This article was written by Isaac Chamberlain, class of 2019.
With the popularity of ebooks on the rise, local libraries often go unappreciated; however, libraries offer much more than just books, including computer classes, book readings, digital music downloads, sheet music, movies, writing workshops and even a quiet place to read or study. For no or very little money, you can enjoy an unlimited supply of educational resources.
Broward County has about forty public libraries, making them very accessible to nearly everyone. You’ll never have to drive more than five or ten minutes to reach your nearest branch; just a few miles from your home lies a variety of quality educational resources, including computer classes and even free Rosetta Stone courses. Even the Broward County library’s website provides free digitally downloadable movies and audiobooks.
Your local library is also a wonderful place to work for community service hours. Nearly every single library branch in Broward County has a Teen Advisory Board, a group of high schoolers who help choose books to add to their library and organize book readings and workshops aimed towards teenagers. Through the advisory board, teenagers can gain community service hours and quality leadership experience by helping organize these events.
The goal of a library is to give the public free access to information and resources. Though the way in which we receive information constantly changes, libraries will progress as well to cater to the general public. Visit your local library if you haven’t recently and take advantage of all of the resources it provides at little cost to you.
