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Beyond Books: The Purpose and Role of Libraries in the Digital Age

Connecting Our Communities

Compiled by Linda Orcelletto

On June 18, City Club of Central Oregon welcomed library leaders for a timely and critical discussion about the ever-evolving role of libraries, the realities of censorship and intellectual freedom, and what we can do to keep libraries relevant into the future.

Special thanks to our speakers:

  • April Witteveen, Library Director, OSU-Cascades (Moderator)
  • Shelby Paulson, District Librarian, Bend-La Pine Schools
  • Stephanie Chase, Executive Director, Libraries of Eastern Oregon
  • Todd Dunkelberg, Director, Deschutes Public Library

Expert Table Participants:

  • Erin Borla, Executive Director and Trustee, Roundhouse Foundation
  • Jane Ellen Innes, Executive Director, Jefferson County Library District
  • Buzzy Nielsen, Program Manager for Library Support and Tribal Liaison, State Library of Oregon

As with all City Club forums, the goal was not to debate or determine who is ‘right’ or ‘wrong’, but allowing the nearly 100 attendees to have a greater understanding of the scope of the challenges libraries face locally and across our beautiful state.

Challenges

Despite their value, libraries face significant challenges. Oregon ranks 46th in the nation for higher education library funding. School libraries have also experienced dramatic declines, dropping from 818 school libraries in 1980 to just 178 in 2023. The impact of federal funding reductions impacts access for everyone for library programs and services – the core value and mission of libraries.

While Oregon’s Freedom to Read legislation helps protect access to materials in schools, our speakers were concerned about censorship, intellectual freedom and the increasing possibility that people may lose the ability to make their personal choices about what they read and learn.

April Witteveen, Library Director, OSU-Cascades, said, “Libraries have books that may offend you; that’s a good thing. Exposure to different ideas is essential in a free society. Censorship ultimately harms everyone.”

Libraries are more than Books

A common theme emerged: libraries connect. Today’s libraries serve as community hubs, elevate diverse voices, and provide welcoming spaces for everyone:

  • The heart of a community/school that inspires curiosity and creates conversations
  • Welcoming sanctuary for learning and connection
  • Safe place that inspires possibilities
  • A trusted source of information and resources
  • Sparks lifelong learning
  • Libraries develop reading skills, technology literacy, critical thinking skills, and how to distinguish fact from misinformation
  • Libraries help children develop early literacy skills and prepare them for future success
  • Libraries allow people to pursue their dreams

Misconceptions

Myth: Libraries are only for people who cannot afford books

Reality: Libraries serve everyone, regardless of age, income, background, or interests. Libraries continue to innovate and evolve to keep up with changing technology and community needs while maintaining their core mission to provide free access to information.

 

Myth: People don’t read books anymore and prefer digital usage

Reality: Reading books is now a focus vs. digital options. Gen Z is the #1 user group of libraries.

 

Myth: Digital materials are less expensive and easier for libraries to provide

Reality: each e-Books license is nearly $60 for only two years of use vs. approximately $15 per book (this is why you may be on a waiting list!)

Myth:  Libraries districts have large staff and vast resources

Reality: Many librarians work part-time at low wages and often the only staff to serve limited library hours

How You can Help

You can make a difference by:

  • Get a library card to show our support; it’s easy and free!
  • Donate to help offset funding cuts (no books please)
  • Serve on a library board or volunteer
  • Inform yourself and support library initiatives by attending meetings, writing letters, and speaking up
  • Spread the word that libraries are for everyone

Libraries are no longer buildings simply filled with books. They are hubs to gather, learn, create, and connect. Their future depends on all of us.

Quote in graphic:

“As we look toward the next 250 years, the choice is ours. We can let libraries fade, viewed as charming relics of a bygone era. Or we can choose to invest in them as the bedrock of our future.

Let us decide, right now, that they are not optional. They are the very breath of a free society. And they are worth fighting for.”

Sam Helmick, 2025 American Library Association (ALA)President