I have written before about how libraries help their communities by supporting job seekers.
Libraries also help their communities through business development and support. A recent article in the Kiplinger Report highlights how libraries are being transformed and can foster redevelopment and economic growth. See the Kiplinger Report for March 7.
The example cited in the article is the Seattle Public Library - the downtown Seattle Library has played an important role in revitalizing Seattle's Downtown. The Library is an architectural landmark - designed by Rem Koolhass, the structure is a striking glass building that is a buzz with activity. It is a destination for Seattle and has helped draw traffic to the downtown. People come downtown and then they do other things, helping other businesses and generating more activity. Seattle's downtown has benefited significantly from its new library.
Other libraries in other cities all over the world have done similar things - locating libraries in shopping districts, combining the library with other organizations or services and creating multimedia environments that draw people in and serve as community magnets, helping to recharge and revitalize communities, helping the local economy.
Libraries attract people into town, people that visit libraries will also visit other businesses in the area or in the community. Money will be spent. This helps the overall business environment.
Libraries can also serve as entrepreneurial training grounds - local business owners can do research, craft new business ideas, learn about business trends and issues all at the library.
We also offer services that local businesses can use - meeting rooms, video conferencing, databases, etc.
Once again, the Library is a pretty amazing place, isn't it?
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