Today’s Libraries:
Bigger and Better than Ever with Computers, Culture, Art and More
By Alison Elsner
L
ibraries have long been appreciated for their myriad of resources, as gateways to vast knowledge and as great equalizers for all classes, ages, races and backgrounds. They are traditionally synonymous with books and printed publications. Most of us
at a certain age recall “checking-out” books to read at home or hours spent sifting through the Dewey Decimal system to track down titles, topics and microfiche for school papers and research projects. Today’s libraries continue to offer education and entertainment, but they contain a lot more than books. They
are massive repositories of print publications, internet resources and computers, art exhibits, classes, writing workshops, lectures, reading groups, book signings and live entertainment, with the explosive power to culturally enlighten and dramatically broaden the horizons of anyone who chooses to visit and explore.
The emergence and proliferation of public libraries in America are largely due to steel magnate Andrew Carnegie, who donated $60 million to fund a system of 1,689 public libraries across the country. Washington D.C.’s oldest library opened in 1903 to women, children and all races; African-Americans remember when it was the only place Continues on page 6 >>
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