Do We Still Need Libraries?

The New York Times posted an interesting discussion about the role of libraries in the digital age. This was an adjunct to its own reporting about how libraries are trying to fill the void left by the closing of traditional bookstores. Of course, we at Taos Public Library feel that libraries are as important, if not more important, than ever. So it was gratifying to see that all four of the contributions in the Times seemed to agree.

My personal favorite is this comment by Luis Herrera, city librarian of San Francisco:

Libraries are more relevant than ever. They are a place for personal growth and reinvention, a place for help in navigating the information age, a gathering place for civic and cultural engagement and a trusted place for preserving culture. While the technology for accessing library materials has changed and will continue to change, our mission – to inform, to share and to gather – will not.

My sentiments, exactly. And I'm pretty sure I'm not the only who thinks so around here.