LIBRARIES AND LITERACY by Jane Rustin

The public library has served and continues to serve the interest of the reading community.  The library offers a collection of material in a variety of formats, but the essence of a library is its books.  Throughout history, countless people have testified to the significant role the availability of books has played in their lives.  And, just imagine, at the local public library, it’s free!  Reading is the key to enrichment and enlightenment.

But what of the non-readers in a community?  For a non-reader, entering the library building itself may be formidable.  To serve the non-reader, library staff need to be warm and welcoming and eager to offer assistance.  The library may offer a collection of books for the beginning adult reader, but how in the world can they be found without the help of a compassionate librarian?  Additionally, digital literacy is critical for success in the modern world, and libraries do a good job in providing this training.  But again, how in the world is a non-reader expected to navigate the digital world without help?
At the Wayne County Public Library, the staff understand the needs and anxieties of the non-reader and recognizes the library can offer a safe space for literacy tutoring, and this is a good way to become comfortable in a new environment.  Another way to break the cycle of illiteracy is for a young child to attend story time at the local library.  There is magic during these programs, and they can be the start of loving books.  And it’s all free!


The Friends of the Library annually provide support for the mission of the library and to support literacy in the community through the Friends Annual Book Sale.  Thousands of volumes, including children’s books, and all sorts of adult titles are sold for nominal sums.  Low pricing is intentional.  The Friends do like the revenue generated from the sale, but the greater purpose is to get books into people’s homes.

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