M01 Discussion B: Library Mission Statements and Role

After completing your textbook readings on the library mission, locate and read the
mission statements of at least three libraries using the links below or by reading other
library mission statements you have access to.

1. Provide the name of the library whose mission statement you liked most.
2. Tell what type of library it is (public, academic, special, or school)
3. Repeat the mission statement word for word. (They are usually quite short
these days!).
4. Explain what you think the mission statement means in your own words.
5. Explain why you liked the mission statement.
6. What activities and services might this library provide in order to carry out its
mission?
7. Based on the mission statements and the previous article you read, what do
you think the role of libraries is in a community, in general?
8. Why do you think that (from question 7)? 

My response:

1. I really liked the 'Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library' mission statement. 
2. It is a public library. 
3. Sparking curiosity and connecting our community through literacy and learning. 
4. Curiosity is the key to learning. When you are curious about a subject, you are more
likely to remember what you have learned. Libraries connect everyone in the
community. Libraries have reading programs and events where you gather to learn new
things. 
5. I like this statement because it is directly to the point of what a library is. Libraries
help people with anything and everything. 
6. Libraries have reading programs and free events to the public. You can now check
out e-readers and ebooks. Also, you can use the computers, printers and wi-fi. They
also have meeting rooms, which the public can use. 
7. Libraries are vital in every community. 
8.Libraries play a huge role in their communities.  They offer free resources to
everyone. They are a place for children to go if they need any help with their education.
They have computers, some households do not.  When you have a library card, you get
access to thousands of books. Books are expensive. People can't buy every book they
want to read. Libraries connect the community. They have free events and movie
weekends all the time. If you want your kid to make you a craft, the library does that.
You want to learn to crochet? The library has classes for that. Libraries are needed in
every community.