In 2018, the Lubbock City Council discussed closing three of Lubboock's four libraries. It was not a popular idea and ultimately did not come to fruition.

According to Adam Hernandez, it has surfaced that the current city council is angling to close Goedeke, the only library in a building not owned by the City of Lubbock.

Goedeke is a popular branch with engaging and creative programming that brings many to the library.

One of the proposed alternatives is to combine Goedeke with Groves or to replace Goedeke with a "book vending machine library" that would cost $500,000 to start.

As someone who has worked for years in a library, let me explain why these are terrible ideas. 

Here's the thing: libraries are not just about books. They never have been, and they especially are not in the year 2024. Libraries are about access to information. 

For many, the library is how they access computers and the internet. For many jobs, that is the only way to apply. How will anyone use the internet on a book vending machine?

The library also holds another magical information device: librarians. People who are highly trained in the art of accessing information. Not everything is immediately findable on Google. But if anyone can find it, it's the librarian.

Libraries lend movies, audiobooks, and even items you wouldn't expect like cake pans and electricity use meters.

Libraries are also amazing at hosting events that benefit the community, like storytimes for children, gardening lessons, and book clubs.

So how do we show our support for the library right now?

It's so easy and I'm so excited to tell you!

The best way to support the library is to go get a library card. It's free and if you ask for a PIN while you're there, you can also access free audiobooks through the Libby app.

If you had a library card and it's been three years since you've used it, you'll need to go get a new one. If you have an active one, you can show your support by using it to check out whatever you like from the library.

Other ways to show your support

You can send an email to your council person to let them know you love Goedeke and think it's important to keep it open.

Neighborhood libraries mean that folks with less access to transportation can still enjoy their benefits. And more libraries means more specialty programs and events.

You can also attend a monthly Friends of the Library Book Sale and get incredible bargains on great books to keep forever.

The library matters because information matters. We live in a time of rampant disinformation. Preserving the integrity of information with resources like the library is more important now than it has ever been.