Good News Rhode Island: Public Libraries, Pt. 1

Summary

In this episode of Good News Rhode Island, we explore the evolving role of libraries in Greenville, Cranston, and other communities, highlighting their significance beyond traditional perceptions. Chris LaRue from Greenville Library and Ed Garcia from Cranston Public Library share their journeys to librarianship, underscoring the diversity and modernity of library services. From fostering a love for reading to offering cutting-edge technology like 3D printers, Rhode Island's libraries serve as vital community hubs. They provide access to a wide array of resources, including ebooks and online content, showcasing libraries as dynamic spaces that adapt to the digital age while maintaining their core mission of promoting literacy and information access.

Takeaways

• 😃 Libraries provide a welcoming community space for people of all ages to gather, read, learn and create
• 📚 While formats have changed, libraries still promote literacy, reading and access to information
• 💻 Free public computer and WiFi access meets needs for those without home internet
• 📱 Ebooks, audiobooks and more available for free download to personal devices
• 🚪 Libraries serve as a public square and hub for community groups and events
• 🖨 New technologies like 3D printers allow patrons to design and create their own works
• 🎨 Libraries showcase local art through rotating exhibits and gallery spaces
• 🌎 Online catalogs and interlibrary loan systems expand access to resources
• ✏️ Services help aspiring writers develop their work and tell their stories
• ☺️ Librarians have diverse backgrounds but share a common passion for helping people

Q & A

What is the main role of libraries in communities according to the script?

Libraries are described as the center of towns and communities, serving as hubs for reading, learning, meeting people, and accessing information and ideas. They have evolved from being strict places with rules to vibrant community centers that offer a wide range of services beyond just borrowing books.

How has the perception of librarians changed from the past to the present in the script?

The script challenges the old stereotype of librarians as cranky individuals enforcing rules, introducing modern librarians like Chris LaRue and Ed Garcia who represent the diverse roles and services libraries offer today, including technology and community engagement.

What educational background is common among librarians mentioned in the script?

Both Chris LaRue and Ed Garcia, the librarians mentioned, have history degrees and pursued library science at the graduate level, highlighting the diverse educational backgrounds and paths to becoming a librarian.

What role do computers and digital services play in modern libraries according to the script?

Computers and digital services have significantly changed libraries, enabling them to offer eBooks, audiobooks, online access to their catalogues, and internet access to the community. Technology has also helped libraries to connect statewide and provide services like 3D printing.

How do libraries maintain relevance in the age of digital media as per the script?

Libraries maintain relevance by offering current and popular materials, hosting community events, providing access to technology and digital formats, and serving as information centers. Despite the availability of digital media, libraries continue to see high foot traffic and usage.

What are some examples of non-traditional library services mentioned in the script?

Non-traditional services mentioned include 3D printing, hosting art shows, offering spaces for community events, and providing resources for self-publishing and content creation, demonstrating libraries' roles as multifunctional community centers.

How do libraries cater to all age groups according to the script?

Libraries offer programs and services for every age, from young children to grandparents. They foster a lifelong relationship with their patrons by hosting age-appropriate events and providing materials suitable for all life stages.

What is the significance of libraries offering free access to computers and Wi-Fi?

Free access to computers and Wi-Fi is crucial for community members who may not have internet or computer access at home. It supports inclusivity by ensuring everyone has access to digital resources and information, especially important for education, job searching, and personal development.

How do libraries support local artists and community groups?

Libraries support local artists and community groups by hosting art shows, providing meeting and event spaces, and facilitating community forums. These activities highlight the library's role as a community hub for cultural and civic engagement.

What is the mission of modern libraries as discussed in the script?

The mission of modern libraries is to provide access to information and ideas in a public space, promoting literacy, digital access, community engagement, and the exchange of diverse ideas. They aim to be the public square of the community, adapting to serve current needs while still focusing on their core mission.

Outlines

00:00

📚 Introduction to Good News Rhode Island

The video opens with a warm welcome to 'Good News Rhode Island,' a show dedicated to highlighting the positive aspects of Rhode Island, its people, places, and events. The introduction emphasizes the central role of libraries in community building, recalling childhood memories of libraries as places of discovery, learning, and community engagement. Despite the stereotype of the 'cranky librarian,' the narrative quickly shifts to showcase libraries as vibrant community centers in Greenville and Cranston. The segment introduces guests Chris LaRue from Greenville Library and Ed Garcia from Cranston Public Library, setting the stage for a discussion on the evolving role of libraries and how they remain relevant and integral to community life.

