Are libraries a thing of the past, or a staple of reality?

Abstract

When Henry Ward Beecher said, "A library is not a luxury but one of the necessities of life," he did not know all of what would come out of libraries in the future. He did not know how libraries would evolve over time, but the statement remains true. Maintaining a place for people to go to obtain knowledge, community, and a sense of belonging is a vital aspect of libraries that makes them a necessary feature of life. Many factors come into play when it comes to understanding just how important a library can be for its community. There has been some concern lately that libraries are a thing of the past because reading for pleasure is on the decline, and new technologies are replacing the services libraries once provided. However, an examination of libraries' past and present, and a speculation about their future, suggests that libraries are here to stay. Libraries have faced challenges throughout history and are here to tell the story. While some of the most pressing challenges for libraries today include funding cuts, harassment of workers, and censorship, libraries are showing up to face these rising challenges, proving they are up for the fight. Some of the library's most important aspects include its role as a community hub, a space for women to find work and a sense of belonging, and a place for the free sharing of knowledge. As my research into libraries' past, present, and future potential suggests, the value of the American library is clear and shows no sign of disappearing, regardless of claims about the impending demise of the library as an institution.