Latest News

News item #1.

Takapuna Library must be able to grow to meet future needs. Our serious concern, that it will likely be reduced in size is certainly valid so we draw attention to the following positive news item.

In many countries Public Libraries are experiencing increased demand for the many services they provide. In Australia it is young people who are leading the way as outlined in a interesting and highly relevant recent article in the Sydney Morning Herald, newspaper.

https://www.smh.com.au/culture/art-and-design/book-a-room-why-teens-are-flocking-to-public-libraries-20240923-p5kcud.html

News item #2.

Why are Public Libraries so important.

Public libraries play an important role in supporting education and literacy. They provide countless resources, such as educational materials, training courses, scientific publications, etc. to visitors.

Libraries provide their services not only face-to-face, but some have also integrated e-learning. Several published studies have confirmed that public libraries have tremendous importance in every community by providing various services for educational purposes.

Nowadays, patrons enter public libraries to find what they will read next, to ask questions about job applications and resume writing or to fill out government forms, including tax and health insurance paperwork. All these questions are answered by highly skilled librarians without any charge.

People come to libraries not only looking for information, but also, to find themselves and their communities. Mothers join baby story-times clubs, elderly people attend events and find ways to connect with people. While teenagers meet up in libraries with their study groups for teambuilding or school projects and readers discuss current events in the periodical rooms.

In addition, libraries serve as community centers for diverse populations by supporting non-English speakers to help them integrate into the community. Hence, public libraries often collect books in different languages and hire librarians or staff who are multilingual. Furthermore, for artists and art enthusiasts, public libraries can provide a place to arrange exhibitions and to promote themselves.

All things considered; libraries play an essential role in society. Public libraries provide resources and services for literacy and education to anyone in need or wanting access. They help individuals to expand their network and become a part of a community.

Therefore, people’s fundamental need for libraries which actively serve them as shared, community-centered spaces that help them find information and connect them with others is unlikely to change any time soon.