What is the purpose of a public library?

I asked myself recently “What is the purpose of a public library?”

It may seem at once an arrogant, provocative, even a hostile question.  I can hear people say “How dare you challenge the sacred institution of the public library?” .  I can hear others say “How stupid can you get?  Everybody knows the purpose of a public library -- it’s so you can get the latest novel without having to buy it and so you have a cheap place to take your kids when they’re bored”.  Both of these are legitimate responses, but I don’t think they really tackle the fundamental issue underlying the question.

Many purposes append to one’s local public library.  Some tout themselves as centers of public entertainment, offering a multitude of programs, workshops, classes, clubs and what have you.  Such libraries are vibrant places, with many contributors, participants, and supporters.  But couldn’t that role be just as well served by a community center? I don’t see that as the fundamental role of a library.

Some libraries want to become technology clearinghouses. They hare after the latest technology, be it iPads, Nanos, tablets, laptops, or netbooks.  They are always happy to help anyone use the latest technologies. They were the first to adopt self checkout stations, and have an impressive collection of e-books. Of course, if you’re not rich enough or tech savvy enough to afford a tablet computer or to understand digital rights, you may be soldier out of luck.

Recently, my eight year old daughter got caught up in reading a series of books.  She was enthralled by the world in which she found herself when she opened the cover of each title. I was excited for her.  Personally I found the premise of the series a bit precious, but if my daughter was reading, who was I to cavil? Another element of the scenario is that some time ago, I had bought a tablet device for her, mostly because I wanted her to be able to get access to the e-books our library had available. It was a cheap thing, and in a very short time it began to malfunction.  Since I couldn’t afford a better model, she is now without a tablet.  But books she has no problem with.  A book never fails to charge.  A book doesn’t crash. A book doesn’t run out of memory. The only thing a book does do is come due at the library.   

I think the main purpose of a library is to advance the purpose of reading. It is a civic good, just as transportation, crime fighting,  and fire and rescue contribute to the common weal. I believe if a library does not have that as its central purpose, it will be subject to the whims of the mob, apt to be co opted and dismembered, a redundant line item in the public budget. Just as justice is ill served by the vigilante, the public’s right to  reading is ill suited to the interests of the selfish private interest. Leaving our precious access to the world’s literature and information to the wild winds of fortune is as irresponsible as leaving your baby on a sidewalk in hopes it will be cared for.  Let’s hope there will always be a public library to fulfill our need for a good book.