By Melissa Chapman

Cataloging Supervisor

Libraries are the community centers of the modern age. While once we just lent books, libraries have morphed into the technology and information resources of their communities. Libraries counterbalance the chaos of the Internet by vetting information. Libraries focus on technology and being community centers. Not everyone has the same informational needs, reading preferences, or same access to technology.

In a world that is absolutely exploding online, 15 percent of Americans do not have access to the Internet. Accurate information closes the chasm between the haves and have-nots. A library provides free access to all that the Internet has to offer. Several libraries, including the Warsaw Community Public Library, offer Wi-Fi hotspots that patrons can check out for loan.

Libraries are a vital part of the community, supplying a safe, neutral location for community, professional and personal uses. They represent what should never be taken for granted: the freedom to read, the freedom to choose, and the freedom to share ideas. Unlike search engines, social media and companies like Amazon, libraries do not track reading or search history to sell you things or share information. They protect and value privacy.

The preservation of truth is important, now more than ever, and libraries are the proprietors of information, history and entertainment. They are important defenders in the fight against misinformation. While a plethora of useful, accurate, and engaging content is available online, the web is filled with inaccurate and misleading data. While the Internet compliments a library, it does not and cannot replace it. Libraries can help vet the news from the fake and provide a patron with accurate, up-to-date information. According to the American Library Association, libraries across the country answer nearly 6.6 million questions every week.

Regardless of whether or not your need for the library is pressing, there are many others in the community for whom the library is a life-saving resource. The Warsaw Community Public Library is a gathering place for personal growth, reinvention and civic engagement. It is a welcoming place where one can meet, socialize, and learn. It is the heart of the community and a lifeline to the world.