More so than a community center, town hall, or public park ever could, libraries connect their communities in a way that benefits everyone. They pool local resources — from educational offerings to job training to homeless outreach to ESL learning — and put them all under one welcoming roof for everyone to share.  Now, more than ever, they are vital American institutions, and here are six reasons why: 

1. They offer free educational resources to everyone. 

Public libraries in the United States play an essential role in providing safe, accessible, and 100% free educational resource centers for every member in communities across the country.

Librarians help their patrons not only find their next reading selection, but they also answer questions about computer and internet training, job applications and resume writing, and filling out government forms, including tax and health insurance paperwork, all of it for free. 

2. Libraries are safe refuges for the homeless and underserved populations. 

Each morning when public libraries open their doors, they become shelters, learning centers, and employment centers for the most underserved population. 

3. They help boost local economies. 

Because they are free for patrons, not many people consider the role they play in the economy, but libraries play a key role in financially strengthening local community. They provide a workspace for telecommuters, supply free internet access for people looking for employment opportunities, and offer job and interview training for those in need.

4. They play an important role in English language learning. 

Libraries provide English language learners with the opportunity to immerse themselves in their new language, whether it be through periodicals, books, audiobooks, or resources online

5. Libraries make communities healthier. 

Through their community programs, direct librarian assistance, fitness classes, and basic internet access, libraries provide important equal access opportunities to those seeking health information and services. 

6. They preserve history, and more importantly, the truth. 

The preservation of truth is important, now more than ever. Libraries, which house centuries of learning, information, history, and truth, are important defenders in the fight against misinformation.

Whether you’re a family looking for a fun story time, an immigrant in need of language resources, an unemployed individual searching for job help, or a community member who needs help on their taxes, you can all go to one place: the library. There, communities come together to learn, share, and celebrate where they live, who they are, and what they want to become. Libraries truly are remarkable places, and in today’s world, we need them now more than ever.