I received my first library card as a kid, and it fundamentally changed me. Fast forward to now, almost fifteen years later, and I still visit the library every chance I get. I even managed to find my library loan history dating back to 2013, allowing me to keep a record of some of the books that shaped me.
The library for me is a safe and welcoming place that ignited a passion for books that still burns in me today. It’s also a space for community, growth, and knowledge. Libraries provide so much to local communities, and I think at times they’re often overlooked.
By now, we’re all aware of how BookTok and other book communities are contributing to overconsumption. We see creators buying multiple versions of the same book, filling their bookshelves with hundreds of books that will go unread, and commodifying the act of reading. Overconsumption of books is a huge problem plaguing reading communities at the moment, and I’ll acknowledge that I’ve also been part of the problem.
I own many books, and in the past have bought books purely based on trends. But there came a point I had to stop because I was buying way more books than I was reading. Now I source my books through the library or second-hand. And if there is a book I want to buy new, I make the conscious effort to buy from independent sellers, such as Amplify, a bookstore that exclusively stocks books from BIPOC authors.
Libraries can be so influential in combating book consumption, and it’s something I encourage all readers to consider. Now I want to acknowledge that not everyone has access to a library, and that’s ok! But if you do, I highly encourage you to go get yourself a library card, familiarise yourself with the staff, and utilise everything the library has to offer.
I find that borrowing books helps me with reading slumps and encourages me to actually read what I’ve borrowed. And if you’re worried about being a slow reader, most libraries have a loan period of 30 days with the option to extend if needed. Borrowing books lowers consumption and saves you money! Not to mention you’re also supporting your local community and creating a demand to keep libraries open.
Libraries help to build community and can create a safe space for so many individuals. I think one of the biggest misconceptions surrounding libraries is that they only revolve around books. There is so much more to a library than books. SBS (2025) published a podcast/article that discusses just how crucial libraries are in creating and supporting communities, especially marginalised communities, and how these library spaces provide safe and inviting hubs for people to retreat to. Personally, the library has always been a place of connection for me, and somewhere I knew I could go to get help with anything I needed. Not to mention that library workers are some of the kindest people I’ve ever met.
Libraries offer so many things outside of books, and I encourage you to do some research on your local library and take advantage of what it can offer. We need to be using libraries more often. I don’t think people realise just how detrimental losing libraries can be to a community and local area, so please, if you have the capacity, go to a library! Libraries are some of the only spaces where you can go to just be. There’s no pressure to use services, and you can just exist in a space that requires nothing of you. They’re a haven, and we need to protect that.
Furthermore, libraries foster a wealth of knowledge and provide free and accessible information across a variety of subjects. They preserve history and are important fighters against misinformation. By losing libraries, we’re losing knowledge.
Live out your Matilda fantasy and get yourself a library card. Visit your local branch and spend a few hours amongst the books. Utilise the services and programs offered. Make conversation with the librarians. Borrow a book, or ten.
Support your local library. 🗣️
I moved to a new city 3 years ago and for months I’ve been thinking of going to a beautiful local library that’s very close to my place of work… I choose to treat your post as the final sign. I’m doing it!
What an incredible read! As a history student concentrating in the Middle Ages, both my university and local libraries have been an incredible source of research material. I actually just recently borrowed a book analysing sexual assault in medieval English literature that I likely would have never come across if I hadn’t stumbled upon it in the library!
I encourage everybody to borrow from their local library, not just for their own sake, but because doing so helps increases funding for them.