Books are the public library brand, the word most
associated with them. With the proliferation of eBooks and online resources,
some people question the need for a larger Library building. The Plainfield
Library offers much more than simply the physical collections. Here are 14
important things the Library provides beyond its physical collections.
1.
The
Library Provides Early Literacy Support
Right now, Plainfield is projected to have 4,000 more
children under age 5 by 2030. The
building was meant for a population of about 30,000. Today, we serve over
75,000. The Library wants to support the
child care centers in Plainfield as a partner in early childhood literacy
through story time programs and learning services, as well as collections. We
want to make sure every child who is cared for in the home by a relative has a
librarian in their lives to deliver the same high quality early literacy
engagement they’d receive at a preschool.
If the referendum passes, we will have a library that is not only
welcoming, but ready for 21st
century learning.
2.
The
Library Helps Hold Kids at Grade Level
The Library supports school-aged kids reading skills and
holding them at grade level through the Summer Reading Program. Summer Reading offers
special events and incentives to encourage them to read. We want to give every
kid in Plainfield the opportunity to participate in Summer Reading. Capacity is
limited in the current building to 120 kids per event. Even running two
sections of an event, which is costly, we don’t have enough seats for all of
the families that want to participate. If the referendum passes, we will have a
library with the capacity to get even more kids participating in Summer Reading
to set them up for success in the next school year.
3.
The
Library Extends Learning Beyond the School Day
The
Library is a partner in student success by extending learning beyond the times our
schools and school libraries are open. We offer enrichment opportunities like
computer classes, programs that are fun and informative, homework help and
online learning resources. We want to make sure every student has the learning
support they need to be successful. If the referendum passes, we will have a
library with the tools and learning environment our students need for 21st
century learning.
4.
The
Library Helps Families with Special Needs Kids
Statistics
show alarming increases in children with learning disabilities and autism.
Currently, our library provides 6 sensory story times per year for children
ages 3 to 9. The Library wants to provide every individual with access to
social and literacy resources. The Library can be the perfect public place for
these children and teens to cultivate social and literacy skills. These
families need programs and space that are adapted to their special needs in
order to help them feel secure. The Library can provide a social and
educational outlet where they feel welcome. If the referendum passes, we will
have the space necessary to support our families with special needs kids and
teens to access social and literacy resources.
5.
The
Library Offers a Positive Place for Teens to Hang Out
The
Library had a teen lounge area at one time, but the space was needed for more
shelving. We want to offer a positive environment for teens, as well as a
comfortable place for them to hang out. We need to make sure that every teen
has a safe haven when they need one and give them activities and resources to
help support their development into solid members of the community. Our
librarians are experts at connecting with teens and helping channel their
energy in positive ways. If the referendum passes, we will have a place where
teens enjoy a positive environment that supports their development.
6.
The
Library Bridges the Digital Divide
The
public library is frequently the only place in a community to get free access
to the Internet and the computer or device needed to use that access.
Plainfield is no exception. Increasingly, students find it necessary to
complete homework utilizing the Internet at public libraries after school. If
they cannot access the Internet, they cannot do their homework. The Library
bridges the gap for those households that cannot afford Internet access at
home. Access to technology is at the heart of 21st century library
services. If the referendum passes, we will provide access to the devices and
bandwidth that bridge the digital divide.
7.
The
Library is a Retail Anchor of Downtown Area
Hundreds
of people visit the Library every day. Studies show that when a library is
located in a retail area, spending at businesses near that library increases.
Our Library not only increases foot traffic in the downtown area but also
partners with the Village to offer public parking that supports downtown
businesses. If the referendum passes, library visits will increase which in
turn will increase foot traffic for surrounding businesses.
8.
The
Library Supports Job Skills Development
Right
now, the Library offers more than 15 computer classes every month. The computer
classroom limits class size to 8 people. The Library wants to provide
opportunities to improve job skills through computer classes and continuing
education. We partner with Will County Workforce Development to bring their Mobile
Workforce Center to the Library weekly. We want our labor force to have the job
skills needed for success in the workplace. If the referendum passes, we will
be able to provide more job skills training for 21st century workforce.
