Beyond books: The 21st century public library

No shushing here! The modern library is more than just a repository of books. Correspondent Conor Knighton checks out how today's libraries are public spaces designed to foster connections while keeping pace with technology and the needs of the community.
#libraries #austinpubliclibrary #kanawhacountylibrary
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[@utubefreshie]

I'm a library worker from Baltimore MD. It's more than just books. We are internet access, a community center, a social services stop, and a safe space for plenty of people. We are needed and more relevant than ever! People love the library although the work does get hard sometimes because really, it's a helping profession. So thanks for featuring the work we do! It makes us feel like it's all worth it. 😊

[@Yesica1993]

Libraries are for books. It's not a "social services stop." Good grief!

[@utubefreshie]

@@Yesica1993 It is. We have social workers there helping the homeless and people with substance abuse problems who are as much entitled to the services as any other member of the public. Did you not watch the video at all where they interviewed an actual formerly homeless person? I see you don't seem to have stepped into an actual public library recently. There are different types of libraries with different purposes. At a PUBLIC library, serving the public is the purpose. It's laughable that you're telling someone who actually works at a public library what we do. Your lack of awareness and sense of entitlement is showing. If you can't accept that fact about public libraries then feel free to browse and buy your books at the Barnes and Noble.

[@adriennepriceart]

Thanks for doing all that you do

[@utubefreshie]

@@adriennepriceart THANK YOU!! ❤ It has been tough lately with us being severely shortstaffed and local city or town budgets declining because of the economy and inflation. So we do the best we can!

[@susanr5546]

I could not agree more. My thanks to all of the librarians who have been helpful to me and others over the years.

[@elizabethsoro3421]

So glad to see this. We NEED to keep libraries going! As well as the U. S. Post office!

[@chrisfinch8637]

And the restaurants.

[@IntriguedLioness]

I'm sorry, and I'm not trying to be rude, but why exactly do we need the post office? The Pony Express days are over. Serious question.

[@RaymondHng]

@@IntriguedLioness To deliver life-maintaining medications to elderly people who have limited mobility. To deliver mail-in voting ballots. The U.S. Post Service also serves as the last mile deliverer for UPS. Many of the items I buy online arrive through USPS.

[@ebybeehoney]

I think the public library is one of the best things this country does. I LOVE my library.

[@paleobc65]

I used to go to the public library all the time in elementary school and I loved it. During highschool I noticed less and less people going to it as smartphones and tablets became more popular. I’m happy that libraries are evolving instead of disappearing completely

[@jandoel]

Whoever put the two and two together to get a social worker in the library deserves a medal. The library was already a hub for the population that needs them

[@julieisthatart]

I am so glad that you mentioned the library as a home base for wanderers. In my wandering days I always used them that way. Even the smallest town would have one and I always felt welcome to stay as long as I wanted. About ten years ago I was participating in the grand opening of a new library installation in an old dime store. They had study nooks that were really nice. Walls on three sides over head high and a bench in there the size of a single bed with a very nice mattress, no table. I asked them doesn't that attract homeless people for sleeping? Yes, she replied it is, they do sleep there, that is partly why we made them that way, we do not like to see them sleeping out front.

[@agoodgurl2k]

I love the energy of libraries. I even went on a date to a library! Still do, with my now husband! 😀

[@awalker8371]

Wow. I can’t wait to do that. I love the library 📚

[@n.d.7931]

I love that 😊that's so sweet

[@williamseaverii1579]

I'm in my sixties & live in Los Angeles. I use my public library regularly. It's such an important tool for me. I've moved to different parts of the city and and always have used the local branch. I can't imagine life without a good public library. I'm real glad to see that libraries are evolving with the changing times. BTW- I have a book I checked out from the library that I'm reading right now. Love Public Libraries!!!

[@alexthompson9516]

I also live in Los Angeles and I haven't entered a library since Covid began. The homeless are ruining them.

[@marytheresejacksonlutz2533]

Have you read “The Library Book” by Susan Orlean? It is all about the history of the LA library system and there is even a mystery within about the fire the LA library had years back. Terrific book! I learned so much.

[@williamseaverii1579]

@@marytheresejacksonlutz2533 That is so cool! No, I haven't read it, but now I'm going to look for it. The Downtown Library (Which had the fire) is one of the great libraries in America. My current branch was built in 1930, has stain glass windows and even a plague remembering the local guys sho died in WWI. It's a gem. Thanks for responding & telling me the "Library Book".

