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There’s no question that the rise of the internet, and eventually e-readers and smartphones, had an immense impact on the very purpose of brick and mortar libraries. Doomsayers predicted the end of print media in general and books and specific, and that, coupled with the Great Recession, saw staff layoffs and big changes in how libraries were used by the public.
If large spaces in libraries weren’t needed anymore, how could they better use that space to serve their communities? If easy access to books wasn’t what people needed as much anymore, what did they need to get ahead?
Libraries started collaborating more with schools to help students achieve better kindergarten readiness, stronger reading skills, and better grades through tutoring, help centers, and in-home guidance. Adult populations were suddenly going to libraries for support with finding jobs, starting businesses, and literacy training to help the 14% of the US population who still can’t read. And of course, the physical spaces needed to adapt and change to meet these new needs.
Ohio is extremely fortunate to have strong, innovative libraries. To discuss how libraries have changed and continue to adapt, we welcome Patrick Losinski (CEO of the Columbus Metropolitan Library), Tim Kambitsch (Executive Director of the Dayton Metro Library), Jonathan Moody (President and Architectural Designer at Moody Nolan), and host Michelle Francis (Executive Director of the Ohio Library Council).
Photographs by Rick Buchanan Photography
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