9.
The
Library Offers Job Seeker Support
Today,
the Library offers a monthly job club meeting. With a building meant for a
population of 30,000 serving a community of over 75,000, our programs compete
with each other for the limited space available. The Library serves as an
important partner with other agencies focused on employment activities, such as
Illinois WorkNet. In addition to helping people find actual jobs, the Library supports
preparatory steps such as creating resumes, researching job information,
submitting applications online, and receiving training for job-related skills. If
the referendum passes, we will be able extend our reach in helping people find
jobs.
10.
The Library is an Economic
Development Engine
Small
businesses that do not have the ability to adapt and reposition their
businesses using current and detailed online information are at a serious
disadvantage in the competitive, global new economy. The Library strengthens
economic growth and resilience in the micro and small business sectors by
providing not only the resources they need to be competitive, but also hands-on
training in using those resources. Through partnerships with SCORE and the
Chamber of Commerce, the Library connects businesses to a broader network of
support. If the referendum passes, we’ll be able to extend 21st
century services that give our local businesses a competitive advantage.
11.
The
Library Builds Community identity
Plainfield’s
rapid growth left the community struggling with its identity. The Library connects
people with the larger community, providing a gathering place where all are
welcome. The Library has value as a comfortable place where people can gather,
especially as opportunities for social interaction have decreased in the wake
of more people seeking out services online. If the referendum passes, it will
be that comfortable place to gather.
12.
The
Library is a Social Leveler
Many
of our residents are able to purchase books, subscribe to magazines, and
conduct their research online without ever visiting a library. But not all of
our residents and families have those options. Universal access is one of the
most important strengths of the Library.
Libraries give everyone the opportunity to improve themselves and their
life circumstances, as well as enhancing leisure time, by giving them the
chance to socialize and by providing access to activities others take for
granted because they can afford them. Access for all is at the heart of public
library services.
13.
The
Library Provides ESL and Inclusion for Immigrants
Plainfield’s immigrant population has
been growing – and English language learning and literacy support is critical
for them. Learning English can improve so much for these new residents – from
better jobs to feeling connected and valued within the community. One of our
regular ESL participants, who is now tutoring others, compares our Library to
an island. When she came to this country, she felt like she was drifting in an
ocean, feeling lost and disconnected. When she found the Library, it became her
island, her home and connection to the community. The Library’s English
language learning support helps immigrants become engaged members of the
Plainfield community. If the referendum passes, we’ll add the needed capacity
for these growing ESL classes.
14.
The
Library Reaches Beyond Its Walls
With its undersized building, the Library has had to be
creative in how we offer service. One thing that makes our Library unique is
the amount of programs that are offered at locations throughout the community
rather than in the library building. From an “Appy Hour” class on smartphone
apps at a local tavern to “Donuts and Digital Books” at a bakery, the Library
takes its show on the road. But not all programs can be held at other locations.
The Library wants to offer both on site and off site locations for programs. If
the referendum passes, we will be able to offer more and larger on site
programs while continuing to offer off site programs too.
If the referenda fail, all of these
services will be competing for funding with projects necessary to keep the
existing building operational in the long term. Services that:
- ·
help our youngest kids be ready for school
- ·
hold school-aged kids’ reading
skills at grade level over the summer
- ·
support our kids learning beyond
the school day
- ·
support families with special
needs kids
- ·
give our teens a positive
environment
- ·
level the playing field by providing access to technology for all
- ·
provide job skills training
- ·
help job seekers in their search
- ·
invest in our own community and workforce
- ·
support local businesses
- ·
connect people with their community
It’s
not fearmongering or a threat to talk about what happens if the referenda fail. An
estimated minimum 20% cut to programs and services will be needed to fund the
projects necessary to keep the existing building operational in the long term. That’s
the reality of a 25 year old building that’s been heavily used and the needs
identified more than a decade ago that continued to grow when the 2009
referendum failed. The need continues to grow today. The proposed plan going
before the voters on March 15 meets the needs of today and prepares the Library
for the future.
