Libraries are today’s community centers.  A modern longhouse. A safe place for everyone who visits. They are a place of knowledge and education that anyone, of any age or walk of life, can access and use. Knowledge is one of the key foundations of civilization and a means of personal advancement.  Having that open to all helps ensure anyone can continue to learn and better themselves.”

Matt Russell

President and Co-Founder, LocalHop Software

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 president and co-founder, Matt!

Our mission is to help bring libraries and their communities together with easy to use, accessible services. Digital services are a part of everyday life, but many libraries don’t have the means or expertise to build these on their own. We offer a platform of integrated, secure, digital services that make it easier for patrons to engage. Our hope is the library can continue serving the public, like they have for centuries, through the effective use of modern technology that patrons can access anywhere.”

image of JRR Tolkien
Interior image of University of Michigan-Flint library

Q & A With LocalHop's President and Co-Founder, Matt Russell

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: The University of Michigan-Flint library was something that I used/visited frequently while in school.  It was a great place for me to study, research, and (if I’m being honest) socialize with friends.  UoM-Flint is a commuter campus and the library was a great location for us to experience the university

Q: What were your favorite aspects/favorite memories about that library?

A: It served many purposes for me.  I’d use the study rooms, conduct research, socialize in the public areas, and sometimes just hang out and read the paper.  They also built a new library while I was pursuing my studies, so it was a big deal when it opened. 

Q: Who is your favorite author?

A: Wow, tough question. There are so many good authors. Bill Watterson is one of my faves, but many may discount him as he wrote cartoons (Calvin and Hobbes).  He was very witty and intelligent, while keeping an impish humor about everything.  JRR Tolkien is also a favorite of mine.

Q: What is your favorite book series and why?

A: The Hardy Boys were a favorite when I was young. The Lord of the Rings. I like the depth and breadth of the stories. Tolkien created a huge world.

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 tend to read hardcover or paperback over digital books as I read more non-fiction. I like to go back and reread sections or keep it on my desk as a reference.  I’m open to digital books if I’m traveling or reading fiction.

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: Browse the books, then find a quiet place to study or read.

Q: What is the coolest library you’ve ever been to or heard of? Why?

A: I’ve yet to go to the Library of Congress despite being in Washington DC 100 times. I just know it will be the coolest library ever.  There’s so much history!

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!

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image of the interior of the library of congress