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I feel at home in libraries. Each time my family moved we always visited the library first. I enjoy giving back to a place that has given me so much. Written by Becca Senior.

Written by Isabelle Daniels Throughout history libraries have been a repository of knowledge, a place to gather and share information. However, the structure of libraries has changed dramatically over time to meet the needs of changing societies. While the organization of libraries has changed over time the general concept has remained the same; a place where thoughts and ideas can be shared and explained. The first known library was located in Nineveh during the late 600 century B.C. and belonged to Ashurbanipal who was the last ruler of Assyria. Not a lot is known about his library as the remains are thousands of years old, but it is believed that the library was used as a place to store knowledge for the future. It is speculated that Ashurbanipal “instructed his subjects to collect texts from all parts of his realm. Eventually the library held tablets detailing the history and culture of ancient Mesopotamia as well as what was known of chemistry, botany, mathematics, and cosmology” (“The Development”). In a time where territorial wars were constant, it makes sense for a king to try and find ways to preserve what they know. Eventually Ashurbanipal died, and fourteen years later the city of Nineveh was sacked and this historical wonder was destroyed. It wasn’t until excavations on the site in the 1850s that the library was unearthed; while any paper was assumedly burned in the fire that destroyed the library, thousands of clay tablets were unearthed. The next most recently known major library was the library of Alexandria which was founded by Alexander the Great in 332 B.C. The library was an outstanding collection of scrolls which were bought from scholars all over Athens, Greece, and other surrounding countries; it is believed that the library housed a copy of every existing scroll in the Mediterranean area. Due to this the library quickly became a place where the greatest scholars of the time could congregate and exchange ideas: “At its peak, at least 100 scholars worked, did research, or taught at the museum at one time. Some did original work in a sort of early research laboratory, some did original research, others wrote commentaries on the works of other scholars” (“The Development”). However, changing societal values due to the influence of Christianity did not allow for the library’s upkeep, and over time the Library of Alexandria fell into disrepair and was eventually destroyed by a civil war occuring in the late 3rd century A.D. By the middle ages libraries were the purview of monks because general literacy had become obsolete and few other than monks were taught to read. In monasteries there was little variety in the books that inhabited the library, which included only “typical library catalogs of this period. Each is arranged roughly by subject, and includes Bibles, works of the Church Fathers, historical texts and liturgical works” (Ray). Many monks would spend their time copying texts to make copies of books for other monasteries and important religious people. Following the Renaissance many more people outside of the Church became literate, but predominantly only the wealthy, who could afford private tutors and established their own private libraries within their homes for use of their family and close friends. These libraries were usually a collection of books which skewed towards the interest or profession of their owners, with expanded topics including science and philosophy. Following the ideals of the Renaissance, many private collectors created libraries out of books and manuscripts that were from the middle ages and Greek eras. One such collector was Fulvio Orsini, who “assembled his own collection of manuscripts largely out of the debris of those of earlier generations of humanists. He actively collected manuscripts annotated by earlier humanists and as with them, his undertaking was largely a philological enterprise” (Nelles). By the eighteenth century as literacy had become more widespread, lending libraries were established. However, participation in these libraries was only through membership or subscription. These libraries were utilized by those who not only had the money, but also the leisure time, to read. Though literacy had started to spread and allowed people of lower incomes to have easier access to things such as newspapers, this did not mean they had time for such things. For most in the lower classes, leisure time remained scarce, and literacy was limited to the rudimentary skills needed in their everyday lives. At this time libraries had also started to become a place of meeting and community. While subscription libraries can still be found today, they are certainly not as common as the free public library. “The most common type of library in the eighteenth century was what was then often termed "a social library." The few surviving such libraries term themselves "membership libraries," because one obtained access by buying a share, or by paying an annual fee, or both” (Carpenter). The concept of free public libraries was put forth in the late 1800s by Andrew Carngie. By the mid 1880s he had funded over 16,000 free public libraries across the U.S. allowing access to anyone and effectively ending membership libraries. Before, someone needed to pay a subscription to access the library, and while this payment may have been small it still created a wall for anyone who did not have the extra money. With the introduction of the free public library, anyone of any social class or income could have free access to