Time To Invest In Our Libraries
Cal
Matters: 4.07.2021 by Greg Lucas and Patty Wong
California’s libraries are the hearts of
their communities. That’s one reason 23 million Californians have library
cards.
But many of
California’s libraries are 40 years of age or older, and like everything from
power grids to two-lane highways, libraries eventually need to be repaired,
renovated or replaced. Old wiring. Lousy plumbing. Non-existent or antiquated
fire alarm or sprinkler systems. Restrooms that don’t work for Americans with
disabilities. Despite the great love Californians have for our libraries, these
conditions exist in far more communities than they should.
The federal
government hasn’t helped modernize and revitalize libraries since 1997, but
that could change if the Build America’s Libraries Act – H.R.1581 and S.127 –
is passed. The legislation would dedicate $5 billion to libraries nationwide,
of which roughly $500 million would come to California.
By any
measure, this investment is long overdue and National Library Week, which began
April 4, is an ideal time to consider how we can strengthen the resilience of
California’s communities with a forward-looking approach to meet the challenges
and needs of this century.
Our
libraries are an essential part of California’s education system. In any given
week, there are more than 100,000 different programs conducted in multiple
languages, in-person and online, at more than 1,100 public library locations.
The 23,000 computer terminals, coupled with the WiFi hotspots and laptops that
can be checked out like books, help connect California’s least digitally
connected.
But over
half the state’s libraries have inadequate technology, broadband connectivity
and ADA inaccessibility. Nearly one-third report health and safety
deficiencies. READ
MORE ➤➤
Readability Consensus
Based on 7 readability formulas:
Grade Level: 10
Reading Level: difficult to read.
Reader's Age: 14-15 yrs. old
(Ninth to Tenth graders)
Greg Lucas, California’s 25th State Librarian
Patty Wong, American
Library Association’s president-elect and city librarian for Santa Monica Public Library
