True Then, True Now - What Libraries Do

During a recent research project, I came across this article from AkLA's newsletter:

Libraries: Alaska built.
DeForest, Emily.
Sourdough 1987, v. 24, no. 4 (Winter 1987) p. 7.

One paragraph about the role of libraries in communities really struck me as being just as true today as it was 21 years ago:

Libraries, and the buildings they are in, are a vital part of the state economy and the upturn thereof. Libraries encourage tourism by offering programs geared directly for the tourist. Libraries also assist in the many programs for the blind and handicapped. Libraries offer state and federal documents on economics, job hunting, careers, and education, all of these readily available for perusal by the public. Libraries offer educational assistance to students, story hours and reading programs for the younger set, family type film programs, discussion groups, and many, many other services over and above the lending of books, phonodiscs, tapes, etc. Libraries are among the first community facilities investigated by prospective residents.

The main correction to the above statement would be that thanks to local and state investments in remote databases like the Digital Pipeline and Homework Help, people can reap many of the benefits of the library without leaving home. But our buildings are still vibrant places as described above. Just with more media types.

At least that's true for my library. What about yours?