Libraries – Today’s Forum
Collins English Dictionary (10th ed.) defines “forum” in the following ways: “1. a meeting or assembly for the open discussion of subjects or public interest…3. a public meeting place for open discussion.” The word “forum” is derived from the Latin word meaning “public place.” Ancient Rome’s Forum served as a marketplace, and it was the place where speeches were made and elections were held. Because people from many walks of life congregated there every day they naturally talked and exchanged ideas. The Forum was so important that it was placed at the heart of the city. Where do we go today to exchange ideas? Many of us go to the Internet, or to coffee houses, or to colleges and universities. One place a community should be able to go to learn and exchange ideas is the public library.
The library is developing plans to create some kind of meeting space in all of our branches. The new Amite Branch and Administration Building will feature a large meeting room. But the library is providing, and has provided programs for years. We just completed a series of programs called “Discovering Inspiration: African American Heritage Celebration.” For years the library has provided weekly children’s programs and this March we will begin offering “Baby and Me” programs across the system. “Baby and Me” is a six-week program designed for very young children, ages 3 months to 15 months, and requires a parent’s or adult caregiver’s participation. Adventure Club, for children age 7 – 10 years of age, will also begin in all branches this spring. For adults two programs at Hammond Branch will be offered soon: “The Railroad in Tangipahoa Parish,” by Tom Davidson on March 18 at 6 pm, and “Edwin Edwards,” by author Leo Honeycutt on May 20 at 6 pm.
Libraries still provide books, magazines, audio books, databases, DVDs, and many other items. But they also provide space and time for public meetings, face-to-face gatherings where people today, like the ancient Romans, exchange ideas and information. We need libraries more than ever because the Library is our community’s Forum.