With the significant growth of digital usage across the country, libraries are turning the page towards innovation.
The library is evolving and adapting, adopting new ways in which to reach out to the community it serves.
“We’re always hosting workshops and learning opportunities and author talks and all kinds of really fun activities for the community to be able to do, and it’s all free. People seem to always forget that every library service that we offer is free,” said Ariana Bilek, Library Administrator with the City of Santa Clarita Public Library.
Public libraries are using innovation and technology to guide generations towards learning and discovery.
“More than just a bookmobile is a mobile library. Think of it as a library branch on wheels,” said Bilek.
“So we got, of course, our amazing book check out, but we also have so much more, including these fun robots that kids can come and learn to play with. They’re controlled with an iPad,” said Bilek.
“They’re called DASH and dot robots, and they’re really fun to be able to explore and play with and kind of build some of those skills up here you can see storage for our iPads, our robots, our laptops and some more tech and equipment that we have here,” said Bilek.
Educators are encouraged to reach out
“To all of our teachers and those looking to bring resources to your parts of the community,” said Michael Merino, Santa Clarita Outreach Coordinator.
“You can go online to the library’s website to request a stop for the library Express,” said Merino.
The love of books is multi generational.
“When you read a book, you find out about a different world. You put yourself into another atmosphere, and you don’t want to, if it’s that good, you don’t want to put it down,” said Anthony Montello, a local library supporter.
Public Libraries will continue to develop innovative ideas to get more of these into the hands of the community.
