Empty libraries
Why are warm havens of free culture deserted?
I'm writing this post from the public library of a small town in Spain. I must admit that, although libraries have always conveyed a sense of peace and have been a source of inspiration for me, it had been quite a few months since I last visited one.
First, I took a moment to observe the posters and the extensive cultural offerings, which immediately caught my attention given the size of the town. As I wandered through the aisles and skimmed through books on various topics, countless ideas popped into my head. However, what struck me the most was seeing the space, so clean, organized, pleasant, with a comfortable temperature, offering different areas, some with tables and chairs and others with cozy sofas, and yet, no one around me.
During the time I've spent writing here, only a handful of people have approached the counter to return or check out a book, and not a single person has stopped to enjoy reading in those wonderful sofas.
This made me think: What is happening to the consumption of culture? Especially when it's free
To the rise of isolation, the lack of a sense of community, and the digitalization of culture, we must add the lack of awareness and the assumption that these spaces are only for students or researchers, forgetting that they can address and fulfill a wide variety of needs and interests.
From this keyboard, I send a message to the world: let’s not allow these spaces to fade away
Mónica
