Libraries and their Importance
Many would surely believe that libraries are not as important as they may seem. To many, libraries are just boring places where no one can really talk. In reality, they provide way more than they originally may seem to do. Libraries contain all the knowledge that sometimes not even Google has available.
Libraries provide books that exercise the brain, without having to use your phone. Therefore, people still learn, and are exposed to less blue light from their phones. Clearly, this is a win-win scenario.
Libraries can also be a great place to sit down and relax. Thanks to the quiet ambiance, people are given a place where they can study, or work on homework. In addition, libraries can be a great way to relax, while at the same time being productive.
Lori Lightfoot and Her Love for Libraries
Lori Lightfoot has always loved libraries, and the idea that she can bring some more into the city would truly be a great thing for the city of Chicago. Additionally, its part of “Ongoing efforts to promote literacy, education, and community engagement,” mentions NBC 5 News.
This will also be a great resource for parents and their children, that way more neighborhoods can have access to them. Parents and children alike will be able to learn things, and over time they will be considered the heart of the neighborhood for the resources that it provides.
Lori Lightfoot and Her Plan for These Neighborhoods
Lori Lightfoot and her team are planning on bringing three new libraries to three different neighborhoods that need them. Two of the new libraries will be part of mixed-use developments in Back of the Yards and Humboldt Park and a new Woodlawn branch will be added.
These neighborhoods were in need of them, and now they are finally coming. This could be a change that these neighborhoods need, as they provide a great educational space for children and parents alike. However, there is a hope that they are used, and not forgotten about.
Besides these being just libraries where students and children have access to many books where they can learn new things, they have incorporated some more within them.
What Else Is Within The Libraries?
Furthermore, the new branches will have book clubs, educational and cultural programs, computer classes, and one-on-one digital literacy coaching for adults and seniors.
This will then be incredibly inclusive, and not just restricted to children alone. Additionally, this will branch out to all types of education for students, parents, and seniors as well. This way, everyone will be able to get a chance to learn, no matter their ethnicity, race, or age.
The Future Of These Libraries and the Community as a Whole
There is a hope that these libraries will be used for good and possibly impact these neighborhoods positively. However, if the city stops supporting them, there is a chance they may come and go within a short time. That is the last thing that these neighborhoods need to happen. If continued support is received, there is a chance that they will create positive change in these neighborhoods.
Children and parents alike will receive support not only from the library itself but by the incentives built into these libraries. Many believe that this will induce a positive outcome, and will truly support these communities in need.
Written by David Loran Jr
Sources:
NBC 5 News: New Libraries Coming to Back of the Yards, Humboldt Park and Woodlawn
Yahoo! News: Mayor Lightfoot loves libraries and gives the city a trio of new ones on South and West Side as parting gifts
Block Club Chicago: Chicago Is Getting 3 New Public Libraries In Woodlawn, Back Of The Yards And Humboldt Park
Featured and Top Image Courtesy of camera_phone_lomo’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy of Thomas Hawk’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
