by Wayne Leon Learmond

Created on: December 19, 2010   Last Updated: December 20, 2010

In this age of the Internet and instant information are libraries as important now as they have been in the past? For many people, the answer would be a resounding no. They would see libraries as part of a bygone age, ancient institutions in which today, they hold no relevance at all. To many people, libraries still hold that image of 'stuffiness', of old out of date books collecting dust upon the shelves. The image of libraries, to many people, is that of buildings being stuck rigid in the past, but how wrong could they be?

Libraries now are as much relevant today as they have ever been. It took a while for libraries to realize that they are now in the 21st century and that in order to survive they will have to embrace today's technology. Whereas in the past, libraries were places that one went for to for a quiet read, today they are far removed from what they were.

Libraries today have been forced to move into the 21st century. It was either that, or be left behind. And libraries that do not attract visitors are soon closed down and demolished. So, libraries were forced to conform and update themselves - to make themselves more relevant to 21st century readers.

Libraries have an enormous part to play in the education system today - even more so now than they ever have done in the past. Today, they are not just places that people go to for a quiet read {yes, this is still done} but they offer so much more now in reference to education. One can take up computer courses, creative writing, desktop publishing, plus all the information that one needs to find out about educational courses that may be going on in your area, or within the library itself.

There are many libraries that are not only connected to their local councils, but also their local museums too. This inter-connection between libraries and museums is extremely important for visitors to either a museum or library. They help people in finding out just what is going on in reference to educational courses and events -  and what courses or, indeed events, each building have to offer.

The education system has been helped enormously by libraries in today's society, as many men women and children use libraries now, not just to read, but for Internet access in order for research for homework and projects.  There are many people - especially poor families - who still do not have Internet access at home, and so their local libraries are extremely important in making

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