Rethinking library — Why library with local museum is essential?
We are now living in the digital age, but do we no longer need physical books, libraries and bookstores?
While everything can be done in the cyberspace, we still live in the physical space. A library can be evolving into a space which can bring us more meaningful life in response to the changing world!
One of the ways is to enhance local communities.
Actually this is what libraries in the UK is doing: they organise events and workshops including helping people seek jobs, books and history sharing sessions. Some leaflets (like Talking Therapies, visit information on local hidden gems) and local magazines/newspapers are distributed there for free. A library is a good place because it is non-commercial so that it is less restrictive compared to some public space like shopping centres.
Some libraries regularly curate books according to different topics like LGBTQ+ and local history, suggesting residents what books they can read. Some big libraries can even have their own local museum as an important part of their library. Redbridge Museum is one of the examples.
Swiss Cottage Library curated books on Windrush Day!
Redbridge Museum
But they can do more! Some libraries do well, while some may not.
Upgrading libraries to hubs to fix social issues and spark new possibilities
The councils and even the governments should not simply shut down libraries in order to cut costs because of less needs.
Instead, the library can be transformed into a hub to fix various issues and improve a community, like:
Not only books but also tools: Library of Things is a good example!
An venue for people to hire to organise events.
A place for people to have a coffee, and rest. A tiny coffee shop is always great!
A place for locals and even tourists to meet each other, enhancing social harmony and respect. We need to have more seatings not only for working or studying, but sofas or comfortable chairs with big round tables.
A hub for newcomers to seek help, from looking for jobs to psychological support. A library should have the books useful for job seeking.
Workshops and events for people to learn skills, integrating with related reading resources.
Encourage reading and to embed it into life. More curation of life-related reading material is necessary.
Provide space to support local talents by showcasing their works.
Have a local museum with a visitor centre to enhance understanding and respect of the communities of both locals and tourists, with great spots and activities recommended by the staff or volunteers there as well as related books curated.
Maybe you think we already have every information which can be googled, but physical places are always better to inspire and motivate people from all walks of life to do something. I suggest libraries because we already have hundreds to thousands of them, so that we only need to gradually transform them into more meaningful and valuable places without building something new from scratch.
Why tourists should visit libraries
Even though the library has not been evolved yet, as a tourist you can still understand a community well through the venue:
What kind of books does the library have, compared to other libraries?
What kind of books do they curate? LGBT? History?
Do they have books with other languages? There may be other ethnicities living in the community.
Can you get local magazines for free? Do they recommend some great spots?
Enjoy your visit to libraries!
