More than Just Books – What Makes a Library So Special?

Everyone is familiar with the concept of a library. It’s where people go to check out books, study, and maybe even learn something new–but is that really all there is to it? Libraries are all unique and special in their own ways. They branch out to all sorts of different possibilities and have more value and depth than you could imagine.

Anyone can find comfort and tranquility within a library, it’s a stress-free area open to everyone. People can visit a library with friends, and connect deeper with each other. When someone goes alone, they might find a sense of new friendship or companionship with another. Libraries are one of the perfect public settings to connect with other people.

Mrs. Contreras has been Redwood’s librarian for 25 years, and has great dedication and devotion to what she does. She believes the library is a safe place for the students to expand their passion for reading.

“Many times, I’ve applied for several other jobs, but I end up staying. I love this building so much and I have put a lot of work into this. We have transformed the library several times, and we’re trying to make it a friendly space for everyone.” Contreras says.

Our librarian loves the students who visit, and welcomes them with open arms. She makes sure to greet them, and enjoys engaging in conversation. Contreras observes the students who usually stop by, and notices that some of them even have their own spots where they regularly spend their time. She still makes sure to treat them with respect, something she believes everyone needs.

Both Contreras and her assistant, Ms. Palacios work hard every day for both the students, and the library itself.

“It’s filled with stories. Students can come here and escape high school. They can choose a book, and go on an adventure just by sitting here.” says Palacios.

It is not only Redwood’s library, but just libraries in general that are more than just a room full of books. Libraries have different meanings to everyone, some deeper than others. A library has the capability, and power, of impacting both people and its visitors.

Wen He 26′, often goes to her local library to study, but finds that there is a sense of peace within it.

“A library is one of the places you can go to focus, so it’s really good for students–and people who want to get away from their loud houses, or just loud places in general.” says He.

She believes that libraries are a type of place where people respect one another. Libraries have a sort of energy that is both comfortable, and likable, towards it’s visitors. According to He, a library is the perfect place to go for some alone time, or when you have no where to go. It’s freedom from a stressful or overwhelming environment. Libraries are like an open sanctuary open for it’s visitors.

“Libraries are welcome to anyone, so it’s basically a safe space for whoever. It’s a place that I can go to escape.” He says.

Megan Mueller has been a librarian for two years, working in a middle school in San Diego. She says her job allows her to connect with students, in a way that no other career does. Her favorite thing about not only her library, but other libraries, is that they “never look exactly the same”.

“Libraries are unique in the sense that they allow people to explore ideas, places, and things they would have never been able to do elsewhere. They’re versatile and transitional, and you can find so much where you might not expect.” Mueller says.

Mueller believes that libraries bring “like-minded people together”, and when they are interested in a subject, “there’s a pretty high chance that the libraries can help point them in the right direction towards connecting and relating to others.”

“Libraries impact guests by being unapologetically open to accept all types of people. Libraries should not be restricted to one type of people, but rather should be available to all people regardless of race, background, gender, sexuality, et cetera. It’s such a chameleon of a location, and so accepting to anyone who needs it. Libraries are the ultimate supporter of you when you have nowhere else to go.” says Mueller.

“Libraries mean intellectual freedom, acceptance, and exploration. The more we restrict libraries and ban books and put parameters on people, the less useful libraries become. You don’t go a restaurant and order every single dish on the menu, you order what you want. Same thing with libraries. You don’t go to a library and expect to engage and interact with every single text/piece of literature in the collection, you go to find things you enjoy or want to try out. Libraries offer agency, hope, and stability in an otherwise unstable life.”

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