Libraries as Social Hubs -By Melanie Gomez

 Libraries as Social Hubs

By Melanie Gomez

  

     To start off let's define what a social hub really is. A social hub can be defined as a space (physical or digital), with the purpose of facilitating social interaction, connection, and community building. So, how are libraries social hubs? Well, libraries act like social hubs because they provide accessible spaces for community interaction, they offer a variety of resources & programs, and even provide a safe place for patrons that has proven to foster a sense of belonging. “Libraries exert a critical impact on society by fostering equal opportunities and providing equitable access to lifelong learning and education, research and innovation, culture and recreation for all” (Sipilä 95). When libraries promote and support patrons in participating in community events and library programs they single-handedly “contribute to building stronger communities and societies” (Sipilä 95).

Growing up, I was homeschooled for the majority of my schooling and because of this I was a bit more sheltered and did not have the opportunity to interact with others especially with kids my age. Due to me being at home most of the time without social interactions, the feeling of loneliness was a common accurace. Even as an adult I sometimes still struggle with these feelings as my everyday life feels repetitive with me being at work and school all the time. The latest research from the Cigna Group indicates that “more than half (58 percent) of American adults are considered lonely—and those percentages jump more so among minoritized populations. Loneliness isn’t just about isolation—it’s a feeling of being alone or disconnected even in a world where technology enables instant contact” (Rich 12). When libraries provide programs such as gaming for teens, book clubs, and other family events “they possess the physical infrastructure and community relationships to tackle loneliness and social isolation”(Rich 12). Libraries provide a space where people can not only build connections but also relationships with people like neighbors, classmates, or even strangers. “These social connections help shape a feeling of belonging that one needs to combat feelings of loneliness” (Rich 13).

I always remember the library being my sanctuary, my place to socialize as I constantly participated in community events and library programs (my absolute favorites were all the summer activities for kids). Till this day, the library has remained an important part of my social life. It has allowed me to participate in free programs I'm genuinely interested in and has allowed me to make connections along the way with others that share similar interests. Libraries connect people with essential services and others which makes them crucial for social connection and community building, making them a vital social hub for the community. 

*Watch This*

Watch this video by TEDx Talks to see how a redesigned library reconnected a community. 

Reimagining the Public Library to Reconnect the Community | Shamichael Hallman

Work Cited

Sipilä, Sinikka. “Strong Libraries, Strong Societies.” El Profesional de La Información, vol. 24, no. 2, Mar. 2015, pp. 95–101. EBSCOhost

https://doi-org.palomar.idm.oclc.org/10.3145/epi.2015.mar.0 Accessed 24 April 2025. 

Rich, Hallie. “Hungry for Connection.” Library Journal, vol. 149, no. 2, Feb. 2024, pp. 12–15. EBSCOhost         

research.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=03b69743-2de9-39de-afa4-813e10c748bAccessed 24 April 2025.