcoming spaces that any person can come to, especially those that do not have somewhere else to go. Although, not all patrons feel comfortable with this service that is creating a hub for those experiencing homelessness or those who have other psychosocial needs. The staff, however, is vocal that their mission includes “equal access for everybody” (Harkins, 2023). All public libraries should work towards that goal within their capacities.
The Salt Lake City Public Library has created something that truly exemplifies how public libraries have changed in the 21st century and how new models can be used to (or at the very least attempt to) help everyone in the community. Shouldn’t that be what we all strive to do?
References
Dana, J. C. (1920). A library primer. Library Bureau.
The City Library: The Salt Lake City Public Library System. (n.d.). [Photograph of the front of the Main Library]. https://about.slcpl.org/main-library
Harkins, P. (2023, June 20). Salt Lake City downtown library’s new social worker has already helped thousands. The Salt Lake City Tribune. https://www.sltrib.com/news/2023/06/20/salt-lake-city-downtown-librarys/
TEDx Talks. (2013, December 16). What to expect from libraries in the 21st century: Pam Sandlian Smith at TEDxMileHig [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fa6ERdxyYdo