Why Does the ACPL Need Different Space?

The current location for the Library worked quite well for many years, but when the World Wide Web became available in the late 1990s, things changed. In addition to providing access to information in the form of books, magazines, and videos, the Library realized its responsibility to provide access to information available electronically through the Internet and carved out spaces in the Library for computers. The ACPL, like libraries across the country, has become the bridge across the Digital Divide.

Today, an average of 100 people per day use the computers at the ACPL. Frequently, people who have never used a computer come to the library and need to complete a job application or a government form. We teach at least two beginning computer classes per month, and offer two computer help sessions each month. In addition, we do help people one-on-one as time permits. One of the biggest needs in the Library is space for a computer lab. Currently, we set up laptops in our small conference room, which is far from ideal as a learning space.

Another need that the community identified during the ACPL's strategic planning process in 2009 is a large multipurpose room that can be used by the community for meetings, programs, and events.

In addition, in the Foster Furniture building, we would be able to create comfortable and attractive seating areas for personal computing, reading, and study. We also hope to create small study rooms that can be used by community members including tutors for the Literacy Council.

People often ask me whether there is a future for libraries, and it is clear to me that there is going to be a need for libraries until computers and internet access are affordable to everyone. We continue to fill the role of providing access to information to everyone in this democracy. The American Library Association compared library statistics in 1994 with statistics in 2004, and found that visits to our public libraries went up by 61% during this time. Circulation of library materials went up 28% in the same time period. Libraries still serve a very critical role in the community.

In addition, the Library is a public gathering space where people from all backgrounds come together. It is important in the increasingly digital age to provide real spaces where the community can come together and interact.