Libraries in the 21st Century

The dawn of the 21st century has made public libraries more important than ever. The availability of technology and the Internet has sparked a resurgence of interest in research and exploration. However, people have quickly discovered that the Internet only touches the surface of a subject, while the collections and electronic reference materials available through the public library are what they need to satisfy their search for information.

Electronic references are available in libraries that are unavailable to the public through the Internet. Librarians are still one of the best steering mechanisms known to us; they know how to navigate the myriad paths along the Internet, or get into the databases from which to find sources for original research.

Besides, books make wonderful pastimes. You can sit and read a book in a park, at the beach, or even when the power is out. And, you can read a book to those who cannot, whether they are toddler or an adult who can no longer see.

In short, the Walnut Creek Library Foundation believes that libraries, particularly Walnut Creek’s libraries, will remain major contributors to the cultural and educational fabric of our community. More than ever before, our libraries are social gathering places and places for the exchange of information and ideas.

Libraries for the Information Age

Excellent articles on the role of libraries in the information age are available through the American Library Association and the Americans for Libraries Council.