5 Reasons Why I love Libraries
And maybe why you should too
One morning, I bumped into a friend jogging around Viharamahadevi Park.
“Where are you going?”, he asked.
“Just around the corner.”, I replied. “To the Library.”
“But are there any books there?”
“Of course. It’s a library isn’t it?”
“I mean — up-to-date books. Recent books. Not books donated by some American Library 20 years ago.
He had a point. Our Public Library is severely resource constrained, and its collection has been looking a bit shabby for quite a while. Coupled with this, fewer and fewer Sri Lankans seem to be reading books, especially the sort of books you’d visit a library for.
At the same time, and paradoxically, with millions of e-books on the internet, it has never been easier to access books.
All this said, I still visit Libraries often, usually at least once a week.
Why do I do this? For a bunch of reasons.
1️⃣Libraries are one of the few places where you can find books you didn’t know you wanted to read.
When I’m interested in some topic, say Sri Lankan History, I’ll rummage around the “Section 954: History and Geography — Asia — India and South Asia”. Before long and often I would stumble upon a book which I never knew even existed but, having just seen it, badly want to read.
Technically, recommendations on Amazon and similar sites are supposed to do this, but for some reason, they haven’t quite performed as well as libraries. I suspect incentive is the reason. Amazon is trying to find a book or books which are likely to make you spend as much money on the site; as opposed to finding what you’d really enjoy reading.
Bookshops play a similar role, and I do go to bookshops to find books I don’t know about. But again, bookshops are not as efficient as libraries in this respect. Probably because they have small(er) collections, duplicate copies, and bias towards certain publishers and newer books.
2️⃣Libraries are quiet places for not only browsing and reading, but study and reflection
Again, you could argue that this might be done in a different place: A café, or even home. But neither of these places create the same effect as a library.
Colombo Public Library has the added advantage of being side-by-side with the greenery and tranquility of Viharamahadevi Park.
3️⃣Libraries are Free
While you might have to pay a membership fee (which is usually very small), you get to borrow books for free.
This is a reason I feel very strongly about, and why I would continue to patronize a library and support it in other material ways.
While a vital part of human development, skilling and education, books (even electronic forms) are not cheap. Libraries take away, what would be for many people an insurmountable financial barrier.
4️⃣Libraries are Communities
Libraries often serve as community centers, hosting events, workshops, and meetings, fostering connections among local residents. They are an often-unsung hero that holds society together.
Libraries are also often inclusive spaces where all are welcome, regardless of age, background, and, particularly, economic status.
This is something I’ve noticed, not only in Sri Lanka, but also in the USA and the UK.
5️⃣Libraries are both Global and Local
Libraries bring the whole world to you.
At the same time many libraries promote local culture by hosting readings, exhibitions, and other events featuring local authors, artists, and musicians.
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Here is a List of libraries in Sri Lanka — Wikipedia, several of which you could join for a very small membership fee.
