Libraries have been a staple of communities all over the world for centuries. In fact, the first collection of documents dates back all the way to around 1200 BCE. The clay tablets and scrolls of those early libraries are very different from the digital collections enjoyed today, but the overarching concept was the same: preserving information for public consumption.
The history of the library in America largely began in 1876 with the formation of the American Library Association (ALA). That same year, Melvil Dewey established a decimal-based system of classification that came to be known as the Dewey Decimal System. Anyone who stepped foot in a library prior to the late 20th century has experience looking up those numbers in hand organized card catalogs. Today’s library databases have long since replaced card catalogs, but Dewey’s system of classification is still used today – even if young people don’t realize it.
According to the ALA, there are currently 120,096 libraries in the United States. The largest is the Library of Congress, which includes over 34.5 million volumes. The Boston Public Library is the largest city library, with just over 19 million volumes. The Moorhead Public Library may not be comparable as far as size, but its importance within the community cannot be overstated.
The Moorhead Public Library opened on July 12, 1906. The librarian at the time was Miss Nelle Olson, who presided over a collection of 1,000 books. In 1961, the Lake Agassiz Regional Library (LARL) was formed, an organization that now includes 13 branch libraries and 9 link sites in Becker, Clay, Clearwater, Mahnomen, Norman, Polk, and Wilkin counties. Moorhead’s library is the largest in the system.
Recent years have seen an explosion of eBooks, which many experts predicted would mean the end of the traditional library. Fortunately, that hasn’t been the case. “While there is a demand for eBooks, we still have a much higher demand for print,” explained LARL Director Liz Lynch. “Many customers say that they like the feel of holding a book in their hand and they like to see their progress as they read through the book.”
Lynch has worked at LARL since 2001, taking over as director in 2012. It is a position that allows her to combine her passion for books with her love of people. “I have really enjoyed getting to know library customers around the region and the variety of work keeps life interesting,” she said. “No two days are ever the same and I learn something new every day.” It is her fundamental belief in the power of reading, however, that makes the job so fulfilling. “I believe in the work that we do,” she said, “and I know that we are improving lives and communities each and every day.”
Lynch knows first-hand that today’s library faces certain challenges, one of which is competing with contemporary society’s plethora of video game and television opportunities. Many of today’s young people are growing up in front of a screen as opposed to in a book. That doesn’t mean, however, that kids are no longer reading or not interested in books. It simply means that a proactive and creative approach needs to be undertaken to attract young people to the library.
The Moorhead Public Library utilizes a diverse programming system to attempt to reach young people. One of their primary beliefs is that it is never too early to introduce children to books. “We know the importance of early literacy programming and try to work with the youth and parents on early literacy initiatives from the earliest age,” Lynch explained, citing the popular “Baby Bounce” program as an example. “We work hard to educate parents about the importance of reading to your child from the earliest age, and our hope is that children become lifelong readers.”
Another approach being used by the library is to engage young people in the subjects that interest them. “Older children have been very receptive to STEM programming,” Lynch said. “If a program involves science, technology, engineering, or mathematics, there is always a large crowd.” According to Lynch, there has also been a huge resurgence of fiction geared towards the teen group. The wildly popular Harry Potter series jumpstarted the revival, which has been continued through dystopian themed series like Hunger Games and Divergent.
One of the strengths of the Moorhead Library is that it provides a variety of services to the community in addition to books. “The beauty of the library is that it has something for everyone,” Lynch said. “We have copiers and fax service, proctoring services, great programs for all ages, newspapers, magazines, consumer information, reference services, computer classes, and the list goes on and on… We really do have something for everyone.”
It is the library’s myriad of services that make it such a vital part of the community. Unfortunately, the level of funding provided to community libraries often doesn’t match that vitality. The Moorhead Public Library has seen its share of funding issues, the most recent of which forced them to reduce operating hours and lay-off staff. Fortunately, the Moorhead City Council has realized how important the library is and just recently approved an additional $20,000 in funding to reinstate some hours of operation.
For centuries, the written word has provided people with a portal to foreign worlds and exotic places. Books enable people to go back in time to meet Oliver Twist or float down the river with Huckleberry Finn. They give us the opportunity to befriend young Harry Potter or cheer on Katniss Everdeen as she fights against the injustices of the future. Books open up worlds that would normally be inaccessible; they allow us to dream and become anything we want. A good book is more than just a collection of words; it is a friend, a confidant, a family member. When is the last time you formed a new relationship? If you can’t remember, maybe a visit to the library is in order.
“A book is a device to ignite the imagination.”
Alan Bennett
Beginning January 2, the library’s new hours will be Monday through Thursday 9:00am to 9:00pm and Friday and Saturday 10:00am to 6:00pm. The library will remain closed on Sundays. More information about the library and its services can be found at www.larl.org/locations/moorhead-library.