I don't know where you happen to live in the U.S., but public libraries are actually thriving these days and are viewed in many places as community centers. Libraries have kept up with the digital age and are offering more than most people who don't visit their public library might be aware of. Hard copy books will always be found in your public library, but nowadays you can also download digital books, and these books will return themselves to the library's digital book collection when the borrowing period is over (no more fines for overdue library books).
Additional digital collections in many public libraries will include both local and national newspapers -- a boon to people searching their family genealogy. The self-guided student who desires access to JSTOR and other digital collections of academic journals is provided this in many public libraries. Even smaller libraries without all resources of the larger libraries can still acquire requested books and print-outs for you through a cooperative interlibrary loan system across the nation.
Many libraries provide museum passes for the whole family. Many libraries also have the capability of assisting with passport applications and renewals, providing career information, and conducting adult literacy courses. There are library programs for both adult learners and hobbyists, as well as similar programs and storyhours geared for children -- all promoting reading for both learning and pleasure.
Libraries are especially on the forefront of advocacy for intellectual freedom and the right to read. This year's Banned Books Week will be Oct. 1st through 7th, and libraries across the nation will be displaying both banned and challenged books in their collections for public awareness. To quote Deborah Caldwell-Stone, director of the American Library Association's Office for Intellectual Freedom: "This is a dangerous time for readers and the public servants who provide access to reading materials. Readers, particularly students, are losing access to critical information, and librarians and teachers are under attack for doing their jobs." The Authors Guild (the largest and oldest professional organization for writers in the United States) supports the American Library Association and has joined with them in the national initiative Unite Against Book Bans..
Why not visit your public library (especially during Banned Books Week in October) and borrow a banned or challenged book to read?
