Libraries and writers are inexorably entwined. Most writers grew up using libraries and have a great appreciation for the way they provide access to books. And writers directly benefit from libraries as they provide an important way for authors to be discovered by readers. Which means that in this world where everything is terrifyingly uncertain, writers have another thing to worry about, the pandemic has made the future very bleak for libraries.
I’ve worked at a public library for thirty years. Even before the pandemic, “circulation” (a measure of the usage of materials) was dwindling. More and more people were starting to get their information and entertainment online. To download e-books and e-audiobooks instead of coming in and checking them out. Kids are writing their papers with information from the internet instead of coming to the library to do their research. The patrons who used to check out our movies, games, and music now download or stream those materials.
Even so, until a few months ago, I would have been pretty confident about the future of libraries. Our circulation might be declining, but it seemed clear we still had an important place in our community. As a gathering spot for families and social groups. A shelter and resource for the homeless and indigent. And most importantly, as a strong supporter of early childhood literacy.
The pandemic threatens all of that. We are still providing services. Our e-book and e-audiobook libraries have never gotten so much use. And the last few weeks we have started “curbside” delivery of library materials. But that, like our digital libraries, requires the patron to have access to a computer, to be able to navigate our website and find materials so they can place them on hold and then pick them up. We’ve also started our summer reading program—online of course.
But the services we are offering leave out the very people who need libraries the most, those who don’t have easy access to the internet. It’s the same issue that makes on-line schooling so inadequate for a significant portion of the population.
It is likely that we will open our doors in a few weeks, and try to resume normal library services, but with limitations and social distancing rules. Some of our most popular programs, like summer reading, will look totally different. There will be no opportunity for kids to pick out their prizes after they’ve completed a reading goal. The bookmobile, a wonderful resource for people who don’t have the means to come to the library, will have to limit services as the close quarters of the vehicle don’t allow for social distancing. There will be strict limits on the number of people who can be in the computer room at one time. And meetings and programming? Who knows what that will even look like.
Along with my concern that library services will never be the same, and that we will have difficulty offering services to the very people who need them most, the other threat to libraries will be funding. The economic downturn will affect all publicly-funded institutions, as dwindling tax revenues force state, county and local governments to slash budgets. Most people agree that libraries are important resources. But are they going to be seen as essential services?
I worry that the dire funding crunch of the next few years will result in such deep cuts that the traditional services of the library will go by the wayside. That in the choice between providing funding to pay skilled staff, or to pay for expensive on-line databases and resources, the digital services will be deemed more important. I fear that the day will come when the traditional library experience will be a luxury only wealthy communities will be able to afford.
To survive, libraries are going to need the support of their communities, especially those groups, like writers, who directly benefit from what libraries do. Most writers I know fell in love with books at a very early age. We need to make certain that in the future, young children of all socio-economic groups have an opportunity to be exposed to the joys of stories and reading. To reach that goal, we need libraries and skilled library staff.
I know, I’m bringing up another thing to worry about. Another important part of our lives that the pandemic threatens. Looking ahead to the future is frightening in many aspects. I personally don’t want to imagine a future without libraries. Somehow, we must make certain they survive.
Thank you, Mary, for a concise and heartfelt analysis of the situation. I, too, love libraries and want them to continue. Since they are publicly funded, how can we support them? Is there a “foundation” or some other avenue for contributing? I suspect that “writing to your congressperson” is encouraged, but as you say, there are “essential” services that may take priority. What can individuals do on a practical level?
With deep appreciation.
P.S. Congratulations on such a prolific and successful writing career!
Many libraries (especially in Colorado) are funded by local government entities. Cities, counties and even special library districts. So, often the people making the decisions are fairly local and easier to reach than a state representative. Because of that local influence, I think libraries will survive in wealthier communities. I just worry about those communities who don’t have a lot of resources. That said, a certain amount of funding probably does come from the state. I know in Wyoming, the Wyoming state Library funds a lot of services including paying a good portion of the fees for online databases and buying ebooks for the state ebook library and generally providing support for local libraries.So yes, contacting your state representatives is probably important, too. Also, our library gets a portion of a local sales tax that voters get to vote on every few years, so local lobbying for that sort of funding is also important. And private funding from individuals and companies, money raised by our library foundation, has help pay for some services, especially those benefiting kids and early childhood literacy. But that depends on there being enough wealth in a community that people are willing to donate money towards a library cause. Which is concerning because I think all non-profits are hurting right now and desperate for donors.
I agree with you, Mary. I don’t want to imagine a future without libraries. They’ve been an essential part of my life for as long as I can remember, and they provide invaluable services to me as both a reader and a writer.
I’m hoping that the love so many people have for libraries will be enough to keep them going in the future. Most people don’t think of books and literacy promotion and other services of the library as “essential”. But I think they are crucial to a civilized, functioning society.
It’s sad to think that the future may not include libraries. My local library was one of the few places I went as a child. And I enjoyed time together with daughter at the library. Scary times for sure.
I agree. I think libraries are part of so many people’s childhood memories, at least those of us who are older. I hope that nostalgia and remembered pleasure will keep libraries going. I worry about the younger people who live so much in a digital world. I don’t think the real library experience can ever be recreated digitally. So much of it is a physical experience: the smell of books, the tactile pleasure of touching and holding a book and turning the pages, the ease of looking at illustrations and reading typefaces that are real and not made up of pixels. The face-to-face interactions with other people who also love books and stories and research and ideas. I am waxing poetic about it, but I think a lot writers feel that way. I hope that is leads to a movement to save libraries in these difficult times.
P.S. How are you? How is the writing going, Merissa?