This week, I’d like to write a post in honor of our public libraries. Every day at the Hillsboro public libraries, employees hear exclamations of joy from patrons who are thrilled to be there.
Kid in pajamas to parent: “This is a great library”. Parent to kid: “Yes, it is, isn’t it? And we’re not all the way in yet, look back there!” His eyes were very wide.
“You know, librarians should run the world! You guys are the best.”
“Solo para agradecerles por toda la ayuda que me ofrecen y por el profesionalismo que representan. ¡Acabo de conseguir un trabajo gracias a sus computadoras!” (Just wanted to thank you for the all the help you offer and for the professionalism you represent. I just got a job thanks to your computers!)
“See this is my mom’s library card. It’s not a credit card but it is just as important.”
Some of the most popular services that the Hillsboro Public Libraries provide include:
- Access to all types of books, graphic novels, DVDs, CDs, and video games
- In-library and online access to a wide variety of magazines and newspapers
- Kanopy – a curated streaming service
- LinkedIn Learning, Mango Languages, and other online learning resources
- Digital Literacy classes
- Storytimes: for different ages, and some are bilingual or in other languages – Spanish, Arabic, Ukrainian, Vietnamese, Russian, Korean
- Free room rentals for meetings and study
- A makerspace with sewing machines, 3D printers, jewelry making, and more
- Free computer use with free printing and copying up to $2/day.
- Interlibrary Loan service
- Notary service
- Amazing, knowledgeable staff
Public libraries sometimes seem like an immutable institution in American life, but they haven’t always been around, and public support is needed to ensure they remain pillars of our communities’ potential for intellectual growth and social connection.
