More Than What Meets The Eyes

“Libraries store the energy that fuels the imagination. They open up windows to the
world and inspire us to explore and achieve and contribute to improving our quality of life.
Libraries change lives for the better.” – Sidney Sheldon

In a dawning age of technology where almost everything comes in digital, one would
question the relevance of physical libraries where physical books and prints can be found.
However, the significance of libraries is relevant across eras- the roles of libraries extend
across different times.

Information. It is the most basic benefit libraries provide. Moreover, information that
leads not only to knowledge but also wisdom. Man needs information to survive, he needs
knowledge to function and he needs wisdom to be human.

From books are all but pieces of data man, through long years of hard work, collected
to pass on to generations for the sole purpose of the concept of better life for all. Libraries
provide access to these data-be it on Science or Literature. While information can also be
accessed through digital devices, they are proved to be less accurate and shallow compared to
what one can proved to be less accurate and shallow compared to what one can find in a
physical book inside a library. Thus, it still makes more sense relying to libraries rather than
to the Internet.

Libraries do not only encourage one to learn but, primarily, to read. Reading is a vital
ability everyone must possess for it is needed not only in school, work or church but in life
itself. These are the best places to practice reading, where it is silent and appropriate.
Children and the youth especially, must not be refused the privilege to be introduced to
libraries-they need to appropriate the beauty of shelves, the smell of paper pages and the
peaceful ambience of books. It is in the comfort of books one would realize the craft of
imagination which opens up to lot of potentials.

Ideas. From gathered information, ideas will result. Libraries provide an avenue for
enlightenment which leads to opportunities and innovation while indeed ideas can spark even
from the most simple things, when one reads a accurate detailed explanation about a concept
then only then could an idea be hypothetically feasible. Books contain pieces of history
wherein readers could make as basis for a better future. Libraries also contain books about
theories people of today could improve, prove or disprove. They also possess records of past
events people could look upon in case they have missed it. Also, dictionaries, encyclopedias
and copies of researchers are also in there where students can use as references. It is by these
pieces of information everyone will be offered an opportunity to explore their potentials.

Furthermore, libraries provide the most appropriate place to study—alone or with

friends. One can enjoy the atmosphere not benefit of peace while delving into the world of
books. Libraries, especially public ones, are mostly free so it is available to all—the benefit
of such is open to all.
 Indeed, the function of libraries is still alive. The significance of libraries, as Sheldon
has said is still in action.

Albeit we cannot deny the decline of people who visit the library because of the
growing trend on digital information that’s fast and easily-accessed, and we cannot,
obviously, stop modernization— we must always be reminded about the value of libraries
which were the first who came that shaped the minds of men through centuries. Let libraries
not be treated as fallen heroes that are only commemorated through memories, we should
practice visiting libraries. The sense of touching printed pages, the scent of paperbacks and
the comfort of books are still the best feeling rather than staring blankly at computer screens
and clicking on blinding bright links. We have been constantly demanding for true
information, and such we can find, mostly, on published books situated at public libraries. So,
why lack for alternatives?

Yes, undeniably all readers are diverse but the fact that they all read means they have
inclusion—means they are all included among those people who still believe in the power of
books —in the power of words thy will always turn to reading whenever they felt like leaving
reality and living a brand new life innovatively —inside a book.

And yes, readers are in fact not separated but bound by book pages whenever they
read, they connect with all other readers out there —it’s the unspoken magic of books.

Finally, we see books, articles, periodicals and other print media but beyond what
meets the eyes, libraries hold history and provide a potential future—which are integral to
many thus, libraries are integral, too. As T.S. Eliot said, “They very existence of libraries
affords the best evidence that we may yet have hope for the future of man.”