Strengthening Community through Public Library
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The quality of a community depends directly on its citizens’ access to knowledge. Public libraries enrich lives and expand opportunities for all citizens by promoting reading and the active use of cultural, intellectual, and information resources.
In a national poll in 2008, almost all Americans (92%) said that they view their public library as an important resource. Seven out of ten agreed that their public library is a pillar of the community (72%), a community center (71%), a family destination (70%), and a cultural center (69%)
Per American Library Association, Americans check out an average of more than seven books a year from public libraries. They are the number one point of online access for people without internet connections at home, school or work. More than 65% of public libraries provide services for job seekers. Unfortunately, Americans spend more than twice as much on candy as they do on public libraries.
The Richmond Public Library near Berkeley traces its root to a resolution passed on August 16, 1907 at the Women’s Improvement Club of Richmond to establish a public library. Its services now include (i) children programs, featuring story hours, puppet shows, handicraft activities, an dial-a-story telephone story telling; (ii) book collection of some 236,000 volumes; (iii) periodical holdings exceeding 700 titles; (iv) microfilm holdings of newspapers and periodicals exceeding 4,000 reels; (v) more than 11,000 phonograph record albums; and (vi) an extensive audiovisual service — more than 400 films ranging from children’s cartoons to full-length features. It also provides free legal services and homework help tutoring. The library draws not only Richmond residents, but patrons from the surrounding areas as well.
We are pleased to support the Richmond Public Library.
Lucas Maystre
