April 30, 2006
As an avid reader I have often times dreamed of a better library, a library of tomorrow. My idea of a library is one that makes great strides in the community, technologically, and brings together the past and present
In this modern age there are many new gizmos and gadgets to keep children occupied and entertained. As we drift further into this technological age, the library of tomorrow has redoubled its efforts to bring a focus back toward literature and arts especially in the minority community. The library of tomorrow has programs to expose more youth to literature and the arts. These programs include taking a group of community kids to the museum to see exhibits like the exotic artifacts of Egypt and the rainforest of the Amazon and then following up the trip, having the children read about Egypt and the Amazon at the library. Sometimes staying at the library, authors come by for a poetry or book reading. The library's motto has become “a book in every hand” and its goal is to promote reading at all ages. On Saturdays there are sessions for the community. Pregnant mothers and those with small children come to hear an author read to them. (It's never too early to start gaining knowledge.) There are tutoring classes for those in school, run by high school students. This is a double benefit as the high school students volunteer and help the community while younger students get help with their schoolwork. There are also technology education classes to help people become better acquainted with computers. The library of tomorrow and the community have joined together to show children that they can explore the world through the library - to show them that they can dare to dream!
In keeping with the times, the library of tomorrow has state of the art technology. There are clusters of computer systems ready to be accessed. These computers have LCD monitors and are able to burn cds (in case someone wants to save information for a project or check out a book online). Of course these computers have high speed internet connections because who really wants to wait for a slow computer? Additionally, the library has projectors and smart boards for when groups meet or when there is a special event in the library. There is also a wireless network so that those with laptops can come in and access the internet. Library patrons can also check out “e-readers” which are portable screens where they can electronically order and read books while they aren't at the library.
By bringing together the past and the present I mean chronicling what has happened and what is happening. It has been said that those who don't know history are doomed to repeat it and in bringing up a new generation of knowledge seekers we need to be mindful of the past. The library of tomorrow adds a new section to the library- the classics. From The Adventures of Sherlock Homes and The Iliad to the writings of Plutarch, Newton and Plato, the library has it all. When students research historical figures, they can not only find information from the Internet but also be able to quote from the figures' original texts. Conversely, current advances are also made available in the library like research papers, scientific findings and collegiate lectures. Regardless of whether it is from the United States or abroad, the library makes it accessible to its patrons.
Ultimately the library is a place for those who are seeking knowledge and my vision of the library of tomorrow is a place that can foster that desire. It is a place to shape future generations and improve society. By progressing community-wise, technologically and historically, the library of tomorrow will have gained a greater place in everyday life and changed the way the world looks at libraries forever.