“As a Community Outreach Coordinator for LocalHop and a fangirl of libraries, I can safely say with the utmost integrity that LocalHop wants to serve the places that serve the community, which is where my passion comes from. LocalHop is the online version of the ‘Community Bulletin Board’ that can be accessed from anywhere. LocalHop services libraries, so that libraries can service the public more efficiently. Libraries have always been the first to introduce technology to the general public; the first time I used a computer or went online was in a library. We have so much access to information now because libraries freely showed us how to access it, and technology has now become so widely accessible that people have forgotten where it originated before it was so easily available. LocalHop community calendars let me and those who use our services know what’s happening at the library. Whether it’s a class or an event, LocalHop gives me better access to my library. It’s kind of like LocalHop is providing to libraries what libraries have always provided to us: access.”
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 Community Outreach Coordinator, Marijayne!
Q & A With LocalHop's Community Outreach Coordinator, Marijayne Renny
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: Southfield Public Library was my magical place as a child. My very small world became much bigger and more wonderful through the children’s literature section.
Q: What were your favorite aspects/favorite memories about that library?
A: When I felt lonely or just needed to curl up in a lap to read, Coco, the giant stuffed gorilla, was a great friend to read a book with. He let me turn the pages at my own pace.
Q: Who is your favorite author?
A: That’s a really hard question because my answer changes over time with the growth of my consciousness. It started out with Virginia Poulet, Margrett and H.A. Rey and Dr. Suess, then, over time, evolved into Shell Silverstein and J.R.R Tolkien. Now I find Suess to be problematic and I strictly read leftist theory and occult books.
Q: What is your favorite book series and why?
A: I used to love the Choose Your Own Adventure book series because I literally loved reading them out of order and making up parallel reality scenarios for the characters.
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: Something tangible to be held physically is part of the experience of reading for me, so either a harcdover or paperback book for me!
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: Quiet couch corner, hands down.
“Libraries are the only public space that provide more than access to services, they provide free communal access to knowledge. Libraries are the model of which communities can network to help provide social safety nets for everyone equally and of all ages. Even if the government fell and other public services no longer existed, I think people would still flock to the library to figure out how to survive late-stage capitalism.”
–Marijayne Renny
Q: What is the coolest library you’ve ever been to or heard of? Why?
A: It would have been neat to have seen the Library of Alexandria, but Detroit Public Library is pretty cool too. Architecture and sheer volume of books are what makes libraries the coolest places on Earth.
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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