As homeschoolers, we rely, no depend, on the public library system for all sorts of learning materials. Sometimes we wish books and video collections were more up-to-date, that there were more or even any cozy ‘reading’ chairs, and that they were open late on Friday and Saturday nights. I have a wish list of things I would like my public library to be, but I am not sharing that today. I am sure that many other homeschool parents (and even public school parents) have wish lists as well. This weekend, I witnessed something that convinced me that public libraries had better start asking homeschool and engaged public school parents and children what they would like to see in a public library, because the public libraries’ role is being hijacked!
A virtual school that serves the public education system in our state was having an ‘open house’ or a ‘meet and greet’. The online education program offers online public school classes to any eligible child in the state, and its completely free. They hosted simultaneous open houses across our city. Guess where the virtual school hosted their open houses? If you think public libraries, you are wrong. The state-funded public online virtual school hosted their open houses at every Barnes & Noble location across the city. Now, I am not faulting the school system for this. I love Barnes & Noble with it’s coffee and tables, beautiful displays of the latest books by genre, cozy reading areas for kids and adults, friendly staff to help with any needs, and bright, cheery, upscale interiors that make you feel as if you are in some exotic location. The school system folks are just going where they believe the people are! The fact that the public education system doesn’t think people are at the libraries is telling! I just think its sad that even our own public education system recognizes that citizens would rather go to Barnes & Noble than a public library. So, is this why communities are deciding not to fund their public libraries? Are they thinking who needs a public library if we’ve got a Barnes & Noble?
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Wow I’m only reading your comments now. Sorry. Life here at NYPL has been very busy. If you are ever in NYC, please contact me, I would love to show you how we are incorporating many of your wish list items into the New York Public Library; renovated children’s rooms, some locations open until 11pm, a “hub” library that stays open 7 days a week and late in every region. Spaces for interesting classes, musical performances, etc. If you don’t have a visit to NYC planned anytime soon. Take a virtual tour at our http://www.nypl.org website.
Though I am not a librarian, I do work in a library and I do homeschool my 9-year old son. I find the resources of our local library in Upstate , NY and the New York Public Library where I work to be incredibly valuable. As a matter of fact I was speaking about this at a meeting of staff recently – most of whom were librarians.
I suggested that, in a world where kids are increasingly relying on Google, and don’t have to leave their home or school to get good information, librarians better start reaching out and making connections with homeschoolers.
For me and my husband, we could not homeschool without two things, well maybe 3 things: 1. Our two favorite library systems. The New York Public Library and the Ramapo Catskil Library. 2. Great information that I find through websites and blogs such as yours. 3. My husband – who makes it all happen and can still laugh about it all.
After talking to staff about connecting with homeschoolers, a staff person approached me and asked me if I would write about librarians and homeschoolers, and how they could make such connections. They want me to do this when our NYPL blog goes live in June.
I would be very interested in your “wish list” for libraries, and maybe, after reading it, permission to include some parts of it when I talk about libraries and homeschoolers. Would you share your wish list with me?
Maura Muller
Volunteer Manager , NYPL
homeschooling Mom
Rock Hill, NY
Maura,
Thanks for taking the time to post your comment. I would personally love to see public libraries as vibrant as the local Barnes & Noble store. If public libraries cannot engage the broader public, homeschoolers, who are heavy users of the system, will suffer as a result of funding deficiencies. I do not believe that homeschoolers alone can save public libraries, but perhaps public libraries can do what National Public Radio did and start looking for more private funding and other revenue streams! I have posted some of the items on my ‘wish list’ but realize that many of them are disruptive changes that won’t be easily accepted. However, I truly believe they will put public libraries back at the center of communities. Read my wish list