05:00

📖 The Evolution and Impact of Libraries

This paragraph delves into the personal journeys of Chris LaRue and Ed Garcia into librarianship, highlighting the diverse backgrounds from which librarians come and the graduate education in library science that shapes their careers. The discussion broadens to reflect on the traditional and modern roles of libraries, illustrating how they have transitioned from quiet, rule-bound spaces to dynamic community hubs offering a wide range of services beyond book lending. The narrative underscores the importance of libraries in providing access to technology, fostering literacy, and serving as inclusive spaces for all ages. It touches on the technological advancements, such as eBooks and online resources, that have expanded libraries' reach and utility, further emphasizing the critical role of libraries in bridging digital divides and fostering community engagement.

10:03

🌐 Libraries as Centers for Digital and Community Engagement

The conversation continues to explore the multifaceted services offered by modern libraries, including access to eBooks and audiobooks at no cost to patrons, emphasizing the role of libraries as gateways to a vast array of information and resources. The guests discuss the mission of libraries to serve as public squares where information and ideas flow freely, facilitated by digital technologies and physical spaces for community gatherings. Examples of 3D printing services and art exhibitions illustrate how libraries encourage creativity and serve as cultural hubs. The segment also addresses libraries' efforts to remain relevant amidst the digital media landscape, highlighting the ongoing demand for library services and the unique role libraries play in providing free access to technology, fostering digital literacy, and serving as essential community resources.

15:05

🌍 Embracing Technology and Community in Library Services

This paragraph focuses on the innovative approaches libraries are adopting to engage with their communities and adapt to technological changes. It discusses how libraries are not only about lending books but also about facilitating access to information in various formats, including digital. The narrative highlights the redesigned websites of the Greenville and Cranston libraries, aimed at improving user experience and access to resources. The inclusion of services like online book writing tools reflects the libraries' commitment to supporting creative endeavors. The segment conveys a message of libraries as evolving institutions that embrace technology and community engagement, offering a wide range of services that cater to the needs of all age groups and fostering a culture of learning, creativity, and inclusivity.

Keywords

💡Community Building

Community building refers to activities, practices, or initiatives aimed at strengthening and developing the social fabric of a community. In the context of the video, libraries are highlighted as pivotal in community building. They offer a common space where people of all ages and backgrounds can gather, learn, and interact, thus fostering a sense of community. The script mentions various activities and resources offered by libraries that contribute to this, like hosting art shows and providing access to technology.

💡Libraries

Libraries are institutions that collect, maintain, and provide public access to books, periodicals, videos, and other resources for information and entertainment. The video emphasizes the evolving role of libraries in modern society. Beyond being mere repositories of books, libraries are portrayed as vibrant community hubs offering various services like computer access, ebook loans, and educational programs, illustrating their adaptability to changing societal needs and technological advancements.

💡Librarian

A librarian is a professional trained in library science, responsible for the management and coordination of library services. The video introduces Chris LaRue and Ed Garcia, librarians from Greenville and Cranston libraries, respectively. It explores their backgrounds and the diverse skill sets they bring to their roles, highlighting the multifaceted nature of modern librarianship which goes beyond traditional book management to include community engagement and technological proficiency.

💡Ebooks

Ebooks are digital versions of books that can be read on electronic devices such as computers, e-readers, and smartphones. In the video, the increasing popularity and availability of ebooks in libraries are discussed. It showcases how libraries are adapting to digital trends by offering ebooks, which can be downloaded remotely by patrons, thereby expanding library services beyond physical boundaries and making reading more accessible.

💡Public Libraries

Public libraries are library systems that are accessible to the general public and generally funded by public sources, like government or community donations. The video discusses how public libraries in Greenville and Cranston serve as vital community centers. They provide free access to a wealth of information, host various community events, and offer technological resources, underlining their role in promoting literacy, learning, and community engagement.

