I’ve often referred to libraries as the crown jewels of communities. My wife and I have even established that one of our relocation criteria is the quality of the local library.
We are fortunate to have a fantastic local library, the Radnor Memorial Library, which offers more than just books, DVDs, and CDs. It hosts ongoing events, such as speakers and storytimes, provides meeting rooms and computer access, and even offers passes to over two dozen local museums. All of these services are free of charge, and there’s even an annual 5K run called “Elves for the Shelves” to raise money for the library.
The true power of a library became evident to me when I read a recent article in the Philadelphia Inquirer about the Free Library of Philadelphia.
Here’s some background on the Free Library of Philadelphia, as per Wikipedia:
The Free Library of Philadelphia system consists of 54 neighborhood library locations and the Rosenbach, promoting literacy, facilitating learning, and sparking curiosity with its vast collection of digital and physical materials. With over 6 million in-person visits and millions more online annually, the Free Library and the Rosenbach are among Philadelphia’s most widely used educational and cultural institutions, with a global impact.
The Free Library of Philadelphia organizes more than 25,000 events each year, including job-search workshops, small business programs, English as a Second Language conversation groups, and computer classes. It also houses the Culinary Literacy Center, offering culinary classes for all ages that teach literacy skills through cooking, as well as math, chemistry, nutrition, and health. The Library hosts an acclaimed Author Events Series, bringing in over 100 writers, politicians, scientists, researchers, and musicians annually. Moreover, it runs citywide programs like “One Book, One Philadelphia,” “Summer Reading,” and the “Literacy Enrichment After-school Program (LEAP).” Additionally, the Free Library oversees READ by 4th, a citywide initiative aiming to improve the reading levels of Philadelphia students entering the 4th grade by 2020.
The Philadelphia Inquirer article also highlighted the diverse range of items available for borrowing, apart from books:
- Skill-themed backpacks or kits, including home gym kits, birding and hiking backpacks, Read, Baby, Read backpacks, Bus Busy backpacks for schoolchildren, and crafting kits.
- Jigsaw puzzles
- Musical instruments, such as electric and acoustic guitars, various drums, amps, keyboards, violins, mandolins, and banjos.
- Cake pans
- Health equipment, like blood pressure monitors or food scales.
- Ties for job interviews
Furthermore, the library offers various learning and professional development resources:
- Language learning
- Job search assistance (resume review, mock interviews)
- Academic support for school and standardized tests
- Work-related skills through platforms like Lynda.com
And yes, there are computers and Wi-Fi access, all at no cost.
The price for accessing these incredible resources?
$0.00
Is there a better deal anywhere else in the country, aside from your local library?
*Image from Visit Philly