[@marytheresejacksonlutz2533]

You are more than welcome-with your connection to the LA downtown library you will thoroughly enjoy this book. Happy reading!

[@aj83009]

@@alexthompson9516 what are they do? Existing? Present? How about we fix the issue of homelessness, are you doing anything about that. “Ruined”?! SMH

[@jasminelee-yang4899]

I love how this clip illustrates how the library is more than just a central repository for books. In our community, it serves as a cooling center, small business support and so much more. All are welcome and never turned away.

[@mikeywestside8509]

"cooling center" you mean "homeless day shelter"

[@chownful]

@@mikeywestside8509 It's funny since the only visitor they interviewed went on to describe doing exactly that. Also, keep an eye out on 'cooling center' as you will see it more and more...

[@zabrak999]

The homeless have ruined the library, sheltered little girl.

[@RaymondHng]

@@zabrak999 4:48 Like the homeless man Andrew Constantino in the segment? The homeless should not be vilified. And the OP should not be judged.

[@jennifer1329]

I used to work at a public library. 99.9 % of the homeless appreciated their access and policed each other to make sure the staff and visitors barely even knew they were there. It was the entitled who abused us verbally.

[@philquinones8513]

It's very hard to forecast the future of libraries. Librarians are constantly relearning community needs yet still providing traditional services that users want. Flexibility and remembering that they are for everyone. Thank you for airing a very positive piece about public libraries.

[@234Coolmans]

Public library are essential I wouldn’t had gone to college or learn how to read without them. I have Austism and struggled with my reading and they help.

[@Georgina_LIS]

I love libraries so much that when a career change was necessary because of the covid pandemic, I did a MSc in Library Science and am now a professional librarian. The continuing evolution of libraries is fascinating.

[@ericacaton8730]

I might not have finished my PhD if not for the help and kindness of the librarians at my local library! Every day I was met with smiles and requests for updates on my progress. Thank you.

[@reneemoreno8030]

I went to the library everyday...I loved it as it was free and a world away from my life. I loved to read and especially in the summer.

[@dk60ish]

I took advantage of the San Diego Public Libraries for 3 years while Homeless living out of my car, they were a Godsend! :)

[@izzyci]

it would be a tragedy if our society would lose libraries. When I look at old pictures of ornate beautiful libraries it fills me with a passion to want to read all the books. This report just solidifies the need for libraries.

[@lisetteriling3992]

We love going to different libraries where we live. My husband and I have been teaching the importance to our daughter about libraries and going to the events and just hanging out in one. When we have a library day she gets so excited to pick out the new books she will be reading, using the computer to play games, doing the activities they have available, etc.

[@bettysmith4641]

I live in walking distance to my local library and love going there just to have a cup of coffee, looking through the new books, and enjoying the peace and quiet.

[@jacquesellul]

Watching this is so inspiring! Yet people in small towns and rural places need to know that their smaller libraries can also provide amazing services. From 2001 until 2012 I was director of several libraries in a geographically-large county with a population of about 9000. Our four libraries that became five were centers of community activity. After all, libraries are about communication, whether it be an author communicating to a reader through a book or people getting together to share a hobby. Being in an area noted for its pristine nature, we procured quality microscopes, telescopes, binoculars, night vision scopes, fishing equipment, metal detectors, egg incubators, and lots of field guides all available for library patrons to check out. Building alliances include being the library for two adjacent elementary schools. We build specialized collections for each branch. For example, a very extensive collection of West Virginia and Appalachian books and films. And we gave space for instruction on traditional Appalachian music. And our libraries function as equipped and trained visitor information centers for our county's lifeblood tourism economy. And like many Internet-challenged rural communities, library Internet is vital.

[@CaliVMK]

I LOVE describing the library as the community living room. That’s exactly what they are and should always be.

[@lindaweigel8572]

Our local county library in Indiana has undergone a complete transformation including the addition of a stand-alone Makerspace equipped with meeting rooms, sound room, video recording room, ample tools 3-D printers, etc. It's unbelieveable and everyone is so nice and helpful. We still check out actual books, too.

[@TwinCitiesFancy]

I can't tell you how much I loved this story and the coverage you just gave for a new generation to explore.

[@dennismorris7573]

Public libraries, always a wonderful place to visit and enjoy.

[@parkerbrown-nesbit1747]

I miss the books. When one of our local libraries reopened after a a renovation, almost all of the books were gone. It's sterile, unwelcoming, and we've noticed, very sparsely attended now.

