Recent article in the ABC news speaks of school libraries and the dire state they are in to remain open in schools. Ironic as I sit out the front of the newly refurbished Marrickville Public Library, It’s a half an hour before opening time and there is already at least 100 people outside waiting to get in. I have been to this library several times since they launched their new space and every time it has been a buzz with activity, meeting rooms fully booked and even the large upstairs ‘study zone’ with no tables to spare. Hence why today I am here early to secure my spot.
Obviously libraries are important to the community otherwise all these people would be elsewhere. It frustrates me that libraries don’t seem to hold the same value within the school context. Libraries are trying to imitate these new dynamic learning spaces within schools but reality is schools don’t have the space , budget or coffee shop connected to pull the crowds. It’s seems that the ‘bling’ factor is becoming a reason to go to the library and not not contents within it but if that is what moving with the times is then school libraries will need a facelift.