In schools and colleges, libraries academic and public libraries teach students information literacy skills they will need to succeed in school and throughout life. Many public libraries provide instruction in word processing and Internet skills for parents, seniors and other adults as well as children. Libraries protect our right to know. As public forums for information, library policies and programs are designed to serve the wide range of needs and interests of people in their communities. Librarians are committed to defending the right to read.
Libraries connect people with ideas, information and each other.
Libraries of all types offer a wide range of programming to expand opportunities for cultural exchange. These include author visits, book discussions, exhibits, music and many other programs. Most new libraries have auditoriums or community rooms for meetings, programs and performances. Libraries are for everyone. One of our great democratic institutions, libraries are part of the American dream, providing people of all ages, beliefs, ethnic and financial backgrounds with the resources they need to learn and grow for a lifetime.