💡Technology in Libraries

This concept refers to the integration and use of digital technology in library services. The video highlights how libraries have embraced technology, offering computer access, Wi-Fi, 3D printing, and digital media. This adoption of technology has transformed libraries into dynamic spaces that provide digital literacy and access to information technology, catering to the diverse and evolving needs of the community.

💡Interlibrary Loan System

An interlibrary loan system is a service through which libraries lend books and other materials to each other on behalf of their patrons. The video mentions this system as a significant feature of modern libraries, allowing users to access resources from any library in the state. This system enhances the reach and effectiveness of libraries, making a wider range of materials available to the public.

💡Literacy and Reading Promotion

This refers to efforts made to encourage reading and improve literacy among the public. The video discusses how libraries continue to play a crucial role in promoting literacy and reading. Despite the advent of digital media, libraries still focus on instilling a love of reading through traditional print books and programs, especially for children, thereby contributing to educational development and lifelong learning.

💡Digital Media

Digital media includes electronic content and applications that are stored digitally, such as ebooks, audiobooks, and online databases. The video addresses the relationship between libraries and digital media, showing how libraries have adapted to include digital formats in their collections. This adaptation ensures libraries remain relevant and accessible in an increasingly digital world.

💡Community Programs

Community programs in libraries refer to organized events, workshops, or activities designed to engage and benefit the local community. The video illustrates this with examples like art shows, technology workshops, and educational programs in Cranston and Greenville libraries. These programs enhance the libraries' role as community centers, providing opportunities for learning, cultural enrichment, and social interaction.

Highlights

Librarians have master's degrees and come from diverse educational backgrounds

Libraries still provide print books and promote literacy, but media formats have changed

Libraries want to serve popular interests to stay relevant but also provide great literature

Many people use libraries for free internet and computer access

Libraries provide free wifi, ebooks, and audiobooks accessible remotely

Libraries serve as community centers for meetings, events, tutoring, and public forums

Libraries have maker spaces with 3D printers for creating prototypes and useful items

Libraries host art exhibits, promote local artists, and provide creative outlets

Library websites focus on easy access to catalogs, requests, locations and hours

Libraries have online tools for writing books, developing novels, and self-publishing

Libraries attract people of all ages, from young children to grandparents

Libraries build community across generations by providing first library cards to toddlers

