There are three libraries that I am most familiar with - the Buena Park Library, Cal State Long Beach's Library, and the Cerritos Library. These three libraries are very VERY different from one another for many reasons.
Buena Park's Library is how I remember libraries to be like from my childhood. It feels small and cozy even though it has three floors, because every space is being used for books or tables or displays. There are lots of bilingual and cultural programs for all ages regularly being held at the library. I feel comfortable just going into the library, finding a quiet corner, and reading a book or connecting to the wifi.
Cal State Long Beach's Library is an academic library. Its main goal is too assist students with research and homework. There's wifi throughout the campus, there are floors and floors of journals, research materials, and core subject books. There is even a small area of the library with children's books and videos.
Cerritos Library is a more modern public library. It shiny and full of visually pleasing materials and displays. The children's area alone - with an aquarium, T-rex, and spaceship - makes it more a place of playfulness and fun then of stern learning. They have programs going on almost every day for all ages - though there is a big focus on children's programs.
I think that while each library is great in its own way, they could also each learn from one another in their programming. Buena Park library could use some more performer type programs - such as puppet shows or author talks. Cal State Long Beach could use some more 'fun' programs as a break or stress reducer from all the academic soaked activities that their students are involved in. The Cerritos Library could use some more bilingual programs - such as bilingual storytimes or cultural awareness programs.
I like that each of these libraries are different from one another and offer me different things. They help me break the stereotypical idea of what a library should or should not be in my own mind. These are stereotypes that many of our patrons struggle with in their own minds. And in order for me to contribute to the future of libraries - I need to think outside of library stereotypes. I need to research what needs the library's community has, research what the patrons want, and interpret their needs into programs and services that the library can offer thus keeping the library a relevant entity in people's lives.
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