“When libraries began to reopen after pandemic lockdowns, Joyce Cooper, director of branch services for the Los Angeles Public Library, noticed that more people were using libraries to work using their laptop computers. So she and her colleagues decided to lean into making libraries more appealing co-working spaces for library patrons.
“The library system already offered fast, reliable, free Wi-Fi so it augmented working spaces by installing more electrical outlets to power and recharge computers as well as hydration stations for folks to fill their water bottles.
““There is no place like it,” Cooper told the Los Angeles Times. “Where else can you just walk in off the street and get help for whatever you need.”*
This observation is true for public libraries everywhere.
If El Cerrito had a larger, new library with such amenities, a modern electrical system, and more room for patron use, there would be untold opportunities to support remote working and to do creative, innovative programming to support lifelong learning for patrons of all ages.
Fortunately, the El Cerrito City Council, the Friends of the El Cerrito Library, our Library Foundation, and many enthusiastic Library supporters are working to build a new 21st Century library of adequate size and with modern features and equipment to serve our growing El Cerrito community.
We will keep you up to date on developments regarding a new library with occasional news reports from the Foundation. If you know of others who might be interested in keeping track of this project, direct them to our Foundation web site at: https://eclibraryfoundation.org/ where they can sign up for breaking news.
*Source: Karlamangla, S. (2023, August 21). Tropical storm Hilary hits California. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/21/us/california-tropical-storm-hilary.html