So I was thinking about the purpose of libraries in regards to communities. I have always wondered which is more true, that libraries shape their communities, or that communities shape their libraries. I used to always think it was the latter, but now I am not so sure. I think it is a very obvious statement to make that communities shape their libraries. I know from working at the Seymour Public Library in Le Moyne that our library is small enough to accomodate all sorts of requests that perhaps a larger library wouldn't be able to do. If a patron requests a book be added to the collection, it almost always is, very quickly. I think that says something about the size of libraries, too. Just because a library is large and has a lot of funding does not mean they will always have what the patron is looking for. I enjoy working where I do because our library is small enough that we know many of our patrons by name and when they request something, we are easily able to accomodate them. Our collection in the past few years has been very much influenced by our community.
On the other hand, I am beginning to see how much the library influences the community. Even though I work in a library, I still make the mistake of associating the library with books, and only books. But now I see how the library is beginning to be utilized for its space, and how the library is utilizing its own space for the community to bring them things we have not had before. For example, the library has been offering seminars on travelling and cooking, and we now offer information and help with finding jobs in this difficult economy. If people wish to hold meetings, they are welcome to use the library's meeting rooms free of charge. These are perhaps opportunities that would not have existed if the library were not there. It says something about the library shaping the community in more ways than one.
