Without Libraries was created to provide librarians a platform to share stories about education, discuss current programs, and consider life without libraries. Libraries provide access to information and educational resources, promoting literacy, critical thinking skills, and community building by offering a safe space for people to learn, research, and connect with others. Join the conversation at Past Forward.

Guest: John Fischer
Produced by: Past Forward

Past Forward is providing this podcast as a public service. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Please read our Program and Product Disclaimer for more information.

John Fischer: Yes, you'll find books, movies, music, and games, but libraries offer so much more. They empower communities to thrive intellectually, politically, economically, spiritually, and environmentally. They are more than buildings. They are living entities of people and ideas, places for gatherings and celebrations, quiet sanctuaries of knowledge that honor our past, celebrate our present, and inspire our future all through shared learning, experiences, and dreams.

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Hi, John. I'm writing this to you, my 10-year-old self, because there's something important I want you to know about the future and the impact you'll have. Right now I live in central Illinois and am the director of normal public library. I enjoy biking to work and spending my free time walking the trails, making pottery and gardening. John, you possess an incredible capacity for learning and have so much to share with those around you. Your natural tendency to care for others will bring you great joy and lead to meaningful connections and life-changing experiences. Libraries will play a pivotal role in this.

Without libraries, you'll miss the joy of helping Linda develop her reading skills and the pleasure of discussing books over coffee with Richard. Public libraries are vital hubs that weave the fabric of our community, fostering engagement, relationships, knowledge, experiences, and ultimately, our collective success. You will encounter countless individuals seeking reliable information and guidance, and libraries are where you'll find the resources to assist them.

Without libraries, you might never witness the peaceful satisfaction Jack finds in reading the morning paper, or have the rewarding experience of helping Ben discover his passion in his work. John, you'll also see many young people discover the purpose and value of public libraries and how these institutions flourish through community involvement. These same bright young folks will grow to appreciate libraries deeply and choose paths of service, perhaps even pursuing library science or other helping professions in higher education. Libraries provide a space where young people can explore possibilities, find support, build confidence, and even discover their direction in life.

Remember, John, a public library is much more than just a town department or a tax-funded entity. It's about people connecting with people and celebrating what makes us human. Yes, you'll find books, movies, music, and games, but libraries offer so much more. They empower communities to thrive intellectually, politically, economically, spiritually, and environmentally. They are more than buildings. They are living entities of people and ideas, places for gatherings and celebrations, quiet sanctuaries of knowledge that honor our past, celebrate our present, and inspire our future all through shared learning, experiences, and dreams. John, thank you for taking the time to listen to this.

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Join the conversation at pastforward.org.