Digital media hasn't replaced libraries, which keep getting busier

Library mission focuses on information, ideas and community in a public space

Libraries enable users to create as well as consume information

Transcripts

hello and welcome to good news Rhode

Island the show about Rhode Island and

the people and places and events that

make Rhode Island a great place to live

that build our communities nothing

builds a community more than the library

all of us know from our childhood of

going to the library finding books

meeting people seeing your friends

finding out new ideas all from the

library teachers always assigned some

work that had to be done in the library

so we're all familiar with that cranky

librarian who comes up to us and tells

us no talking no gum please only have

two books at a time all the rules that

we kept in our minds as we went to the

library libraries have changed their now

really even though we don't recognize it

so well they're really the center of a

town the libraries that we're going to

be interviewing today are in the center

of Greenville and in the center of

Cranston as well as other communities we

know the libraries are near us and we

need to know what they have inside

because usually we assume it's that

cranky old lady so instead of cranky old

ladies I'd like to interview introduced

to you Chris LaRue who's here from the

Greenville library a very wonderful

library that I visited last night and Ed

Garcia who's here from the Cranston

public library I only went to the

central Cranston library but i have to

say i was brought very quickly into the

21st century by seeing what is in those

libraries because my local library is

very small and not given the proper

space that should have in the community

so I was really thrilled to see what

place your libraries have so

let's get started Chris I'm going to ask

you first what does someone do to become

a librarian how did you move into that

job psychologically I'm disorganized and

so I was trying to but I was a history

major in college I was interested in

museum work and I type of thing I ended

up there was no archival classes at that

time or degree so I was told to go to

library school and in library school

which is a graduate program at URI I

began to understand public libraries a

lot better and and that became my career

so you're saying there's some kind of a

link between history the historical

buildings the historical mine ideas that

we've brought with us there what through

our training and then what's what's

there now it's very different but it

still banks on that path there there was

for me the reason that library school is

a graduate program is because it brings

in a lot of diversity people from all

different all different backgrounds

about four degrees okay so degree in

library science is what you have it's a

master's degree okay and how about you

and well for me it's actually funny cuz

i also have a history degree but my

journey to libraries was a somewhat

different mm-hmm i'm actually a fairly

new librarian i just i actually just got

my masters from you or I in 2008 and I'd

spent a long time as a marketing

executive at Sony Music in the music

industry and then I worked at the

American Diabetes Association and I

really thought some of the skills that I

learned in the private sector would be

helpful libraries but I really liked the

aspect of helping people that I learned

at the nonprofit's when I was at the

American Diabetes Association so that i

transitioned in a library school and

become a librarian and you've worked up

through the ranks in the library to

haven't you've tried every job correct

like my first library job was actually

at the central falls public library I

started there as the assistant director

when I finished library school and then

I came back to Cranston and I was a

reference librarian for a couple of

years and then I was the head of our

technology department and then I became

the director in 2012 so there's

something for everyone in in libraries

right well I'd like to start with what

is the same about libraries what what

does someone find who goes in maybe for

the first time they've moved to your

community and they're not sure what

they're going to find what do they find

that they'll recognize in libraries well

I think the core library is still the

same as it was in the 1800s when public

library started to develop in the United

States we still have print books we

still instill the love of reading we

have programs for children to introduce

them to reading the media has changed

the formats changed but the idea that

libraries are information centers and

promote literacy and reading is still

seen a lot of the books that I saw were

very current books that I didn't know

they were going to last 200 years and

that's what people are reading now is

the whatever comes out on the news

that's good to read yeah I mean we

really want to serve the interest of

people want to read now we still have

the great literature the non fiction

historical scientific things that people

need to use or want to read for their

own culture but we want to make sure

that the popular material is that people

are asking for our available central

keeps us relevant that's what keeps

people coming back into the door if we

have the new bestsellers and stock for

them are you in a battle with news media

and not in a battle but in a sort of

survival mode with the news media if you

mean like digit like digital media I

don't think so i think that a lot of

people think that you know because

things are available digitally that

there's no place for a library yet we

keep getting busier and busier and the

central library in cranston we have a

thousand people that come through the

door every day so just because stuff is

available in other media doesn't mean it

makes us less relevant it's just we have

to deliver our content in different ways

how do you think the computers change

libraries well they've changed them a

lot

you know currently what we're looking at

is ebooks in the audio which is the

downloadable format of what was the

print book on paper print book on paper

is still extremely popular it's still

the biggest circulating item that we

have but but the ebooks are going up

astronomically but on the other hand

technology has also helped us to connect

all the libraries together so that

someone can find out what's at any

library in the state from home or from a

computer in the library and we have a

very good interlibrary loan system you

know delivery system people go into your

library to use computers I mean that's

one of the main draws at least in the in

the library that's near me the main draw

is that they have some computer a lot of

computer stations you had a lot of quiet

space you had a lot of computer space

where people could use your computers or

bring their own it seems to me that

people need quiet space now and the

library is that in the even though

there's a lot going on behind the scenes

yeah I think some people might not think

that our building is as quiet as maybe

they remember their but this is a lot of

activity but the computers are really

important for us because there's a lot

of people that either don't have access

