When Herrick District Library graciously agreed to take me on as an intern this summer, I had an idea of what I’d be getting myself into. I grew up going to libraries with my parents, participated in summer reading challenges, and still have many of the prizes I won buried somewhere in the clutter of my junk drawer.
Since my childhood, however, I’ve come to realize that there are many misconceptions that people tend to have about their public library. So, consider this your unofficial guide to popular library myths from the desk of the intern. Hopefully, this will convince you to stop by Herrick and experience the reality of libraries for yourself.
Myth: Libraries are strictly quiet spaces where a librarian will shush you if you make a peep.
Reality: While quiet spaces do exist (where if you get too rowdy, shushing might be in the cards), libraries are no longer strictly quiet spaces. They’re now places where people connect and community thrives. Herrick does have a designated quiet space on the lower level—a glass-walled reading room filled with newspapers. But in the rest of the library, you’ll find end-of-summer parties for all ages, quarterly Maker-in-Residence programs at Groundworks, DIY programs on everything from drone building to soap molds, watercolors to composting, and so much more!
Myth: You can only borrow books at the library.
Reality: Books are certainly what we’re all about, and we hope you’ll come to peruse our thousands of different titles, but Herrick District Library truly offers so much more. From movies to video games to activity kits to Kindle Paperwhites preloaded with hundreds of books, there is more than enough to keep any patron satisfied. Not to mention our Library of Things where you can rent out metal detectors, microscopes, gaming consoles, etc. The opportunities at the library are nearly endless.
Myth: Libraries are only used by kids and seniors.
Reality: Herrick District Library caters to all age groups. There are programs for children, reading and writing challenges for young adults, and all kinds of events for adults. We hold jigsaw puzzle competitions, escape rooms and thematic events such as Star Wars day, as well as online resources for free career coach and tutoring for kids. People of all ages are welcome and encouraged to take advantage of our free resources at the library.
Myth: Everything is online these days, so there’s no need to use the library.
Reality: While it is true that we have more information than ever at our fingerprints, a massive amount of content online is kept behind expensive paywalls. Public libraries like Herrick pay for subscriptions so that patrons can freely access all sorts of services. Our databases are filled digital newspapers including Holland Sentinel, Wall Street Journal, and New York Times. There are over 4000 digital magazines including TIME, Fast Company, Inc., Vogue, Elle, Better Homes & Gardens, HGTV, Food Network Magazine, Magnolia, Newsweek, Men's Health, Runner's World, People, Vegan Food & Living, Taste of Home, Consumer Reports and Psychology Today. We also offer early literacy resources such as ABC Mouse and the genealogy resource, Ancestry.
Myth: Librarians spend their shifts reading books.
Reality: Actually, reading on the job almost never happens. Librarians work hard to plan community events, manage databases, catalog and organize books, and so much more. What’s even better is that you can ask your librarians for any help you might need. They love bizarre and hyper-specific questions, so never hesitate to ask.
