Continue Moving The Library Forward In The 21st Century
by Elpidio Estioko
Despite living in a digital world of convenience in the 21st century, the public library is still vitally significant in serving the community, so we need to patronize them.
With virtual platforms for community engagement, internet search engines, media streaming platforms, and digital and audible books, one may ask, in fact, I too personally ask, “What is the current day significance of a public library?”
According to an article by Georgia Public Broadcasting, there are four reasons why public libraries are vitally important and why we should continue to patronize them.
First, public libraries are one of the few spaces the public can access information and services free of charge no matter where you are from or your social and economic status.
Second, public libraries also offer essential resources such as high-speed internet access, computer rentals, e-books, printers, films, games, music, and more. Additionally, they also offer one-on-one and group services for school homework support, after-school and summer learning programs, job training, employment services, and study spaces.
Third, public libraries support and empower the local community’s social, political, and personal well-being.
Lastly, public libraries offer refuge for vulnerable populations and they also preserve historical records available to the public.
I wholeheartedly agree with the article. We need to continue patronizing our public libraries at a time of modern technology and social media. We need to promote and emphasize the benefits of using the public library.
As such, the Santa Clara County Library District (SCCLD) is proud to announce that two librarians have been recognized with the Movers & Shakers Award by the literary publication, Library Journal (LJ).
This honor highlights 50 individuals who are advocates, community builders, change agents, innovators, educators and “ban battlers” who help move library work forward.” The recipients were announced in the May issue of Library Journal.
“Our 2024 Movers represent a range of innovative, proactive, and supportive work; they are imaginative and kind and brave in a world that needs those qualities—and the results they produce—very much,” said Library Journal Executive Editor Lisa Peet, according to Mariana Walker, Associate Communications Officer for the Santa Clara County Library District.
Library Services Manager Clare Varesio, the first recipient, served as the point person on two major health-related initiatives in 2023.
One of these projects was to partner with the County Behavioral Health Services Department and bring Mental Health Access programs to our libraries, empowering the public to access mental health services.
In addition, Varesio also helped to organize community workshops regarding naloxone (also called Narcan), the anti-opioid overdose drug that can save lives if given to someone experiencing an overdose.
Nearly 400 community members learned how to recognize an opioid overdose and how to safely administer the life-saving nasal spray.
Varesio has been with SCCLD since 2007, first as a Children’s Librarian, next as a Supervising Librarian, and then as the Community Librarian responsible for Cupertino Library, which is one of the largest and busiest in the SCCLD system.
She currently works out of the Services & Support Center as a Library Services Manager over Organizational Development and Partnerships.
Elizabeth Muñoz-Rosas, the second recipient, is one of the most popular librarians at Gilroy Library, where she serves as the Children’s Supervising Librarian.
Muñoz-Rosas has advocated effectively to bring materials, services and programs to her community that reflect the interests of all residents. Her advocacy for Spanish language materials ensures that library patrons see their lives and stories reflected in the collection.
She has also spearheaded programs of great relevance to the community of Gilroy. This includes working with the Smithsonian Institution’s Traveling Exhibition Service to bring the bilingual exhibit Dolores Huerta: Revolution in the Fields to the Gilroy Library.
More than 1,300 total visitors were able to enjoy this free exhibit.
To coincide with the opening of the exhibit, Muñoz-Rosas organized a panel of distinguished speakers, including Dolores Huerta, to discuss the plight of the farmworker and Huerta’s legacy. More than 600 community members attended the program.
Muñoz-Rosas first began her career with SCCLD in 2007 as a part-time librarian at the Campbell Library.
County Librarian Jennifer Weeks said:
“Clare and Elizabeth are truly talented and dedicated library staff who have worked tirelessly to improve their communities’ quality of life. While this is something we have always known, we are thrilled that they are both getting nationwide recognition. We hope their groundbreaking and inspiring work and advocacy encourage other library systems across the country to campaign for their patrons’ well-being, just as Clare and Elizabeth have done.”
In the state of Hawaii, the Hawaii State Public Library System (HSPLS) is the only statewide public library system in the United States.
With 51 branches across 6 islands, HSPLS serves as a pillar of our community helping to nurture a lifelong love of reading and learning through its physical and digital spaces.
The site is more than just books — you can access quilt patterns, yearbooks, eBooks, talking books for the visually impaired, take free online classes, learn a new language or visit one of the 10,000 events they put on each year.
Let’s continue patronizing the public library. They are here to serve us!
Elpidio R. Estioko was a veteran journalist in the Philippines and an award-winning journalist here in the US. He just published his book Unlocking the chain of Poverty: In Pursuit of the American Dream which is now available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Xlibris Publishing. For feedbacks, comments… please email author at estiokoelpidio@gmail.com
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