Importance of Libraries

The Library is the centerpiece of our society and is accessible to everyone. Its holdings inspire all ages and interests. In ancient Egypt, invading armies burned the Library of Alexandria because they knew the devastating effect it would have on the culture. The library now, as throughout time, is just that important an institution. It not only needs to be preserved, but to continue to be a living, growing, thriving institution.

In Calvert County, the Library is a hub for members of our community to connect and interact across all demographic groups. The Library hosts a range of activities and social programs that engage our minds and provide opportunities to exchange ideas with other people.

It is also an important economic equalizer, providing equal access to technology and information to disadvantaged citizens. Students and job seekers flock to the library to use computers for schoolwork, research, job searches and many other things. Also, people who reach their retirement age and others who don't find it convenient to accumulate books, but still want to expand their minds and broaden their social networks, can rely on the Library. The possibilities are limitless.

It also makes green sense (environmental, not just dollars) to have reference materials, literature and media in one place for people to access. Having hard copies to share across a community and online copies of documents shared by thousands of people in our county saves trees from being harvested and waters from being polluted. The Library and inter-library loan system connect people to the information they seek – a service provided free of charge to everyone.

There are few, if any institutions that provide so many free services and programs for people. Your donation will help this great institution innovate and reach out to all segments of the population. Your dollars will enable people to achieve their potential. And, you will know that you are an important part of something larger than yourself.

Please consider donating to the Calvert Library Foundation. Select the “Ways you can give” icon on the home page.