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. Even the poorest parents can give their children the key to success - a library card. Libraries are a shared community resource. Conceived by Benjamin Franklin as a means of extending books to the working class, today's public libraries offer a vast array of books, magazines and videotapes, CDs, books on tape and other resources.