The Evolution of Libraries

The Woman’s Club of Cranbury

General Meeting

October 3, 2012

Scholars’ concept of the Alexandria Library

Papyrus scrolls

Books were so valuable that they were chained to the shelves.

….”Women’s clubs were crucial to library development in this country.”

• Watson, Paula D. “Founding Mothers: The Contribution of Women’s Organizations to Public Library Development in the United States”, Library Quarterly, Vol. 64, Issue 3, 1994.)

Lodi Woman’s Club Public LibraryLodi Wisconsin

Established 1900 - Proudly serving Lodi for 112 years

Women’s Clubs recognized for role

• American Library Association credited the Women’s Clubs of America with having founded over 75 percent of America's public libraries.

• New Jersey Library Association granted its “Library Champions Award” to the NJSFWC in 2004 for their role in the establishment of public libraries in the state, as well as continued support of libraries.

• Public Libraries are translators of new technologies.

• Public Libraries are community centers.

• Public Libraries are sustainable.

• Public Libraries are good for communities.

Libraries for the 21st Century

Robert Darnton, Director, Harvard University Library

• “And the library? It can look like the most archaic institution of all. Yet its past bodes well for its future, because libraries were never warehouses of books. They have always been and always will be centers of learning. Their central position in the world of learning makes them ideally suited to mediate between the printed and digital modes of communication.”

Doug Baldwin Systems Administrator receives an award for his excellent service to library patrons.

• “Public libraries are resource rich community centers freely available to children, teens, adults and seniors.”

• Nolan Lushington, architect and author,

Libraries Designed for Users: A 21st Century Guide

Cranbury Public Library Literacy Stations

Plainsboro Public Library Meeting Room

Princeton Public Library teens sorting books and Adults attending Program

Plainsboro Public Library families enjoying childen’sfloor

Quiet space to read is still important

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh

Sustainability is the capacity to endure.

three pillars of sustainability:

• 1. Environmental

• 2. Economic

• 3. Social

Public Libraries are about helping people get information, full access to

this information, no matter what format, expanding minds, life long

learning and supporting the interests of the community.