How have libraries impacted me as a library user?

Libraries are a student’s best friend and protector

I have been taking charge of my studies lately. After a not-so-progressive year, my faults forced me to see what I had been doing incorrectly, then sizing it all up for improvement. Listing my faults, I have realised there’s one that would’ve really impacted my academic year greatly – and that is not taking advantage of the library’s resources.

What is a library?

According to the New World Encyclopaedia, a library is a collection of information, sources, resources and services organised for use and maintained by a public body, an institution or a private individual.

However, let’s be honest. Is that all libraries are for?

To me a library is a home. When I think about a library, I picture a sanctuary for the leaders of the future. A server for every human. A safe space. A starting point to a knowledgeable nation. A heaven for those seekers of intelligence. What I love the most about the library is how much it is there for every need. You could literally have had a busy day, working all day long or studying your brains off; it is just a beautiful place to get those little things done. With resources ranging from various books, wi-fi, comfortable furniture, laptop places, computers and approachable staff – it is truly a space where everybody can get lost. Libraries are cool.

They offer cool breezes to just top off that study session, making one productive as a busy bee finding nectar. Not only do they offer books and space, but they also offer services such as printing, photocopies and computer usage for free. Now tell me that isn’t the new age cool of #savingthatbuck.

Meeting new people. Believe you me; it is always awesome to meet new people. It’s even better when you soon find that you share the same interests. I made new and interesting acquaintances within the library and among the library shelves when we were searching for the same subject.

Not only you in the library of dreams or with a book to read, but now a new friend to share new interests with.

The library has saved my life from all the social ills that a young woman may face in her lifetime. Most of the services and programmes are free and educational. Membership is free, you can use study facilities, get assistance from courteous staff members and books are free to borrow. I needed a quiet space to write my online examination without disturbance, and the library was there for me which assisted me to pass with flying colours. We are grateful for the gift of libraries.

Queeneth Zukiswa Ndlovu