12 Ways Libraries Are Good for the Country

A New Year’s gift from ALA’s American Libraries:

12 Ways Libraries Are Good for the Country
by Leonard Kniffel

A gift from American Libraries magazine of one dozen ideals toward which libraries strive.

Posted Tue, 12/21/2010

“To library supporters everywhere—Friends, trustees, board members, patrons, and volunteers—American Libraries magazine offers this gift of 12 ideals toward which librarians strive as they provide comprehensive access to the record of human existence. It will take all of us, in a spirit of pride and freedom, to maintain libraries as a living reality in a free nation through the 21st century.

1. Libraries sustain democracy.
2. Libraries break down boundaries.
3. Libraries level the playing field.
4. Libraries value the individual.
5. Libraries nourish creativity.
6. Libraries open young minds.
7. Libraries return high dividends.
8. Libraries build communities.
9. Libraries support families.
10. Libraries build technology skills.
11. Libraries offer sanctuary.
12. Libraries preserve the past.”

See more in the original article.

I’d add that, for liberals, libraries inspire the heart and mind, and, for conservatives, libraries are the most cost effective access and distribution system for a cost-effective and efficient government.

Stephen