knowledge. Because at the same time public schools were opening throughout the US, and as the US moved from a more agrarian to a more industrial society, the need for and utilization of these free public libraries grew. Throughout the twentieth century free public libraries became a mainstay of every town in America. However, with the advent of the internet in the late 20th century, some wondered whether the concept of a library was obsolete as more and more information was moved online and made accessible to anyone anywhere with an electronic device and internet connection. At one point it was predicted that books would go the way of the horse and buggy by now. Yet, that hasn’t happened, and libraries have diversified their role in today’s society in order to remain relevant and serve the current needs of their patrons. “Public libraries provide social infrastructures and a wide array of essential educational services: children’s and adult programs, resume workshops, job search assistance, homework assistance, and technical and research assistance” (Thompson). In a time when most indoor places away from one’s home require some sort of purchase (i.e. coffee shops) or payment (i.e. fitness clubs), having access to an alternative space which not only is free, but safe, is something valued by people of all ages. Although the structure and activities have changed dramatically over the past thousands of years, the core concept of libraries as a place to gather and share knowledge remains constant. As literacy has waxed and waned throughout the ages, so too has the structure and proliferation of libraries. As we have moved forward into the digital age, libraries have expanded their purpose and become a location for social gatherings, for teaching, and for building community. Because of this libraries will continue to be relevant now and into the future. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- References Carpenter, K. E. (2001). Libraries. In M. K. Cayton & P. W. Williams (Eds.), Encyclopedia of American Cultural and Intellectual History. Charles Scribner's Sons. https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/BT2350030182/SUIC?u=wind5078&sid=bookmark-SUIC&xid=32bb0fe3 The Development of Libraries in the Ancient World. (2001). In N. Schlager & J. Lauer (Eds.), Science and Its Times (Vol. 1). Gale. https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/CV2643450028/SUIC?u=wind5078&sid=bookmark-SUIC&xid=6e1d9cf4 Nelles, P. (2000). Libraries. In P. F. Grendler (Ed.), Encyclopedia of the Renaissance. Charles Scribner's Sons. https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/BT2354500295/WHIC?u=wind5078&sid=bookmark-WHIC&xid=2e73f404 Ray, A. (n.d.). Medieval Monastic Libraries. The British Library. Retrieved December 28, 2022, from https://www.bl.uk/medieval-english-french-manuscripts/articles/medieval-monastic-libraries Thompson, P., Morton, E., & Kotting, J. (2021, June 1). Public libraries continue to adapt, enriching communities across America. Brookings Institution. Retrieved December 26, 2022, from https://www.brookings.edu/blog/brown-center-chalkboard/2021/06/01/public-libraries-continue-to-adapt-enriching-communities-across-america/

By Isabelle Daniels

Written by Isabelle Daniels Libraries are still relevant today because they provide a place for education, a place for community, and a non-judgemental space for relaxation and assembling. For many people libraries are archaic and irrelevant, but as society has changed libraries have been able to keep up faster than even some governments. A building full of books may not seem like much at face value, but when taking a deeper look you can find their growing usefulness to communities. Libraries are able to offer a place of learning for all types of education, from tech literacy to access to books for people without it. They are also a community pillar, connecting people and allowing them to express themselves freely and without room for judgment. Libraries participate in the education of both children and adults by providing free reading materials and technology to their patrons. Because libraries are publicly funded their resources are available to all regardless of ability to pay. This helps to equalize educational opportunities by minimizing income disparity. In many places all around the world educational disparity is a problem even more than in the US. Libraries have been found to help level the playing field for school kids who experience this: “Similarly, Kids on the Tab in Kibera, Kenya, worked through libraries to complement the schooling of children from poor areas, contributing to much improved exam results, which in turn open up new possibilities”( “Leaving No Child Behind”). As seen in Kenya and many other countries who have created similar programs, libraries have been able to aid children who do not have access to as good an education as others and allow them to have the same opportunities as their more fortunate peers. Over the summer it is common for many kids to forget the skills they had learned during the school year. Libraries have aimed to help with this by creating summer reading programs that encourage students to continue reading over this lengthy school break so as not to lose ground in their reading skills while away from school. These programs that spur children to keep reading over the summer were originally introduced as far back as the 1890s, and their main purpose has remained the same: to entourage children “to read during their summer vacation, use the library and develop the habit of reading” (Benefits). Modern summer literacy program are no longer limited to simply encouraging children to read books. Nowadays, many libraries have programs for the whole family to