Let’s start out 2026 with a riddle, “What type of building has the most stories?”
Give up?
“A LIBRARY!”
When I planned this article, I intended to write about the wonderful destinations we can travel to in books. A trip around the world.
Portals to different dimensions or times in history. Adventures in every corner of the world. Trips to distant universes and imaginary realms.
At libraries, we can find books to help us live thousands of lives vicariously, or we can learn how to make those lives our own. We can experience lives from the perspectives of others and learn empathy and understanding.
Libraries, especially public libraries, are the repositories and librarians are the stewards of history, historical documents, maps, scientific data, science fiction, romance, fantasy, biographies and autobiographies, mysteries, thrillers, true crime, self-help, news, fables and fairy tales, poetry, religious dogma, and so much more. Libraries contain the stories of our world.
In addition, libraries provide free access to all these stories, information in general, digital resources, audiobooks, databases, WIFI, computers, educational programs including job help (searches, resumes, literacy programs, skill building workshops), and community spaces with services like printing, research assistance, and streaming media for education, entertainment, or community engagement.
Public libraries are an important social safety net across the country. They are a safe (warm in the winter, cool in the summer, dry on rainy days) space for children and adults. A place for children to read or study; play games, make crafts, or enjoy story time with their peers.
Librarians and library assistants provide technical assistance, offer recommendations, teach classes, coordinate community outreach programs, and make sure books are where they are supposed to be so you can find them. Most branches offer ESL (English as a Second Language) courses, GED, and citizenship classes.
Public libraries have a vital place in society, and it’s alarming how many libraries are closing or have closed in 2025 because of “federal reorganizations,” budget cuts, funding shortfalls, and local levy failures (local levies are property taxes approved by voters to fund specific local needs that aren’t funded by the state).
As government agencies were pared down in 2025, services were discontinued. Public libraries have tried to fill that void by expanding their services even as their funding continues to be cut. Most funding for public libraries comes from local and state coffers. Federal monies and private donations make up a smaller portion, but it’s a vicious cycle. When the federal government cuts programs and services, state and local governments are forced to reallocate funds or raise taxes to provide these services. Funding for libraries is often first on the list to be sacrificed.
On January 2, 2026, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Research Library will permanently close as part of the Trump Administration’s “broader agency restructuring.” As a result, materials will be removed from circulation and “warehoused.” Other documents will be destroyed or disposed of in another way. Will they find their way into private collections? Sold to the highest bidder? I have no idea, but I’d hate to see the people’s property end up as investments to make the wealthy wealthier.
Statistics for public library permanent and temporary closures in the United States in 2025 aren’t available yet, but without federal support close to two hundred tribal libraries were listed at risk of closing in 2025.
An Executive Order (14238) signed in March 2025 was intended to dismantle the Institute for Museum and Library Services. The EO signaled broader federal changes affecting libraries. On November 21, 2025, U.S. District Judge John J. McConnell ruled in favor of twenty-one state attorneys general who sued the Trump Administration. McConnell ruled that EO 14238 exceeded presidential authority and violated laws governing agencies established by Congress. McConnell’s decision permanently blocked the Trump Administration from filing further appeals about this decision or from attempting to take such action in the future. Programs affected are now reopening and libraries around the country are trying to preserve and maintain the services they offer to the public.
“Libraries are not just buildings filled with books—they are living centers of knowledge, culture, and community. Their significance extends beyond the pages on the shelves, serving as gateways to lifelong learning and personal growth for people of all ages and backgrounds.” #TheTimesInternationalCollege#Library#booksbooks#2081
When I read this excerpt from a video about a library tour, it resonated with me. Going to the library, whether it was a school library, bookmobile, public library, or the Library of Congress in Washington D.C., has always been a magical experience.
I’ve spent countless hours researching and studying in libraries. Hours watching the faces of my children and my friends’ children light up during the magic of story hour. I’ve walked up and down the aisles of children’s libraries across the country helping my boys choose their favorite books. I’ve watched them proudly reach up on their toes to hand their library cards to the librarian when checking out books. I even remember taking them shopping to find just the right wallets to carry their library cards in.
These are gifts libraries have given me throughout the years. When I published my first book, they even made space for it in the stacks. I’ve given book talks and writing seminars. I’ve met some of my favorite authors at the library. Many have even become my friends.
Oh, the places you will go, the things you will see, and the people you will meet when you open the door to your local library.
Sources:
https://buttondown.com/wellsourced/archive/public-library-cuts-2025/