Photo essay by ZOYA KHAN, ARCHANA HARIHARAN and SHEA GANG
The hushed whispers of students. The feel of crisp pages of a new copy. The colorful array of books stacked along wooden shelves. Libraries have always had a distinct presence that captivates their visitors. Today’s libraries have helped both build and strengthen communities by connecting people and ideas. What once was thought of as just places for books, libraries have evolved to be places of comfort, learning and growth where we become a better version of ourselves. Their beauty can be seen through the eyes of a three-year-old sounding out her first words in a picture book, to a senior citizen enjoying the daily paper and some company.
The Jericho Public Library (JPL) has undergone many changes throughout the decades, with new programs, event, books and electronic resources. JPL children’s librarian Ms. Kim Simmons feels that even if technology has changed, the heart of the library stays the same. She said, “Everything has changed as far as how we read and how we get our information, but the bottom line is, reading is still just as important as it ever was.”
JPL library programs play a significant role in the love the community shares for the library. Ms. Simmons said, “I think a big part of libraries now are the programs offered. We have programs where teens can work with younger kids, like Book Buddies, which I think is very important for both the teens and the kids in the community,”
For decades, librarians have helped kids broaden their learning and explore any interests they might have. The resources they provide have had tremendous impacts on the knowledge and maturity children gain as they grow older alongside the library.
Jericho High School English teacher and avid lover of literature Ms. McGee believes that libraries played a pivotal role in her career choice. “They helped foster my love of reading, my desire to always be surrounded by books and also the desire to share that love. I think that’s what’s so wonderful about libraries, this idea of not just being a center of knowledge, but a place where it freely gives all of that knowledge to anyone who comes in its doors,” she said.
The library is a staple for many teens in the Jericho community who like to spend their time studying in a calm environment.
Junior Joseph M. believes that libraries are a place of peace and quiet allowing for a better work atmosphere. “It’s a much better studying environment, because it is quieter in most cases. You can concentrate a little bit more here,” he said.
Jericho High School librarian Ms. Samira Salzberg believes that libraries treat each individual with equality, and adhere to their needs while providing access to resources that go beyond just books. “It’s really a place where every member of the community can go and feel like they’re being represented. They can go and get the information they need for personal use and educational use.”
Not only does Ms. Salzberg help students in the library, she also helps teach students how to use databases and other online resources in their classrooms.
Social media has been a big part of our changing lives, affecting libraries as well. Solano County librarian and popular social content creator Mychal Threets uses Instagram to celebrate how libraries have inspired many, old and young, with his stories, advice, and positive takes on the library. In our interview with him he said, “Library joy and book joy is what I’ve always felt as a kid, and that’s why I do what I do—to create that same feeling in library kids and library grown-ups. That’s why I take so much joy from the library stories that I share.”
Libraries are much more than just places for books and reading. Most modern-day libraries offer a vast array of items and activities, ranging from board games to musical instruments. Mychal Threets has seen libraries grow for the past thirty years and has seen the wonderful opportunities they have been able to provide. He said, “There’s eBooks, audiobooks; there’s also musical instruments now, all sorts of really cool stuff. And then there’s homework help and tutoring help. We’re always waiting to find the perfect book for you, but in the meantime, there’s something for everyone.”
Jericho 4th grader Kazem K.’s family values the library so much that they even decided to bring that joy home with them, creating a designated library space in their house. Kazem loves his home, school and public libraries. He said, “The library is very comforting to me. I love libraries because I can go there with my friends and we can play together, use the iPads and find books. I can learn new things and it is really fun.”