Happy New Year!

Happy New Year everyone!

As at the beginning of every year, there are lots of articles on predictions and other musings about what the New Year holds for all of us. Some of the predictions are interesting, some not so much. For a short while I considered trying to craft some sort of prediction post for us here at the Huntington Beach Public Library, but then my thoughts went off in a different direction as I thought about what libraries do and where we are headed in the new decade.

American Libraries recently published a list of 12 reasons why Libraries are good for the Country and as I considered the list, the more I liked it. It is a good advocacy starting point.

Here's the list -
Libraries sustain democracy
Libraries break down boundaries
Libraries level the playing field
Libraries value the individual
Libraries nourish creativity
Libraries open young minds
Libraries return high dividends
Libraries build communities
Libraries support families
Libraries build technology skills
Libraries offer sanctuary
Libraries preserve the past

(if you'd like to read more, check out the rest of the article)

More and more, especially as we work through the current economic conditions, Library advocacy is crucial. We have to get the message out about all the things we do - how we foster democracy, inspire creativity, function as economic engines for our communities, helping our residents learn, achieve and grow.

So how best to get the message out about libraries? This is something I need to work on for our Library in the coming year.