Libraries are an evolving asset. Here’s how most people miss out.
They’re not just buildings with books.
For you to make the most of these education oases, we’ll explain what libraries are really good for.
Our Buzzword for the month is atheneum, an institution promoting learning — especially a library. The word hails from ancient Greece. Temples dedicated to their goddess of wisdom, Athena, were gathering places for lovers of learning.
Fittingly, today’s quotes are from our conversation with Sharnna Archat-Edmondson. She was an English teacher for 16 years, then became a senior librarian managing 80 locations. After all, she loves books.
“Loving books is one thing, but there’s so much more to being a librarian. We aim to develop people and communities. Being able to assist and fulfill people’s needs — that’s a passion.’’
That’s an important distinction since most of us can access the world’s largest information archive without getting up from our couches. Sharnna explains that librarians actually spend most of their time planning and organizing programs, events, and services that are responsive to community needs and interests. Personalized and adaptive to your interests. The range of libraries’ offerings is enormous. Hands-on farming tutorials. Cost-free 3D printers. Walk-ins at music production studios. Google can’t give you that. From resume writing to recycling courses, from crochet classes to the classic book club — learning anything is possible if you simply ask.
Granted, we’re still stuck within a pandemic. That also means many children are still struggling to balance schooling from their rooms. Librarians offer online assistance with research and homework, which can be priceless. You may be surprised what other online activities your local library offers!
It takes just a few spare minutes to Google your nearest library and check out what’s available to you.
Sharnna’s favourite program is the photography club she started. In response to the locals’ interest, she arranged for a top photojournalist to help out. She trained staff to help run it. One of the teenage students is now beginning a career in photography! The club is opening doors for everyday people.
Libraries fill crucial community needs, especially for students and parents. They host precious educational, training, recreational and social activities that could cost a pretty penny if organized by a for-profit company. Making these services more inclusive and accessible has a huge impact for people everywhere. Libraries celebrate culture and bring communities together.
Of course, the most well-known thing libraries make accessible is information, whether printed literature or digital databases. They have special permission to duplicate copyrighted material. They also have connections to other libraries and media organizations to give you access to the most material possible, saving you from copyright, paywalls and geographical barriers. That will always be worth making use of.
Don’t forget to find out for yourself! For now, we’ll leave you with this cool quote from Sharnna.
“People don’t realize the impact libraries have on national development — until they get involved and discover what we’re really doing, past the books. There are so many other things we do to benefit people.
It’s like we have no limitations.”
🐝 Thanks! You just read Buzzword, where Spelling Bee of Canada spotlights rare words that widen your perspective. For more fun language arts reads and videos, subscribe to Buzz News! We met Sharnna speaking to kids from Penpals Writing Club.
Fran Mbadiwe is an editor who runs SBOC’s Buzz News. Apart from that, he’s probably journaling.
