A library can serve an important means of encouraging people to read. Reading helps people improve their reasoning, vocabulary and overall cognitive functioning. Books can otherwise be very expensive for people to purchase outright. If you are reluctant to purchase a book, you may read it if you can read it for free.
Toddlers can go to the library to be introduced to the world of books. Children who are just learning to read can take out books that are age-appropriate and capture their interest. Many children's librarians have weekly sessions where they read to young children. Children who are read to learn to read more quickly. A mother who has struggled academically may find the children's librarian an important source of information about how to improve her child's reading readiness skills.
Libraries can serve as community meeting places. Many libraries offer additional activities besides the opportunities to read books and listen to videos. Very often they have guest speakers or places where people can gather to talk quietly. Libraries also serve as voting spaces.
Local teachers can assign reading material and be assured that children have access to it. Teenagers can get help from librarians with science projects and research papers. A library can also serve as a safe space for a child who lives in substandard housing or with abusive parents. Children can turn to libraries after school and find a haven to do homework and study in pleasant and quiet surroundings.
In times of economic distress, libraries can serve as a critical resource for job seekers. Librarians are taught how to find and manage information. They can show job hunters how to prepare a resume, search online for jobs, seek out additional educational opportunities that may allow them access to paid retraining and serve as sounding board for a job hunter's concerns. A library may be a job seeker's only place to gain free Internet access. Access to the Internet has become an increasingly important job-hunting tool in the modern world. Creating an email address and filling out online job applications can open up many new job possibilities.