What Does My Public Library Mean To Me?
by Daniel Shrum
age 17, Murfreesboro

What does my public library mean to me? The public library is a place where people can get an education, entertainment, and a great deal of resources that would not be available to them otherwise. It is an invaluable asset to the community.

Our public library assists in the education of the public.  For instance:  The public library has many books, tapes, and DVDs which can be instrumental in learning. There are books and audio devices that teach many different languages; such as Spanish, French, German, and Latin to name a few; as well as materials to help people from other countries learn English. The library also has books designed to teach subjects that vary from Mathematics to Creative writing. The library contains books that teach numerous skills that are useful in several different careers as well. Additionally; the library possesses countless volumes of informative books on things such as space, and physics, as well as details about the lives of important people who have shaped our culture throughout the years.

In addition to educational materials, the library also has a variety of materials devoted to entertainment. The library owns countless novels of various types; historical fiction, science fiction, mystery, romance, and adventure novels are just a few examples of the myriad of novels contained within the walls of the library. It would be a very particular reader who could not find a selection to his liking! Moreover; the library is in  possession of a number of VHS tapes and DVDs. While some of these have practical applications, such as fitness or information, many are purely for entertainment. By checking movies out from the library a patron may thrill to the adventures of the intrepid MacGyver, sail the sea with Horatio Hornblower, or even live with the Ingalls family in The Little House on the Prairie! The mystery lover can be astounded by Hercule Poirot, amazed by Sherlock Holmes, or can laugh at Margaret Rutherford’s hilarious portrayal of Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple.

The public library is full of resources one might not have at all otherwise. For those who do not have a computer or internet connection the library provides access to both! This is especially helpful to those doing research. The library also has several reference sections that have a wealth of information on almost any subject. Law, science, mathematics, and grammar are all at the library!

To me, my public library means many things; education, entertainment, and resources that I would not normally have. Because the public library gives these things to the people it serves, I believe, that my public library is a great asset to our community.

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