Evelyn Heis
September is a time that commemorates change. From the autumnal weather and its transitional colour palette to the commencement of the academic year, it is a month to slow down and appreciate the little things as you begin to settle back into a routine.
The 11th of September, in particular, is a day that commemorates libraries, one of the most integral institutions available for public use today. Though it is most commonly celebrated in the United States, Libraries Remembrance Day should, in my opinion, be celebrated everywhere, all year round, for it is a day that acknowledges the role of public libraries in social welfare.
Literature enables the expression of different voices, capturing numerous experiences, cultures, and anecdotes within each page. As readers, we can gather a better understanding and appreciation of others’ stories and times in history. Holding multitudes of narratives for curious readers to access, libraries become a place of refuge and learning. Whether you’re looking to temporarily escape in fiction or are eager to learn about a new subject, language, or country, a library is the place to go. There you are granted unlimited access to knowledge in books that have the power to transport you anywhere in seconds.
“libraries give equal access to every member of the community”
The most commendable aspect of this institution is that this knowledge is easily accessible, as memberships are free and libraries give equal access to every member of the community. It’s not uncommon to see children’s playgroups, students preparing for exams, adults looking to learn new skills, or older members catching up with the newspaper within a library space.
Some visitors may be looking to take a trip down memory lane, while others may be looking to broaden their horizons; regardless, the adaptability and stability of libraries create an environment that works for everyone.
The Role Of Librarians
Inevitably libraries would not be able to run so smoothly if it were not for librarians. An intrinsic part of Libraries Remembrance Day is to honour the hard work that librarians take on in their day-to-day lives and, as a result, the tremendous impact that they have on the community. With libraries storing a vast amount of knowledge in the form of literature, archives, and learning resources, skilled and well-trained librarians know exactly how to navigate this educational institution.
“Librarians are an integral part of the library’s ability to impact and support the community”
Nowadays, librarians can even provide you with information regarding job applications, CV writing, government forms, or any paperwork you may need help with. Sometimes the internet can be too broad to acquire straightforward answers, but librarians are there to help with any queries you may have; whether you’re looking for a book or archival information, they are always happy to point you in the right direction. Librarians are an integral part of the library’s ability to impact and support the community, often contributing greatly to creating an environment that is well-suited and adaptable for everyone.
My Experience with Libraries
A core childhood memory of mine would have to be the weekly visits I used to take to the library. In the wake of my family’s immigration from Argentina, I was encouraged to learn English at the age of six before moving to the UK when I was eight. Upon moving, the local library near my new Welsh home had a considerable impact on my understanding of the language, as I would take out books, devour them in seconds, and come back for more. I was like Roald Dahl’s Matilda, wheeling books around in her wagon and spending countless hours at the library. These weekly visits not only helped me assimilate but also sparked a passion for literature I never knew was possible, leading me to study English at University many years later.
As Libraries Remembrance Day is approaching, you may want to reflect and consider the impact that libraries may have had on your life, or on the lives of those around you who may have turned to this place of refuge. You might want to question how we would have access to a myriad of educational resources, books, and free-to-use technology, or even learn new skills, languages, and about different cultures if it weren’t for libraries.
What would our society look like if we didn’t have an accessible, communal place for free education?
Featured image courtesy of Museums Victoria via Unsplash. Image license found here. No changes were made to this image.
