**TL;DR - Libraries are still important because they are depositories of knowledge for everyone. Reading shapes minds and societies, and libraries provide a communal space for accessing information and promoting change**. Although the internet offers an easily accessible, infinite number of information sources, libraries remain extremely relevant because they provide a space for a community of readers who come together through their love of books and inquisitiveness. Libraries are also spaces of interaction and communication. According to Sue Wilkinson, libraries make reading fun: something people will do with family and friends. ( [reading agency] (https://readingagency.org.uk/news/blog/why-we-all-need-libraries.html) ). Wilkinson goes on to say that through libraries we can 'become more creative, more interested in the world around us, more tolerant of other ideas and more open to change'. Libraries are also important because they help shape minds and educate individuals and communities. They make reading a hands-on, interactive activity which can be free to use in public libraries. In addition, libraries are centres of enquiry and dialogue, as well as a range of 'community programmes'. Indeed, Sadie Trombetta refers to these and ''direct librarian assistance', different classes, 'basic internet access', etc. as beneficial services offered by libraries ( [Bustle] (https://www.bustle.com/p/7-reasons-libraries-are-essential-now-more-than-ever-43901) ). Libraries, especially public ones, are essential for a well-rounded and functional society.

Perhaps the most common argument for doing away with public libraries is the idea that they are unnecessary now that the internet allows immediate access to the same resources. This inaccurately assumes that everyone has steady access to the internet, and increases the educational divide. Nearly [19 million Americans do not have reliable access to the internet](https://www.fcc.gov/reports-research/reports/broadband-progress-reports/eighth-broadband-progress-report). These same people likely also cannot afford to buy new (or even used) books, leaving libraries as their only way to obtain educational materials. If they didn't have this option, they would be at a significant disadvantage, and even more-so without the other community programs libraries offer. Libraries also provide a sustainable way to read physical copies of books, as a single book can be shared amongst hundreds of community members - reducing the deforestation needed to produce books in mass.

**TL;DR – Libraries help new writers to be compensated, regarded for their work, and connected with readers.** I think a lot about how writers are compensated for being in a library, especially when it’s so easy to continuously discover new ones. Is it merely a platform for them to get their books out there or is there a give and take with libraries? Author Sharon Crawford [writes](https://sharonacrawfordauthor.com/2019/03/14/public-libraries-help-writers-and-their-readers/) about Public Lending Rights Programs, “you can receive royalty payments annually. Some library systems base the amount on how many times your books are borrowed or if your book or books are in the library catalogues.” Along with this external program, authors can reach out to libraries themselves to hold workshops and general events there to promote themselves and meet people. This results in the librarians usually ordering copies of your book ahead of time and doing a lot of the promotion work for you. Borrowing books is a more conscious way of reading and libraries allow you to do it endlessly. It’s great for writers and no brainer for readers – especially those who care a lot about supporting their favorite writers.