Libraries could use Millennials’ support

As membership chair at the Friends of the Marion Public Library, I recently came across a report by Pew Research 'Younger Americans and Public Libraries” (http://www.pewinternet.org/author/kzickuhr/).

The results were very interesting in that although the 16 to 29-year-old generation is probably the most 'wired” group in America nearly 2/3 agree there is 'a lot of useful, important information that is not available on the Internet.” Another conclusion was, as a group, Millennials are as likely as older adults to have used a library in the past year and more likely to have used a library website.

This report strongly indicates the Internet has not reduced the need or usefulness of libraries and it would be wonderful if more Millennials would become involved. As I look at the membership roster of our group there are very few younger people and would probably observe the same with the other two libraries in the Metro group.

In October there are three opportunities to become more involved: Hiawatha has a book sale Oct. 10-11. Both Cedar Rapids and Marion have book sales Oct. 24-26. I encourage the younger generation to join their 'Friends” group and support our great libraries.

David Faribault

Cedar Rapids