Libraries are vital to our communities.
These institutions serve as important community hubs that make sure that, no matter how much money we have or don't have, nobody is prevented from learning and having access to information.
From Mill Bay to Chemainus, Duncan to Lake Cowichan to Ladysmith our community libraries offer books and so much more — a rare third space where everyone is welcome without being required to buy anything. (Third spaces are places people spend time outside of their homes and workplaces.)
Our libraries are a treasure trove of physical books, of course, on pretty much any subject you could want. If they don't have it on the shelf of your particular branch, you can request to borrow it from another. From romance to fantasy, true crime to history and politics, young adult to children's books it's all there ready to open a whole new world for you, with staff to help. You can also find yourself a newspaper to read there, too.
Want to try a new author or genre without the commitment of buying a book? Get it at the library. Know something is only going to be a one-time read? The library's got your back.
Libraries have computers for people to use if they don't have their own, and Wi-Fi. People can take out e-books, audiobooks, movies and listen to music. You can even borrow video games. If you haven't taken a look at what you could get for free with a library card lately, we highly suggest visiting your local branch or checking out Vancouver Island Regional Library's website: virl.bc.ca.
On top of all of that, libraries offer meeting spaces, programs for children, summer reading clubs, seed libraries and more.
Our libraries are comfortable, comforting places to walk into, knowing you will be able to sit down in a cosy corner and lose yourself for a while. On a practical level, they are somewhere you can go in the community to use the washroom, get warm if it is cold outside, or cool off when it is dangerously hot.
Libraries offer you the whole world at your fingertips. We can explore exotic locales, fascinating sciences and what life is like for other people in far off places through books and other media — an extraordinary gift for the majority who cannot afford to jet off anywhere and everywhere at will.
Democracies depend upon an educated populace, and libraries help to achieve this end. There is truth to the saying that knowledge is power, and libraries make sure everyone has equal access to knowledge, regardless of income.
Our libraries are looking at the possibility of having to cut hours or services, as they struggle with rising costs. These institutions have more than earned our support. They are irreplaceable.
