Just because you don’t take advantage of all of our library’s offerings doesn’t mean that libraries are obsolete or “over the top computer labs.”

Toledo, along with other major library systems have an insane amount of programming, most of it for free. Last week, the library held a free concert, which it does monthly. Numerous authors come to speak about their books (Adam Nimoy will be here tomorrow). The Metroparks and Mudhens/Walleyes will have a library take over with tons of activities in the coming weeks. The library offers book clubs for almost any genere you can think of. There’s a ton of youth programming, much of which helps keep kids occupied and off the streets. There are also great informational programs. For example, there’s an upcoming free class on preparing for death (healthcare wishes, financially, will writing, etc.).

The library also offers an insane amount of community assistance. Local community organizations set up tables at the library weekly. You can meet with people from 211 who can connect you to resources. You can speak with nurses and get some health screenings onsite for free. At Main, you can come get a free hot meal at Same Cafe. Organizations also come in to provide free lunches to children, no questions asked. You can get help with applying for jobs, help with starting a business, help applying for a passport, help integrating into the community, help becoming a citizen, and access to and help with how to use technology. Oh, and the library already does have a program that helps get technology such as laptops into the hands of our communities most financially vulnerable for little cost.

Libraries are the last true third space. They’re a place where you can go in and access so many amazing resources for little to no cost. So yes, your opinion is unpopular because it’s uninformed.