Let's face it, public libraries are odd creatures.
Where else can you spend an entire day browsing with no expectation to buy; or go online to see photos from your grandchildren and send your own vacation photos? Where can you learn how to create a new online résumé or attend a lecture on Nebraska history? It is the same place where you can download songs to your iPod and novels to your Kindle.
There is so much to learn, see and do, and all of it for free!
Well, of course, it isn't free. Public libraries aren't free and never were. Books must be purchased, whether printed on paper or downloaded. Computers cost money, and even libraries have to pay for Internet access. Omaha Public Library offers story times, summer reading activities and online tutors to help children with homework. It is easy to fall into the trap of seeing these as free services, programs and resources. They are, however, paid for through one of the oldest and most lasting civic compacts in U.S. history.
During the late 19th century, cities were beginning to further develop the idea of a free public library. At the time, subscription libraries were common. An individual could pay a fee to use one of the many private libraries available in a city. These libraries were often created by publishers and booksellers as a means of reaching the community. Access to learning and continuing education was available to only the few who could afford it. In order for a democracy to exist and grow, America needed to have an educated populace. This would require an entity that could be equally available to everyone.
Tax-funded public libraries meant that poor, rich and the rapidly growing middle class all could have access to everything a library had to offer. But from the beginning, taxes alone couldn't do much. Buildings needed to be built, books purchased and staff hired.
Philanthropy soon entered the picture. Most notably, Andrew Carnegie stepped up to help cities fund their public libraries. His money built nearly 3,000 public libraries across the country. His generosity came with the condition that cities accepting his support had to agree to fund the operation of the library. This public-private partnership created a system of libraries that are jointly funded through public tax dollars and private donations, a historic funding model which continues today.
In Omaha, our libraries are successful because of this continuing arrangement. The library receives tax dollars which are used to fund a base level of services. These funds keep the buildings open, pay for utilities and staff, and put books on the shelves. But the library also depends on private support to serve its community, and we are fortunate to live in a generous city. Individuals, corporations and foundations make Omaha's library a great resource for its residents.
There are many ways people choose to support the library. The Friends of Omaha Public Library holds book sales on Thursdays and weekends every other month to generate revenue for library programs. Membership in the organization is affordable, and all funds raised directly support OPL. Volunteers staff the book sales and volunteers also work in all 12 OPL locations to help provide additional manpower to keep our libraries up and running.
The Omaha Public Library Foundation raises funds to help build truly innovative services and programs for Omaha. The new mobile app, circulating laptops and e-readers, adaptive technology equipment and online tutors are all made possible through private donations. These donations help make OPL successful and keep our libraries as a true collaborative operation.
Finally, some individuals choose to support OPL by using their voices. Library members who share their stories as advocates for the library are invaluable. These individuals put a face to public libraries and remind our community why public and private support is important. Whether the library contributed to the story of a child who was able to increase his reading comprehension skills or an adult looking for employment, the outcome is the same: a better educated and stronger community.
So, no, the library isn't free, but it is a pretty amazing investment.
Gary Wasdin is the executive director of the Omaha Public Library.
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