Local libraries: The hub of all things pertaining to information, rely on The American Library Association (ALA) to maintain and increase federal funding. Who does the ALA rely on? The answer is you. Quantitatively, the amount of cardholders demonstrates community interest and need for its libraries. 

 Clover Hill Library librarian Sarah Mormon, illustrates the role library card holders play in their federal funding.

“The more necessary they see libraries as, they will provide some more funding and if numbers start dwindling, they will view that as libraries not benefiting the community and they will pull back funding for sure,” Mormon said. 

Funding is mandatory for libraries to continue providing their many contributions to the community. Since the establishment of libraries, they have been the warehouse of resources. The average library contains so much more than the obvious literature. According to The American Library Association, libraries are one of the major places where equity flourishes, pertaining to access to information.

“We have computers, so if you don’t have a computer or easy access to Wi-Fi at your house, you can come in and use our computers. We have access to research databases that you can’t really access in other places; we even have rooms, so even if you just need a room to work, we’ve got that. We have apps like “Hoopla” where you can even watch TV shows,” Mormon said.

With the increased use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), reliable information is more prevalent than ever. Libraries are one of the few places where you can ensure your information is accurate and trustworthy, making libraries even more valuable. 

“I think a lot of times we feel like, well it’s really easy to just get on your phone quickly and look at information, but sometimes that’s not the best or most relevant information, libraries are really important for that,” Mormon said. 

The solution that ensures the inclusive and useful qualities of libraries stay in place is very simple. The steps to gain a library card are incredibly time efficient, accessible, and easy. The majority of libraries even have an option to apply for a card completely contactless online. 

A full time library assistant at Clover Hill library, Sam Markwith, explains how anyone can sign up for a library card.

“If they have some form of identification and a bill or some kind of mail or statement that has their name and current address, it would not take even 10 minutes to get a card,” Markwith said. 

As funding is directly connected to the number of cardholders, people have taken action. As stated by State Scoop, 54% of people aged 13-40 visited physical libraries within a year’s time frame.  People have demonstrated the need for libraries through passion, no one can blame them.  

“We do have statistical reports we get every month, and it has been going up, so that’s very exciting,” Mormon said. 

Clover Hill High School library staff in particular harvest a welcoming atmosphere for all its students, further encouraging the appeal for a library card outside of the school. 

Clover Hill High School librarian Heidi Williams, highlights the deeper meaning surrounding a library’s purpose.

“As far as books go, libraries offer windows into stories you may not know anything about, it lets you experience being someone else and helps people learn empathy,” Williams said. 

Local libraries are a sanctuary for all and supported by us. To learn more and apply for a library card, visit The American Library Association or your local library’s website.