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A Conversation About Libraries........

By
Managing Real Estate Broker with Pino Agency NJ - 9235504

A Conversation About Libraries........

Tom Brokaw, on David Letterman, while promoting his new book:
The Time of Our Lives, A Conversation About America

"We really have to make some fundamental changes in this country.  And there's a lot of stuff going on across America that deserves more attention.  Public school teachers are doing the right things.  Not too far from here I know a principle in the public school, in the south Bronx, who came to me and said I need some help, I have an empty Library.  We can't fill it up. So, I hope to raise some money....she raised a lot on her own.  We got computers up there.  She then made it into a community center so that the mostly single parents - and a lot of them Hispanic - in the neighborhood could come in and study with their children.  That's how you begin to rebuild American education.  There are a lot of public/private things going on across the country in which corporations are moving into the school systems and helping them out.  I make an appeal in this book for people of my generation, who had the best of the country, to go become tutors -- Meredith tutors in the school up in Harlem, for example, I try to help out with the schools whereever I can.  That's a way that we can give back."  Save Our Libraries

You know , in China, every eighth grade student is required to take physics, biology and math.  18% of American high school students are taking those courses.  We need to bump up our science and technology. 

I tell a story in there.......along about 1996 I was in South Korea working in the middle of the night, because of the time difference, over a Junior High.  And at 5:30 in the morning the Junior High students were in the courtyard waiting for the doors to open an hour-and-a-half later, doing their homework by flashlight.  These are the people we are now competing against.  We're no longer FORTRESS AMERICA.   

We can do it. 

1939, this country was the 16th military power in the world.  Poland had a better army than we did.  Three years later, we're in World War II and guess who prevailed? 

So, we need to get on with it. And we need to see it in terms of how we can accomplish big things.

We all have to work together"   ~Tom Brokaw, October 28th, 2011


I have to admit that this interview caught my attention. His rambling words crafted a story that is being played out in my hometown.  The role of our library has changed dramatically over the past two decades while I have been associated with it as a volunteer. 

Libraries are about so much more than books now-a-days. 

Mr. Brokaw's story highlights this fact.  The Bronx library was quickly transformed into a community center.  In Pennsville, for example,  the Library is the closest thing we have to a community center for our town.  Often times, people mistakenly think that the Library's biggest group of users is children.....and don't get me wrong......we do serve a lot of children.  BUT, you may be surprised to learn that we serve more adults than kids. 

Adults who need computers to search and apply for jobs. 
Adults who can no longer afford to subscribe to the local newspaper. 
Adults who need to print IRS forms. 
Adults who need to take online continuing education classes in order to keep their jobs. 
Adults who are striving to complete their degrees via online college classes.
Adults who need a free wireless hotspot in order to use their own laptop. 
Adults who own businesses and rent the meeting room to hold seminars and classes for the public.
Adults who have limited sources for information.

And the list goes on and on and on...... 

The books, magazines, reference books, DVD's, CD's, programs, workshops, seminars, networking opportunities, book talks, etc. are available for the patrons, too.  We have it all.

In 2010, our front door opened 24,000 times to someone in the community who needed something  that our shelves and/or staff offered. 

24,000 times!

That is why our Board, The Friends of The Library and generous volunteers work so tirelessly to keep those doors open. 

So, like Mr. Brokaw, I say, "Let's get on with it.  We can do it.  We all have to work together."

Comments (3)

Not a real person
San Diego, CA

....Friday’s child is loving and giving,
Saturday’s child works hard for his living

It's Sunday

Nov 06, 2011 09:06 AM
Christine Hooks
Pino Agency - Pennsville, NJ
Celebrating 25 Years in Real Estate!

Hi, Russel...I'm pretty sure I was born on a Weds., but I'll have to check.

Nov 06, 2011 02:32 PM
Christine Hooks
Pino Agency - Pennsville, NJ
Celebrating 25 Years in Real Estate!

"Thursday's child has far to go...."

Nov 06, 2011 02:39 PM