Life, Liberty and Libraries on the Fourth of July

As we celebrate our country with fireworks, flags and Fourth of July parades, we should also take a moment to reflect on what this all really means.  The Birth of our Nation, Freedom, Liberty, Independence, Democracy – these are all concepts and values that we celebrate on this special day.  So what about adding Libraries to this list?

Franklin D. Roosevelt said that libraries are "essential to the functioning of a democratic society.”  A democracy is dependent on an informed electorate, a citizenry who has access to information and resources so that they can make informed decisions.  There are few institutions that welcome all people in through their doors and offer access to a wide range of materials free of any charge.  That is the very definition of your local public library.  We take that role very seriously.

The concept of libraries started in ancient times, but bookand libraries were limited to the domain of the rich and the powerful.  In some parts of the world, this is still the case. But not in the democratic United States of America.  It was Benjamin Franklin that started the first American public library in the 1730’s.  The concept of tax-supported public libraries was first conceived as a supplement to the public school system.  Free unrestricted access to materials is still an important American idea.  Today this access has taken a multifaceted approach.  How important it is to provide not only books but free Internet and computer access to all – those that can afford it and those that cannot!  The library is a great equalizer.  Everyone, rich or poor, has the opportunity for life-long learning at the library.

The North Shore Library provides books and other materials on a variety of viewpoints.  We do not support one side or the other.  We offer differing views so that the people are empowered to make their own decisions.  We currently have a display of “Political Affairs” books.  You will find books on Sarah Palin and Karl Rove as well as Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton.  Challenge yourself to discover something new.

Thomas Jefferson said, "No nation can remain both ignorant and free."  So let’s add Libraries to our Fourth of July celebration.