Opinion

Will libraries pay the price for property tax reform?

Librarians respond to pressure with presence.

This year marks Library Journal’s 150th anniversary. How many media companies can say they have been actively publishing for a century and a half? In an increasingly challenging media landscape, it feels almost miraculous to still be here.

Despite data that only about five percent of media consumers’ time is spent with books and audiobooks, publishing has the conditions to thrive.

A few years ago, I had the opportunity to see poet and entrepreneur Wesley “Wallstreet Wes” Robinson perform in a spoken word event at my library. I was inspired by his performance and started following him on social media, where I learned that Wallstreet facilitates poetry clinics to deliver what he calls “emotional first aid,” many times to those who are justice-involved. His posts frequently include the tagline “I’m in the building because I’m into building.”

Since January, the Trump administration and its Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) have implemented widespread employee reductions. The Partnership for Public Service, a nonpartisan nonprofit with a mission to improve government, estimates that more than 199,000 civil servants have left the workforce as a result of the administration’s firings, forced relocations, and deferred resignation program. In looking at the numbers, it can be easy to lose sight of individual losses, but we shouldn’t.

I’m a sucker for a library with a big, fat cookbook collection. Like a well-stocked pantry, it offers endless possibilities—recipes for quick weeknight dinners, menu inspiration for a cocktail party, or an introduction to a new culture by way of cuisine. From the kitchens of chefs, celebrities, nutritionists, influencers, and culinary experts, titles may range from the practical to the sublime.

As media outlets dwindle, we stand to lose a lot more than local news.

Bringing more play back into school may be one way to help young male learners from falling behind. Library spaces and programs grounded in play-based learning (along with high quality pre-K options) also provide important support. According to the 2009 report “Crisis in the Kindergarten,” socio-dramatic play helps children build language and social skills and develop empathy. Libraries can offer the free play and playful learning experiences that benefit all children but may particularly support young boys’ learning needs.