[@LuckyK7777]

My hometown library was remodeled almost 20 years ago to look similar to some of these (The more futuristic ones like Seattle's but smaller) and it's in a suburb. It's not in the city center. I could stay there all day. It is like a museum really. But instead of a 30-minute drive downtown to go to the art museum, which I do love, this library was 3 blocks from my house. They even had a gift shop. The only drawback is that it is the last place I would study at unless I were in a private study room. There is just too but going on! Lots to see and do and people having fun and talking. I almost drew the line when I was reading a magazine in the reading area once and the tour guide (yes a tour guide) was bringing a group of people through the reading area as he was telling them about the library's art collection. IS THIS A LIBRARY? Well, at least I was in a room where we were expected to casually be reading and not studying or working. The only thing this library needed was a Starbucks.

[@mattthelibrary3647]

One good thing I think libraries are doing is adding a social worker to staff, I think all urban and larger suburban libraries should do this. Many times, library patrons require help that his well beyond the scope of library services. One thing I can't believe is how all of these library directors love open spaces. Regardless of what that library director from Charlotte, WV says, we still do have to shush patrons, often repeatedly. Half of our library users want ultra-silent reading and study space, while others desperately want collaborative space where they can meet and talk openly without having to be shushed by the stogy old librarian. Open spaces may be aesthetically pleasing and great for your living room, but they are not appropriate for a public library. I have been working in public libraries for over 25 years and I have seen very few public libraries get it right. A public library that gets it right in my opinion, is the Princeton, NJ’s public library, which has spaces that meets everybody’s needs.

[@MISNM0]

Never thought of this but intriguing.

[@pollytiks3885]

I was so surprised when a friend of mine told me she could check out current movies at her library. I used to love going to the library but haven’t been in such a long time. It almost seems to be evolving into a community center. Thank you for airing this segment - it’s exciting to see how the library has evolved!

[@soniatriana9091]

This really made me smile! It’s crazy impressive!! It’s about time! I now want to travel to the Charleston library!! Brilliant ideas!! This is exactly what our entire society needs; it serves every member of society from birth - death! Creativity in the forefront - brilliant!!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🌈

[@quicksite]

What a beautiful thing to see - libraries as public space - social workers helping to give people means of belonging - this whole presentation was inspirational.

[@IntriguedLioness]

I simply love libraries. From my university libraries to the public library system of Manhattan to touring the baroque libraries in europe. Yesterday, for the first time in years as I've just moved to Seattle I went to the very modern Seattle Main Public Library. I believe it was built 20 years ago and great preparation and thought was put into the redesign taking it from an old school lovely marble library ... to a very modern library with a ton of books but also outlets at every table so that people can bring their laptops and work, teens rooms, children's rooms, media rooms etc. History collections, friendly information desks and, of course, Wi-Fi throughout. The very modern architecture has pillows on most of the ceilings to absorb sound and just in case one gets a little bored with knowledge there are very modern and eclectically colored escalators and elevators and the grid windows cast shadows as the sun passes. Libraries can open the eyes in so many ways!

[@lisamomon6793]

Libraries will never go away

[@islandgirl8914]

I loved going to the library. I read my monthly favorite magazines and checked out current books. Also, used the computers.

[@1805movie]

I still use the library for every book I want to read, but not yet buy.

[@hummersd]

Fantastic! Thank you Conor and team for traveling around the US to these amazing libraries. Re-thinking these public spaces is great innovation to invest into the future.

[@susanr5546]

I love libraries. I have a librarian in my extended family. If you read a book, Palaces for the People, by Eric Klinenberg, you'll read what he has seen with libraries on the east coast, a really cool book.

[@entoney20]

Thanks a lot for the recommendation!

[@shiptj01]

I'm 36 and I prefer physical books over digital ones.

[@Cyber_Viking_TX]

I started a CyberPatriot team at the Hondo Public Library in Hondo, Texas. This is giving middle and high school students to learn about and cybersecurity and to compete in the nation's largest youth cyber defense competition. It is putting them on a path to becoming the next generation of first line cyber defenders. I also teach a senior citizen's cyber safety course through the library. Libraries have become more than just a place to check out a book, they are turning into digital community centers for learning.

[@corinneanderson1273]

Indeed I used to be a frequent visitor of the library. While the branch I used is closed for remodeling,I look forward to the day it opens. A great place for it's many offerings.