to computers at home can't afford a

computer can't afford the internet and

we provide that we're the only place and

the community that people can go and

have free access to use those services

we also have free Wi-Fi I think everyone

library in the state has free Wi-Fi now

so people can come in and bring their

own devices if they need to that happens

a lot if there's a storm we've had

instances where we never lost power the

rest half the city loses power that

every chair is full of someone on a

laptop trying to charge their thing

using our Wi-Fi and sometimes we go to

libraries when we're traveling because

it's the place we know we can get

internet if we really need it so the

other thing I saw was that you have

books that someone can put into their

own computer at their house and get

access remotely is that true did I

understand that correctly we have you

books

chronic books which is what I was

gradual but that was in a in an orc

right that you take home well there's

there's various ways they it can be down

some of them can be downloaded onto your

laptop or computer some of them are put

on to a kindle or a nuke some of them on

an iPad or whatever it depends on the

format okay so someone can sit in their

home and download a book from your

library yes that's correct I'm a hybrid

collection and what do they pay for that

nothing haha and it's it's an audiobook

it could be an audiobook or it could be

an e-book in text I have if you have

your own kindle or nook you can you can

go onto the website it's called the e

zone and you can download a book right

to it or you can download an audiobook

okay the definition that i read on one

of your websites was i think it was

yours in cranston the philosophy of our

the operating philosophy of the mission

is information and ideas in a public

place you want to talk about that that's

really an interesting change and

definition I thought I've oh my you know

again I've haven't been a librarian for

a long time I think that's always been

library our libraries mission since

libraries were inception it's just it's

just that now we have the space for

ideas and information and different we

still print we have digital formats but

we also consider ourselves kind of like

the public square of the community we

have meeting room space that gets used

by a daily basis by a myriad of

organizations community groups come in

and use our space we're hosting a

candidates forum in two weeks with

candidates from first city council

school comedian Cranston we have tutors

that come in so that's kind of what we

talked about us being like at the public

square of the community having all the

information and ideas we've been trying

to do stuff with technology because we

also feel that users should know just

have to kind of borrow and consume other

people's ideas and information but be

able to create their own so I know that

you know both Chris and I have 3d

printers and our libraries and that

allows people to kind of design and

their own their own content whether it's

a toy or something a useful piece of

something and a lot of libraries are

doing that with self publishing and

other things to allow people to really

create their own information that's our

doctor who tardis doctor who tardis done

by computer a whale with a whole city on

its back and a hot air balloon I think

and there's little owls owls and then

you have a card holder that you yeah

this is actually like so when you 3d

print something doesn't have to always

be a good kind of a toy it could be

something that's useful so this is a

business card holder that we put

together something that's useful that

you can print out and anyone can come in

and use that machine yep you can just

call in set up an appointment to come

use it alright we're also print out

things for you if you send us a design

will print it out for you if you can't

make it down into the building okay so

if you need an extra layer of teeth or

extra you can do that is that right pull

them out put them down I've seen that

being done i'm not sure those are more

advanced printers no i don't know if i

want blue team yeah problem the people

who come to the library are every single

age that also is very impressive when I

was at the library's yesterday I saw

people of every age very young children

I saw a little girl reading to her

mother I saw grandmother's there with

little kids I saw every every age is

that something that you're also trying

to foster is making it multi-age yeah I

think it's always been that way yeah I

mean you have people that come in get

their first library card when there are

toddler and they stay until their

grandparents and they bring their own

grandkids and I think that's been kind

of universal for libraries let's talk a

little bit about the extra space that

you have to you have rooms that are used

for art shows for example there is a

photography show now at the Cranston

central library

quite lovely art of nature and its class

is that right yeah that's from a art

school in warlick and every one of those

prints was lovely and they're for sale

to raise money for the libraries that

right or raise money the artist just

have them for sale oh the artists are

raising okay um yeah we have our shows

every month of the year we do an art

show at the central library someone from

Princeton or someone from Rhode Island

or all over the state we have people

from Cranston Providence there's certain

there's a brown exhibit every year that

comes in the Cranston school department

in May every year does the art fest

where they have students every depict

students are every great every art class

and they did this huge exhibit in the

library every month we've had traveling

exhibits so we did a traveling exhibit

from Taiwan at art william hall library

or two years ago so we do rhode island

or abroad okay and you were telling you

were telling me about your website maybe

you both want to talk about your

websites because i wanted to have those

out on a computer but it's not possible

here in the studio to bring the website

here but i wanted you to talk about your

website so that people knew how to

negotiate them our websites actually

branded we just launched the two weeks

ago we just did or a complete redesign

of it and we had been looking at our old

site what we decided to do was what are

the things that people want to see them

that access the most where our locations

when are we open how to out of access

and request materials so we made that

the cat the online catalog you can

request books from up and center right

on the front center of the page and so

make it easier for people to find that

so we just trying to make this site as

easy as possible to navigate for for

people so our older sites had maybe more

navigation issues so we really tried to

clean them a little I was very it was

very very clear your website had an

offer for people to pup to write a book

online or pencil it says

it's a it's a new database that we

subscribe to or a service that we

subscribe to that helps writers to

develop the novel or bio or whatever it

is that they that they want to do that's

something that we subscribe to so green

go over you'd have to have Greenville