8 reasons to love libraries + 4 ways to support them

Let's show up for National Library Week!

Last week, amidst the joyful panic of learning that several books I requested through interlibrary loan came in at the same time, I posted this quick note—a digital fist bump to my fellow library enthusiasts. The subsequent outpouring of library love inspired me to add to my to-do list a post about why libraries are amazing and how to support them, given that libraries are among the many things in the current administration’s crosshairs. Because let’s be clear, knowledge is power and libraries are inclusive sources of knowledge. And the current administration wants to decimate anything that spurs knowledge and supports inclusivity.

I was planning on sharing this library post next week or following, but last week someone commented on my note (I’d love to credit them here but their tags are disabled) that today, April 8, is National Library Workers Day—and in fact, this week is National Library Week!—so I adjusted my plans to launch this post today. Below are 8 reasons to love libraries and 4 easy ways to support them this week and in the future. It’s time to step up for, and give back to, this crucial community resource.

8 reasons to love libraries

People often think of libraries simply as a place to access books, but they can offer so much more. Library offerings will vary depending on how resourced they are, but here are eight ideas, including some lovely commentary from people who chimed in on my note. I hope this list will move you to check out the offerings at your local library!

1. Unlimited reading fodder. My Substack note celebrated the joyful abundance that is the interlibrary loan system; you can enjoy books (and magazines!) in person and through an app such as Libby. (I prefer print but Libby saved me during the pandemic when physical access to the library was on hold.) When I receive a windfall of library holds, I manage my stack flow while being mindful of other library patrons by either starting with the most recently published/popular titles (in order to move them along and also since oftentimes you can’t renew them) or by reading the opening chapter or two of each book to see if there are titles that immediately don’t grab me so I can return them into the cycle to other folks waiting for holds.

2. Opportunities to connect IRL with your literary people. Libraries often host author talks and book groups. These events offer a wonderful way to connect with your literary kindred spirits in person.

3. Kids can enjoy all manner of entertainment and enrichment opportunities. As a kid, I was constantly aware of all of the material things I couldn’t afford in comparison to my peers. As a result, libraries were a source of awe and relief—I could access as many books as I wished, just like anyone else. In addition to books, libraries also may offer story times, music, crafts, and special events. Games and puzzles are available for checkout at our library, which is another wonderful option if budgets prohibit acquiring these items at home.

4. Adults can dabble in or develop hobbies and skills. Until just a couple of months ago, I was steadfast in checking the monthly library calendar for activities for my kid. I finally started exploring the adult calendar and recently attended a wonderful tree planting and care 101 demo and am keen on attending more events. My library offers lots of recreational and skill-building programming for adults including craft sessions and wellness classes, as well as financial, business, and digital literacy offerings.

5. Cultural access. One of my favorite discoveries about the library back as a new parent was that they offer museum passes to help defray or cover the cost of admission. Boston is home to lots of incredible museums and attractions but the entry fees can get expensive. Libraries help make these attractions accessible to all.

6. A space to help and heal community members. I took a spin on my library’s calendar in service of this post and was so heartened to see ESOL courses, citizenship classes, social work office hours, and more. In this vein, I loved

   Jill Bergmann
   ‘s comment: “When the refugee family we support arrived last year, we found the wait list for formal English classes far outpaced the student spots. The free weekly English classes at the library filled the gap. They built beginning language skills, and more importantly they built community that softened the culture shock and smoothed their path toward integration. Forever grateful to the libraries!” And
   CaliGrl
   shared, “Branch libraries anchor neighborhoods and bring in business. The library staff also help patrons navigate municipal bureaucracy. So many good things in such a small package!”

7. You might meet your new BFF.

   Angela Jones
   commented, “I met one of my favorite mom friends at the library 😊.” I loved this comment so much and asked for details, and she said she will share the story at some point. Don’t leave me hanging, Angela!

8. There might even be coffee. When my city library was rebuilt, they designed a cafe-style area where people can eat and hang out—and there is a coffee cart! I mean, seriously, live your best life at the library.

4 ways to support libraries

If the above list sounds amazing to you and/or you already enjoy any of these things, it’s time to step up for libraries. It’s worth noting that so many of us find joy in interlibrary loans, and this is one of the many services that would take a hit with federal budget cuts.

There are so many ways one can support. For additional ideas, see the American Library Association website (scroll down and on the right you will see a “What can I do?” section) and EveryLibrary’s action platform. If you listen to my Edit Your Life podcast you know I am all about small, doable actions to help people find agency in the world so I am going to laser in on my top four personal recommendations.

1. Express gratitude. As I mentioned earlier, today is National Library Workers Day. It’s a great day to pop into your local library to enjoy the space, check out books, and thank library staff. If an in-person visit is prohibitive, send an email. I actually already had it on my calendar to stop in today as I have several holds that need to be picked up, and I am bringing brownies with a thank you card for the staff.

2. Contact your Senators and Representatives. I know that this one may feel hard, but it is actually quick to do and it is one of the most effective ways to make your voice heard. While there are other outreach options (e.g., emails, letters), those communications take longer to process, whereas staffers tally issues and call volume via phone immediately. 5calls.org makes it super easy to find your elected officials and they provide background information and scripts to walk you through making calls. And yes, they have an action alert set up for Save the Institute of Museum & Library Services. Thursday, April 10 is Take Action for Libraries Day—join me in making 5 calls that day! *Updated to add: Video shot 4/10/2025 to show you how easy and fun it is to make calls!

3. Volunteer. My daughter Violet (14 years old) recently started volunteering at our local library, and I am inspired to follow her lead! While I was preparing this post, I took a moment to sign up to volunteer at my library. My mantra about volunteering is to align your efforts with ways that fit your skills and feel joyful—versus doing things with dread or resentment. To start, I volunteered to donate baked goods for library bake sales and noted that I may also be able to periodically assist with graphic design and marketing as well as book shelving.

4. Donate. In addition to donating dollars, libraries may accept book donations for book sales or other materials to support library activities (e.g., craft items). Be sure to check your library website for their policies and needs list.

A few final things

First, I want to share a moment of library magic. The below photo is from 2020, amidst the pandemic. Libraries had resumed operation but in limited fashion. At that time our library was under construction and they had moved their stacks and operations to a temporary space that was part of a larger building. You could not enter the library stacks space due to Covid restrictions, but you could order books, which would be put in a bag with your name on it on a hallway table for socially distanced pickup. Seeing the ever expanding pick up tables and orders was a moving reflection of how the library staff continued to press on and serve the people during difficult times. At one point I emailed one of the youth librarians to ask if they had recommendations for Violet, a voracious reader who had exhausted our collection of owned books amidst lockdown. The librarian asked what genres Violet enjoys, then pulled this massive stack of books for her. What an incredible gift that was.

Second, if you are looking for book inspiration—both related to reading habits and recommendations, check out this wonderful conversation with

Traci Thomas

.

Third, I periodically share book recommendations through my Mini Edit series at Edit Your Life. Scan the catalog for my book roundups—enjoy!

And finally, yesterday I caught up with my amazing friend Amber Coleman-Mortley and we were getting all fired up talking about libraries. She sent me this fitting video, which for some reason won’t embed, but if you click over, the video is hosted on Instagram.

Thank you, libraries and library staff, for everything you provide for communities.