Libraries As Social Hubs by Alexis Mason

Libraries provide a connection to communities and give people a multitude of ways to meet with others with similar interests. They are a “‘neutral ground,’ where people gather to discuss, interact, and enjoy the company of those they know” (Heeger). While we often think of libraries as quiet spaces, it is important to note that there is an important social factor to them.

 Libraries provide a community area that is available to everyone. Older people in particular are drawn to library spaces to interact with other people and participate in programs that emphasize interaction. The Denver Public Library has created a “senior hangout” space modeled after the library’s preexisting teen programs in order to “keep them young at heart” (Choquette). There, they can interact with other adults their age and participate in group exercise classes and generally hang out and communicate with one another.

Teen programs are similarly important in libraries, as they give teenagers a safe place to hang out with others and exercise their creativity. Finding programs where teenagers are consistently engaged can be difficult, however. Often older staff may be out of touch with the interests of younger patrons, which can be difficult in getting them to stay engaged with the programs. Asking patrons what they are interested in and helping them to overcome any anxiety involved with the programs established can be instrumental in keeping them interested. For example, the Detroit Public Library has developed a podcasting program that allows teenagers to overcome public speaking and exercise creativity by speaking about their interests and sharing them with others (Harijan). This allows them to engage with those who already share similarities with them as well as learn about the interests of those around them.

While it is important to have individualized programs for certain age groups, it is equally important to have programs and events that involve all ages, such as volunteer work and accessible games available such as cards. Social programs that encourage socialization between every member of a community ensure that “everyone who attends is on the same level, regardless of their background” (Choquette). Libraries have a unique opportunity to bring everyone together and embrace their differences.

Works Cited

Choquette, Joy. “Aging Masterfully: Libraries Support Older Adults with Senior-Specific Wellness Programming.” American Libraries, vol. 52, no. 6, June 2021, pp. 16–17. EBSCOhost, https://search-ebscohost-com.ezproxy.palomar.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=150628776&site=ehost-live&scope=site.

Heeger, Paula Brehm. “A Tie for Third Place.” School Library Journal, vol. 52, no. 7, July 2006, p. 27. EBSCOhost, https://search-ebscohost-com.ezproxy.palomar.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=21447196&site=ehost-live&scope=site.

Harijan, Amisha, and Sean Everett. “Teen Podcasting in the Library.” Young Adult Library Services, vol. 17, no. 1, Fall 2018, pp. 31–34. EBSCOhost, https://search-ebscohost-com.ezproxy.palomar.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=135603260&site=ehost-live&scope=site.