enjoy, experiential learning, and increased access to technology in addition to ongoing summer reading programs. In a day and age where technology is progressing faster than ever, it is important for people to be able to keep up with it. Libraries have been able to offer a hand in providing some technical education to those who need it. In places such as the Boston Public Library a range of technology courses are available such as typing classes, internet safety, and courses that teach the basics of computers. In addition to this, many libraries have programs to aid in creating resumes for adults seeking a new job. At the core libraries are about education, and in the modern day we can see this education extending beyond just books. Libraries have done an amazing job adapting to the changing landscape of education and they are able to continue helping people both in school and out with their education. “The survey found that nearly all (97.5%) public libraries offer free wireless Internet access. Technology training is offered in nearly all (98.0%) public libraries, and nearly all offer education and learning programs (99.5%) and summer reading programs (98.4%). Almost 80% of libraries offer programs that aid patrons with job applications, interview skills, and résumé development” (Taglang, 2015). Perhaps even greater than the role public libraries play in assisting with education, is the role they play in bringing their communities together by providing a free and non-judgemental gathering space, public meeting space, and as an organizer of various clubs and enjoyable activities. In many areas, people don’t have access to an indoor area where they can relax for free without the expectation of a purchase. Here libraries have been seen “as a kind of social hub or ‘third space’, one of those valuable and increasingly rare spaces that belong to the community where anyone can hang out for free” (Sherman, 2018). For people who only have access to places such as their home and work or school, it’s important for their mental health to have a third space where they can relax. For people who may not have the money to afford many other commercial places, a library is that free place. As our society has become increasingly separated, with fewer public gatherings than ever before as people move away from the traditional community gathering opportunities of church and social clubs, libraries have remained a place for community outreach. Through a variety of interesting programs libraries are able to connect the community and help people of all ages find others that share their interest. “The range of programming at public libraries runs the gamut, including veterans sharing their stories with children, gardeners receiving tips and even seeds, teens enjoying a Battle of the Bands contest and citizenship and ESL classes for new Americans” (Young et al., 2015). Library programs also help people explore new interests and ideas, nurturing creativity and exploration, or even allow them the space to explore ideas and orientations that may not be considered acceptable in the homes or other areas of some communities.. Many teenagers do not feel as though they have a safe space for them to exist due to their sexual orientation. Libraries in many communities have become a safe place for LBGTQ+ people to be able to exist without worrying. “Today, more than ever, students need a welcoming and adaptable library space which is, at times, a refuge from the everyday pressures they face” (The Library – a Safe Space for Everyone, n.d.). For people who may live in an unwelcoming area, a library can become a safe haven to them. Along the same lines, in today's political and social climate in some areas, schools have banned certain books from their libraries, denying their students information, ideas, and perspectives that some in their communities find offensive, regardless of the opinions of others. Libraries are a neutral space, able to enjoy the ability to buy any books they feel are fit. Due to this, public libraries have become a place where students can have access to information which might be integral to their emotional and intellectual development. Many libraries, such as the New York Public Library, go as far as advertising their collection of books banned in many places, proudly putting up banners stating “Read Banned Books!” (Read Banned Books With The New York Public Library, n.d.) and providing digital copies to anyone anywhere free of charge. With a constantly changing political, technological, and social landscape, it is easy to look at the traditional concept of libraries and declare them useless, but upon further examination one can see the ever evolving cadre of benefits they offer, such as the ability to learn things you may not be able to learn anywhere else, and a space to meet people with similar interests as yourself or to just hang out and read without needing to buy a $6 coffee. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- References Benefits - Summer Reading Programs - LibGuides at American Library Association. (2019, May 16). ALA LibGuides. Retrieved January 4, 2023, from https://libguides.ala.org/summer-reading/benefits Leaving No Child Behind: The Importance of Investing in Library Services « Library Policy and Advocacy Blog. (2021, November 20). IFLA Blogs. Retrieved January 4, 2023, from https://blogs.ifla.org/lpa/2021/11/20/leaving-no-child-behind-the-importance-of-investing-in-library-services/ The library – a safe space for everyone. (n.d.). Accessit Library. Retrieved January 6, 2023, from https://accessitlibrary.com/project/library-safe-for-everyone/ Read Banned Books with The New York Public Library. (n.d.). The New York Public Library. Retrieved January 6, 2023, from https://www.nypl.org/spotlight/banned-books Sherman, J. (2018, September 10). Libraries as Community Spaces: an Academic and a Personal Perspective. Book Riot. Retrieved January 5, 2023, from https://bookriot.com/libraries-as-community-spaces-an-academic-and-a-personal-perspective/ Taglang, K. (2015, April 17). Literacy and Access Roles Help Libraries Remain Vital Community Anchors. Benton Foundation. Retrieved January 6, 2023, from https://www.benton.org/blog/literacy-and-access-roles-help-libraries-remain-vital-community-anchors Young, C., Kepnes, C., & Goldberg, J. (2015, April 13). How Libraries Are Transforming Into Community Anchors. HuffPost. Retrieved January 6, 2023, from https://www.huffpost.com/entry/library-community-anchors_b_7057388

