ABSTRACT
Public libraries, which promote broader access to books and the information they contain, have appeared in various incarnations since early classical times. Throughout history, libraries have played a vital role in our social, cultural, and intellectual development, as repositories of the written word, and the information and ideas it represents. Public libraries are popular and highly valued community resources that continue to thrive in cities, towns, and neighborhoods across the US and elsewhere, enjoying broad public support for the services they provide. Library identity promotes a unique sense of place responsive to the physical, cultural, and social context of the library and the community it serves. Community use facilitates access to the shared resources and activities of the library, encouraging public interaction by providing strong physical connections to the surrounding community. The new public library is centrally located in the community it serves—prominent and accessible to encourage everyday use.
