Letter to the Editor: Public libraries are a bastion of the common good

Dear Editor:

There has, and continues to be, much discussion about the fracturing of community in American society. Everyone has their preferred person, group, or policy to blame, and I am not interested in engaging in those important, yet often visceral arguments here. I instead want to point out one symptom of our cultural fracturing and suggest that public libraries thankfully offer an antidote.

Growing up it was always ingrained in me that we were to strive for the “common good.” I did not grow up in a religious household but rather one that believed in community, healthy patriotism, and the dogma that how we treat others, especially those most in need, reflects the kind of person we are. I am thankful I was raised with these beliefs, and thankful my Christianity has helped me to truly understand and live them.

Common good, I believe, refers to the conditions of society that allow all members to thrive. It is the recognition that individuals only exist in communities, and communities are made up of individuals. There is a healthy tension in this that keeps communities thriving because in striving, and sacrificing when needed, for my community or society, I benefit from the thriving around me.

Sadly, with the fracturing we are experiencing in American society the “common good” has suffered terribly. Now we are wired and trained to think only of things that benefit us as individuals, with no consideration of the ripple effect such behavior has on our communities and society at large. In secular language we call this selfishness, in the Church, we call it Sin.

Thankfully there is a place where community and individualism come together in a healthy way that promotes the “common good.” That place is the local library, if you are lucky enough to have one in your town.

A common misconception about libraries is they are only about books. Yes, it’s true, libraries have lots of books, and they can even order books you want that they don’t have, thanks to MeLCat. Libraries save patrons hundreds of dollars or more a year by lending out books. Yet libraries also offer a plethora of digital material for patrons including magazines, audiobooks, eBooks, etc. Libraries also provide free computer access to anyone who walks through the door This allows people to check emails, work on job resumes, print shipping labels, and more.

Libraries provide community rooms people can use for books clubs, play dates, game days, or just a safe place to gather for relaxation and fun. Libraries provide consistent access to air conditioning, heat, and clean sanitary bathrooms which are a Godsend to the members of our community experiencing homelessness, those who may not feel safe at home, and those who are simply lonely and looking for a place to gather. Libraries provide resources to help people experiencing homelessness, abuse, suicidal thoughts, and other situations that many in society would simply prefer to pretend don’t exist.

Libraries also provide some unexpected and creative services. The Three Rivers Public Library, on whose board I am proud to serve, has do it yourself kits that can be checked out. Do you need to check your car battery or maybe air up your tires but don’t want to take it to the mechanic? They have a kit for that. The library also has a 3D printer in their new makerspace area that you can use to make all kinds of fun things. They even offer free laser engraving; you just have to provide the materials. There are endless possibilities with a library membership.

Libraries exist to serve the “common good” of the communities in which they are located. They can do this through funding through taxes and those who pay for a library card on their own. Much of society may prefer me to think since I don’t use all these services or maybe none of those services, that libraries have no value, but that completely misses the point of “common good.”

For example, I am not a teenager. I don’t use teen services, attend teen events, or honestly even know many teenagers. Yet I thank God the taxes I pay each year for my library membership ensure teenagers have access to materials, services, and groups that help them to thrive.

Why? Because when the teenagers in my community thrive, I thrive as well. I thrive in knowing they experience joy, community, fun, and hopefully a sense of pride in being from Three Rivers, our mutual community and home.
Public libraries are, it seems, one of the last places in our society where you can truly experience the “common good.”

I would encourage your readers to check out your local library or even check out multiple libraries in your area. Libraries offer an incredible number of services. Even if you don’t have membership, I encourage you to take time to visit the library and learn more about what they have to offer; you might just be surprised! It truly is a place where ALL are welcome!

Sincerely,
Rev. Nicole Smith
Three Rivers

---

Any views or opinions expressed in this letter are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the Watershed Voice staff or its board of directors.