TAG is a close-knit group that is made up of committed and creative people. Members are often well-rounded and participate in several extracurriculars outside of the program. Here’s a post to shine a spotlight on some members and their accomplishments! Alyssa Wan Alyssa is a senior at Windham High School and takes part in both in-school activities and clubs as well as other extracurriculars. Within school, she is the president of the concert band and a section leader for the saxophone section. Additionally, she is a member of the honors band. Furthermore, she is a part of the theater tech crew and has been in charge of microphones for several productions. Beyond her in-school accomplishments, Alyssa is a member of a robotics team, where their goal is to be innovative and compete in competitions with complex robots. She has used her skills in robotics to contribute greatly to the library, especially in the teen area where we have our own working vending machine built by her! Furthermore, Alyssa is an owner of her origami business where she makes earrings, figurines, lights, and more. She has donated several of her creations to the library to decorate the area and make it our own. Izzy Daniels Izzy is also a senior at Windham High School. She is a member of the art club and has taken several art classes throughout the years. She is extremely talented in her drawings of buildings and landscapes, creating extensive and detailed works. Izzy extends her efforts to the theater department as a member of the tech crew. She has been a member since her freshman year. She has worked her way up to being the stage manager, directing when sounds, lights, and stage cues should happen. Without her, there wouldn’t be a production! Izzy is also a member of the robotics team, putting her talents in design to use. She is hardworking and dedicated to her work inside and outside of school. Within TAG, she is an active member and you will often see her at the library regardless if there is a meeting. Rebecca Senior Becca is in her last year of high school at WHS, and is active in many clubs and honor societies. Specifically, she has achieved a lot in the music department. Some of her accomplishments here include being vice president of the concert band, being selected for the New Hampshire All State Festival, and being a section leader for the trumpets! Outside of school, she has many hobbies which exemplify her artistic abilities. Becca takes sewing lessons and has made several pieces in her wardrobe. She then accessorizes them with her own hand-made jewelry! She also takes art classes and has created beautiful paintings of sceneries and animals. Becca has a passion for animals and works at Canobie Lake Veterinary Hospital as a veterinary assistant. There, she assists the doctors by caring for the furry patients and helps with other daily chores. She has expressed interest in going to college on a pre-vet track. Claudia Hall Claudia is also a senior. She is the co-president of the Passport Club at WHS. The club has hosted several fundraising events, including their notable potluck night where people bring food that originated from different places. Another accomplishment of hers is her Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest achievement a Girl Scout can receive. Although still working on it, Claudia’s award has included a lot of planning and numerous meetings to organize. She has worked with the Spanish Honors Society (which she is a member of) to schedule student-run classes at the Golden Brook, teaching the elementary schoolers Spanish. She’s had programs of multiple classes (one in November and December) that included activities, lessons, and more.

The Teen Area at the Nesmith Library is a place where teenagers can study, collaborate, and make their own. Here are some of the ways Teen Advisory Group members have added to this important part of the library! The Vending Machine Alyssa Wan designed a functioning vending machine which sits on the shelf in the teen area. Molly always had to hide snacks under her desk, but now, they sit in the impressively designed vending machine! Alyssa made it so, if a member of TAG slides their library card in the reader, then they can select a snack to vend. Although it’s only painted white, it dons a few stickers and decorations added by members of TAG. Though, we’ll be decorating it soon! The Monthly Book Displays Whether it’s spooky for Halloween or festive for the winter holidays, TAG members contribute to the book displays in the teen area by selecting appropriate books for the themes and decorating them. Sometimes they’re random themes, but they’re always creative! The Origami Dragon Alyssa Wan donated a beautiful green origami dragon that she made and sealed to ensure it survives the test of time. The Photo of Us In a wonderfully photoshopped image, TAG members are escaping a fiery background while wearing suits and sunglasses. This image sits atop the shelves and is on display by Molly’s desk.