[@MySunshine234]

I work for Carnegie library of Pittsburgh at one of my local branches. It's the best job I ever had and I would love to move up and eventually retire from there. Long live Libraries!

[@everythingisfine9988]

Brilliant! I've felt this way about libraries for awhile. Love to see cities double downing on it for everyone 💙

[@selaraye5567]

austin public library is amazing! a beautiful space to be in.

[@RS-uz3ud]

People think libraries are stodgy buildings with just books. I wish more PR is done to show how they have evolved into multifunctional spaces and multimedia centers. They offer e-books, learning i-pads, computers, print centers, DVDs, CDs, community events etc.😍

[@jellybelly111]

great to see public libraries being renovated to accommodate the needs of modern times

[@ann6985]

I love my library and I've passed that on to my children. It's a place where we are accepted for who we are and a place we can become who we want to be....thank you public libraries! They are the melting pot but also the stained glass.....please support your local library!

[@youmeteacofeee]

CBS Sunday Morning is my new favorite show!🌝🌞

[@RobinLeRoyKyle]

Absolutely LOVE this story!

[@kjthekunoichi]

I love libraries! Working in one myself👍📖🌸🌈💪the modern libraries are almost like community clubs😋

[@noah_am_i]

This is even more important because how diverse the skills and tools they offer, are. After all, library’s are centers of knowledge! I love this! 🧠🤍

[@TomichDCM]

Love to see it! ❤️📚💻😀 Always a patron of my libraries in Phoenix. One of the best non-fiction books I have read recently was " The Library Book" by Susan Orlean. Highly recommend!

[@sweet_sweetiepie]

2:23 - 2:32 is just like that Key & Peele skit

[@JohnNoZ35]

The Hamilton East Public Library in Fishers, IN, is brilliant. They have tones of things similar to the ones shown in this video.

[@RaymondHng]

Do they have dictionaries?

[@ponyrang]

Wow... !!! My best friend, Great... We liked and enjoyed to the end. Awesome... Full watched. Thanks Have a happy day!

[@dexterspringfield3015]

Great video on the access of libraries and the modernization of these spaces.

[@shuffleaccount1985]

LOVE THIS !!!! W O N D E R F U L !!!!

[@MISNM0]

The young man with the blue hair is speaking truth. Someone in a position to tap into his ideas should put him on the payroll.

[@hollitheexaltedempress6957]

Yes, libraries can be awesome. Especially when they keep culture and truth in line with freedom of speech and community outreach. Arts and sciences are major draws also forums and educational talks are a draw along with the ambiance.

[@tamaralaird3389]

The three things I would add is a garden to a library to teach people how to garden, a gym for people who can not afford one and social services.

[@SarahWuSLP]

Also it's free. We have so few spaces in our communities where you can go that it's completely free. Compared to other countries, we lack in free public spaces :(

[@RaymondHng]

Well technically, our library gets its income from the city general fund which gets its revenue from our property taxes.

[@Anonymous-dh4id]

Taxes

[@whitb6111]

I’m so mixed on this. I totally understand the modern practicality of open spaces and being more tech driven but doing away with all the books is going to be incredibly sad. I’d always rather a library be full to the brim with books. And nothing occupies more space then books. And the fact that you can just download all of them and have them on a server makes it hard to resist for the library.

[@tc8isgreat]

Books aren't going anywhere. Stairs didn't disappear with the invention of the elevator or escalator. 😉 Libraries are constantly evolving to meet the needs of its community. Look at it this way: libraries are just adding services and different technologies to it's large collection of books. I hope you continue to support your local book lending center!

[@delibakerytravel]

Fabulous!! Thank You!!

[@jenselinsky6734]

I used to be a librarian, but I am now retired and focusing on my writing and editing career.

[@musicaddiction1.227]

I wish the Philippinese were like this. As a Filipino who always wants to learn more and read from books but the access to the information is insufficient, the only way I can learn is from the internet.

[@erinerin8106]

I absolutely love this!

[@clairestrife8720]

This is what happens when money is used well and spent wisely. Libraries are great assets and tools that each community needs.

[@jimmybuffet4970]

I was so thrilled when our city voted for a tax increase to completely gut (down to the frame) and remodel our downtown library. They kept the same facade but made it so cool!

[@MrJamesSD1]

Thank you!

[@daryllebayda9693]

Hey CBS Sunday Morning team, be sure you add this to the Solutions Journalism Network’s database. Really valuable piece.

