The District of Columbia government is currently considering a 10-year, $500 million plan to overhaul the city’s public library system. The ambitious plan, formulated by a special library task force, would renovate the District’s library headquarters and 26 local branches. Library officials hope the plan will bring the District’s library system up to par with other cities, and they are seeking to raise $100 million in donations to help fund the project. The city and private donors should support this project, as a strong library system can provide a good foundation for all kinds of educational programs. The city, however, needs to remember that libraries cannot make up for failing schools.
Close to campus, the Georgetown branch of the D.C. Public Library looks like an ideal example of a public library. It is an impressive colonial-style building sitting upon a hill at the corner of Wisconsin Avenue and Reservoir Road. Inside, though, the reality of the District’s library system becomes clear—the branch is understaffed, in need of renovation and most importantly, lacking books and technology. The story is the same, if not worse, in branches throughout the city.
Libraries are an important part of every community. They serve as meeting places for social groups, places for students to study and a repository for educational materials to which many residents might not otherwise have access. The library system of the future, envisioned by the mayor’s library task force, would provide communities with more internet access terminals, more books, international newspapers and more space for groups to meet—such as book clubs and study groups.
For students at a major institution such as Georgetown, it is easy to take for granted the resources offered by a university library. Outside of the world of higher education, however, public libraries are the only source for learning and resource materials for many. Libraries are integral to continuing education, but do not offer the building blocks that must be taught in public schools.
Public libraries work in conjunction with a strong public school system. The best library system in the world is not a substitute for quality elementary and secondary schools. Investing in public libraries is not a waste of money, but those who are willing to allocate so much to the system should also consider the dire needs of the failing D.C. Public School system.
