Benefits of the local public library by Aaron Tanner

Libraries are a pleasant, quiet respite from a chaotic world. These community centers are available for people of all ages, from storytime for preschoolers to senior citizens taking free classes on how to use the internet.

My very first volunteer job as a teenager involved helping at the library with various tasks such as creating buttons for children’s events, re-shelving books, and stamping return dates on cards. The experience was rewarding as I received an opportunity to learn social skills outside of school as well as get my first foundation of having a work ethic for future employers.

After not using the library for a long time, I rediscovered it over the past couple of years. A 2017 Pew research study showed that many in my generation, the Millennials, are more likely to use their local public library in the past year than any other generation.

One reason for using my local public library is access to audiobooks on CD for long car trips. One of my favorite audiobooks I’ve listened to so far is the Prairie Home Companion short stories by Garrison Keillor. The books on CD are a great way of stimulating one’s brain to break up the monotony of driving down the highway. Many libraries now have an option where a member can download audiobooks onto a smartphone for remote listening.

Another good use of the library is the use of free wi-fi. Although commercial places like Starbucks have free wi-fi, one is usually required to purchase something in order to use their internet service. At the library, all one has to do is connect their laptop to the public wi-fi.  Last year, I used my local public library to complete freelance writing work as an alternative to working from home.

Due to the current pandemic, the future of fall television schedules is unknown. Fortunately, most Huntsville Madison County Public Library branches now has curbside pickup for patrons who place books on hold. I recently used this service and is a great alternative to buying books from Amazon.

Over the past several years, libraries across the United States have begun offering services and programs for disabled people. At the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library, digital and braille books are available for those with eyesight limitations, dyslexia, or other physical disabilities free of charge.  For special needs individuals who qualify, the material can be mailed to their place of residence.

Volunteering at a public library is one way for parents to expose teens with a disability to an opportunity about learning the skills necessary for future paid employment in a safe environment. The individual not only gets out of the house, but they might come away with a friend or two while visiting or volunteering at their local public library.

Even in the 21st century, I am glad to see that the library is still a vital part of not only Huntsville and Madison County but in communities all across the United States. These places are an integral part of sharing new and different ideas through the power of books. They are also a respite from a society that is increasingly becoming nosier as time passes. I hope the library never goes away.

For more information about the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library, click here. Comment below for your thoughts about public libraries.