[@LawNerdAmber]

I've rediscovered my love of the Library in my 40s, we have some nice ones in Kitsap county Washington 👍

[@steveconn]

I love my local library (especially its computer lab when I've been tossed from all the local Kinko's lol).

[@tonyuzi881]

I visited many libraries in San Francisco but I was impressed on the main library restroom, there is uniform security guy inside welcoming guest and it's so clean and smells good, the 7 floor library is beautiful with a nice view by the window...

[@citrine65]

Security guard in the restroom? Are there issues there?

[@uchechiuwanaka]

Love it!😀

[@bazil4146]

I feel like libraries now are severely underappreciated Especially now with inflation being high. There's so many things that you can get for free that you have to pay every else. I just rented a act textbook, some games, and a few movies.

[@princepeterwolf]

Fabulous spaces

[@camuscat123]

This is fantastic! I had no idea!

[@Neeintje]

i love public libraries and grew up on them. Free information and more!

[@yogawithjengentleyoga3614]

Wonderful!

[@francicacornwall-john8185]

Wow i love this

[@travis2333]

I am in LOVE with the fact the lady play games at 2:45 is wearing a Joy Division shirt.

[@chrisfinch8637]

I sure miss the old days of schools, libraries, post offices, restaurants, and airports.

[@RealMTBAddict]

Huh?

[@mdvern9753]

I love these ideas

[@michaelargenta3856]

I remember K and S news stand in the south. It was a large ordinary store of a bunch of magazines. Know Its a few shelves in the grocery store. That jam session in the library is probably why sat are so low these days ..????

[@erikpeterson25]

Wait till you see what I did at THE LIBRARY ...multiple since 2018 Cheers, thx for the update and I thought the closing comments by the young man were spot on !

[@d.virgallito3490]

AWESOME, BUILD MORE!

[@angelapowell790]

I love the Library!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@aema5124]

Have more shows on what the various offering are about / available from our public libraries; like the San Antonio down town public library has a Genealogy floor that is just genius because SA was settled by 6 different nationalities and it needs a whole floor of a library and more to relay this to the public!!! Thank you for all your hard work and shows! Elaine Aschbacher

[@user-mh7ui9lb5f]

We would like to use this video to help promote our library building project. How can we get permission from CBS to use it?

[@cynthiahillian]

The library.. Like being at you grandmother's house.... He said... I've always loved that about our libraries....

[@tenshi_tries]

This is really nice.

[@peggybaxter6092]

Wow, this is amazing! How do we get this out there?

[@annerouyer7810]

And for Jerry all he needs to know is that NYPL no longer has overdue fines!

[@derrickzorns6506]

This is great

[@myothercarisadelorean8957]

Cool story.

[@byronwilliams7977]

"These are no longer warehouses of books, these are marketplaces of ideas...". Michael Sandel in his book, What Money Can't Buy: The Moral Limits of Markets, highlights that the US has gone from a country having a market economy to becoming a market society. The difference being that a market economy is a valuable and effective tool for organizing productive activity, a market society is one in which almost everything is up for sale...its a way of life where market values seep into almost every sphere of life. This is an almost direct quote from Mr Sandel during an interview he conducted for PBS News Hour. I highlight this because of how blatantly true this seems to be. The language used to describe the transition from a public library having physical books to one where the books are increasingly digital, is framed in the diction of markets, as opposed to the diction of democratization, and so the paradigm shift is couched in a Market Place mindset. I think that that is to the detriment of American civil life, and impoverishes the country as a whole, when clear limits on the reach of Markets are not set and enforced. Market place ideals ultimately supplant the cultural ones. TO BE 100% clear, I am in favor of the library's revitalization, just not how it was framed.

[@agoodgurl2k]

WOW!!!!!

[@pegclose3082]

this is the best news ever

[@dannysart3990]

Everything has to evolve. Just ask Blockbuster.

[@jude999]

The library in Atlanta got rid of most of its books and is turning the public library into a space for private business. The lack of reading among much of the population is the primary reason we are in the state of history revisionism, ignorance, and repression we are today.

[@ayomide1007]

So happy for this, I m not even American, but this is wonderful

[@mosesperaza2763]

I love the library it is a great place to hangout and read or learn. It is the poor man's college.

[@finacahya7476]

I’m studying Library and information science, the library which provided the tools and the user can practice it’s called Library makerspace. And mostly it’s provide by public library 😊 yeah and I couldn’t agree more pandemic and library is closed it’s time for librarysn renovations or redeso😀