“Both now and back then, libraries have always served as a ‘third place,’ for bridging specific gaps for many members of all ages. Whether it’s to find a quiet place to study, get involved within an activity, or hosting events, every library has shown a purpose of convenience.”
National Library Lovers Month
February is home to National Library Lovers’ Month, a celebration dedicated to people who love organizations entirely devoted to reading, housing, organizing, categorizing, finding, studying, and loving books. This month (and all other months of the year), we recognize the importance of libraries, and continue to work diligently to preserve the nation’s knowledge bases and the functions they serve.
While books and information are some of the first things that come to mind when thinking of libraries, they serve a variety of functions outside of just being a gatekeeper for knowledge. They are a place for communities to gather. They are a place of acceptance. They are a place of wonder. They are irreplaceable.
Libraries provide so much more than a place for patrons and community-goers to enjoy great novels or to discover amazing adventures and untold history. They help students ace their research papers and provide a quiet space to study. But they do so much more:
- Libraries provide educational entertainment for preschoolers. They offer theater, activities, music, art, and friendship.
- Assist students with academic papers and provide quiet spaces to study.
- Many communities rely on their libraries for meeting space for public forums, socials, fundraisers, and classes.
- They provide resources for researching family and community heritage.
- Libraries lend other media like movies and music.
- They offer digital resources for the entire community to use.
- Libraries also provide rotating art displays to give local artists exposure to the community. Larger libraries provide preservation services, preserving some of the most treasured books, periodicals, and documents for future generations.
We Love Our Libraries
Our entire LocalHop team is not only dedicated to preserving libraries, but to keeping them relevant and accessible as technology and software develops. What initially began as a fun project to help people find events within their community, turned into a wonderful opportunity to grow the connectivity between libraries and their patrons.
We love the libraries we serve, and in honor of National Library Lovers Month, we have put together an exclusive Q & A series that gives you the inside scoop on our team, and how we really feel about libraries. This week’s library lover is LocalHop’s Lead UI/UX Designer and Front-End Developer, Devon!
Q & A With LocalHop's Lead UI/UX Designer and Front-End Developer, Devon Taylor
Q: Did you have a go-to library when you were growing up, attending college, or a library that is established in your community that you have fond memories of?
A: Surprisingly yes, I never knew how much I utilized libraries growing up as a kid and even until now. From Detroit Public to Redford District, from Livonia Public to even my former college, each were a go-to as long as there was an area to sit and read or study!
Q: What were your favorite aspects/favorite memories about that library?
A: Various aspects such as how each library had its own architecture, both internally and externally. I always loved how unique certain layouts were and having a spot of my own when attending any space was always one of my favorite memories from each visit.
Q: Who is your favorite author?
A: There’s too many to choose from, but I’ve always enjoyed content from Gary Vaynerchuk. He provides wonderful business and growth insight from multiple perspectives.
“Libraries establish a great presence within many communities as they provide a hub for many individuals relating to various needs. Growing up my family didn’t have internet services at the time so I always relied on going to the library not only for reading books but to also explore the internet for hours. It’s a sense of my childhood in a way that im sure relates to many others.”
Q: What is your favorite book series and why?
A: Truthfully, I don’t currently have a favorite series. But, I’m very fond of business and art style documentaries that showcase how specific projects have become successful.
Q: You’ve decided to spend some time reading and are currently browsing for a title that intrigues you. Do you pick up a hardcover, paperback, or, do you prefer to download your book selection on an e-reader or listen to an audiobook?
A: I typically like to go into libraries or bookstores and preview the hardcover books before purchasing any PDF based versions. My days are fastpased so digital copies are always great to have. However, I do still collect a few hardcovers for the best reads of the year.
Q: You’re in the library to study/hangout/complete some work. Do you hit the stacks, reserve a study room, find a comfy couch to lounge on, or hit the cafe to grab a drink and snack first?
A: No matter which library I visit, I always look for an area to get settled down for reading or studying. It’s actually a “go to” thrill of mine because you never know if someone took the best spot around.
Q: What is the coolest library you’ve ever been to or heard of? Why?
A: Ironically, I was in route to visit a family member within Iowa, and they knew I loved architecture due to my earlier career field. So, I stopped to visit the State Library of Iowa and by all means it has levels and layers of architectural history! The interior reminded me of a scene within Harry Potter due to the spiral staircases and dim ambient lighting which was pretty fascinating in my eyes.
Q: In your opinion, why are libraries so important to communities?
A: Libraries establish a great presence within many communities, as they provide a hub for many individuals relating to various needs. Growing up, my family didn’t have internet services, so I always relied on going to the library not only for reading books but to also explore the internet for hours. It’s a sense of my childhood in a way that I’m sure relates to many others.
Q: When thinking about the importance of libraries and the purposes they serve, why are you passionate about LocalHop, it’s mission, and the services it offers to libraries everywhere? Why do you think libraries need services such as LocalHop or similar companies?
A: LocalHop caters not only to libraries, but to many communities as well. Our features and services are, in a way, built by and around libraries. From event management to routine scheduling, our mission has always been to give back to multiple communities just as libraries have done for many others.
Being involved in the technology industry has shown me how fast time has changed and the need of staying up to date is inevitably important. In relation, libraries need specific tools and services to stay ahead of the curve and establish further growth towards giving back to their communities; that’s exactly where LocalHop steps in to provide that growth.
Do You Love Your Library? Schedule A Demo With LocalHop!
If you’re an avid library lover, librarian, or affiliated staff member, reach out to us and schedule a demo. We love the libraries we serve, and we would love to hear from you. Join the LocalHop family today!
Our Services:
- Post & Promote
- Room Reservation
- Website Calendars
- Community Calendars
- Registration & Ticketing
- Integrated Library Systems
- Custom Websites
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