More than books

How libraries are adapting to a modern audience

BY CHRISTINE CHANG Staff Reporter

Due to the convenience of the internet and apps such as Libby that allow readers to check out books outline, many physical libraries have seen a dwindling number of patrons. E-books and Netflix series have replaced trips to the library for a heavy tome, especially among young people.

“I think there’s less demand for libraries because people have such easy access to find information, so they don’t need to go to a library and find an encyclopedia. There’s just not much of a use for that anymore,” junior Ella Satterwhite said.

A few decades ago, the only way to find information was to sit in the library, flipping through the pages of a thick book, yet now the world’s information is ours at the click of a button. However, there are consequences to such easy online access.

“There is something about holding the book, there’s something about interacting with it. I have sets of books where two kids could check out the same book and share it together… And being able to put them on display. Some of the most popular books now in my library are graphic novels. And I think that those are very good to read on paper. You can just dive into the pictures in a way that you can’t if you read them on an e-reader,” Central Middle School librarian Katie Hultgren said. “There’s been some research done that you actually retain more when you read on the page as opposed to reading an e-reader.”

Those around Sequoia have also reaped benefits from the existence of libraries, despite the rise of internet research and e-books.

“I love going to the library.There’s a feeling of all these minds and thoughts and stories around you… I feel like Ms. Snow has done such a good job with the Media Center where it has that feeling, and it’s still very modern,” English teacher Karyn Arle said. “I still feel most high school students prefer the physical book, from what I’ve observed, over the ebook, because we always offer the ebook, but most students tend to like to read the physical book.”

It’s true that even with the rise of social media, students still enjoy physical books.

“I like being able to hold them and physically see how much I have left. Also, reading is a nice break from screen time,” freshman Nadine Wells said.

In addition to the enjoyment of reading a physical book, the flood of online information can be a lot to handle, and deciding which sources are credible and which aren’t can be a challenge. Many don’t realize the library can be a place to access credible information more easily. Librarians are familiar with good sources and can be a good resource to help students navigate the flood of information online. Additionally, using library books instead of online resources has other benefits. Books on the library shelf have been vetted, approved, and reviewed.

“There’s a quality to it. It’s not like you could just put something on the shelf without a lot of thought going into it,” Hultgren said.

Despite the many benefits of libraries in the community, many still struggle to keep up with the internet when it comes to convenience and comfort.

“I spend limited time in the San Carlos library because there’s a lot of adults there. It’s not somewhere I would go to do homework. It’s also out of the way. I’m just gonna do work at my house,” Satterwhite said.

There are some benefits, however, to having information online. Physical books can never be as up-to-date as the internet, so when researching timely topics, Google can be a perfect tool.

Audiobooks can also be helpful for many students, especially those who struggle to read. For some, working to sound out the words can interrupt the flow of the story. Audiobooks are popular because they can keep the story flowing or simply allow the listener to multitask.

“I prefer digital [books] because sometimes you can have them be audiobooks, that’s just what works for me best,” sophomore Hade Curup said in a survey.

However, many teachers are pushing for physical copies of books instead of purely online research, especially in younger grade levels. Hultgren noted that, in recent years, teachers are encouraging students to check out one physical, print resource for a paper rather than allowing students to find their all their information on the internet.

Fortunately, the Sequoia Media Center has also made efforts to appeal to a modern teenage audience, one that strives for convenience. By housing different workspaces such as a fireside room and computer lab, the Media Center hosts resources for all types of students. As is becoming more common in today’s libraries, it is much more than just a place to read books. This is fortunate for members of Sequoia who feel overwhelmed by schoolwork and simply need a place to relax.

“I really like the workspaces. I like that you can go into the Fireside Room... I think we’re very fortunate with the resources we have in there in terms of the computer lab and lots of furniture,” Satterwhte said.

To our nation’s hardworking librarians

You share words with the world, and as we close out National Library Week, I want to share two words with you: Thank you.

In my childhood, I struggled with undiagnosed dyslexia... Through support, advice, and mentorship from specialists, educators, and librarians too numerous to list, I didn’t just fall in love with words… my life started revolving around them. Because people — people like you — took the time to care about me, to show me the power of words and the power of books, I was able to find my footing in business, service, and eventually, elected office. I am in your debt.

I know from my own challenges with dyslexia that when we help people read, we help them succeed. You do that every day. The value of a librarian is inestimable — you go beyond books, and even beyond knowledge. You open the doors to possibility. To opportunity, imagination, and the pursuit of freedom. I’ve experienced it firsthand. ...

In gratitude, Gavin Newsom Governor of California Apr. 2023 “Love letter to libraries”