Libraries are dead - not!

The other day I was asked a question that I am sure many other librarians get asked (although I wasn't technically 'asked' this question; it was more of a surprised statement).  The question was "People still come to the library? Don't they just use the internet?"  Far from being inactive, dying centres, libraries are part of what I think are very exciting times.  The last few years have seen a steady growth in people attending our programs, in the number of programs we hold, the numbers of loans and also the number of people who come through the doors.  Resources have grown from print items (books, newspapers and magazines), DVDs and CDs to include eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines and downloadable and streaming media such as songs and movies.

We work hard to make sure that all these items are obtained through fair and honest means (by following rigid procurement policies) and to make sure that they fit our communities needs as much as possible.  That aside, we now offer so many, many more programs, programs that enrich lives and reach out to so many members of our communities.  We have Storytimes for babies and children from birth right through until they start school, school holiday programs, summer reading clubs, teen self esteem programs, cookbook clubs, help for jobseekers...the list goes on.

Libraries are vibrant, dynamic spaces, places for individual and group learning and very much community hubs.  As I said earlier, it is a very exciting time to be in libraries!