Last week, during national Book Ban Awareness Week, I accepted an invitation from local librarians, Eliza and Kate, to visit the Main Boise Public Library, where I learned more about the amazing – and free – resources available to the community. Some days later, I joined more than 200 librarians at the Idaho Library Association’s annual conference to discuss the importance of libraries in the state’s literacy plan.
In 2016 the Idaho Legislature appropriated more than $11 million toward a state literacy plan to ensure that Idaho’s kids were reading at the appropriate grade level.
What I discovered is that many schools in Idaho don’t even have a library let alone a certified librarian. If we are going to have a positive impact on literacy efforts in our state, we must assess the deficits in our school libraries and utilize library staff to support teachers in the classroom. Libraries and librarians play a vital role in increasing literacy and test scores.
Boise Public Library Innovating in the Community!
On a typical day at the Boise Public Library, over 4,000 customers visit, 6,700 items are borrowed, 700 customers use the public computers, and 650 questions get answered. How are those 4,000 customers using the Library, you ask? Here are just a few resources the Library offers:
BoiseCodes is a city-wide initiative that provides our community with access to new technologies and 
software. By checking out a robot and taking it home, people of all ages can learn to code by simply playing. Designing an object in 3D software then printing it out at the Library encourages innovation and design. Discovering new worlds in virtual reality inspires a new way of thinking about the world around us. When customers are ready for the next step in the creative process, they can use designated computers with the software and online resources to help them make that move.
For local entrepreneurs, nonprofit organizers, and anyone looking to start or expand a business, the Library hosts a fantastic collection of online resources to help conduct market research. Customers can also access resources to help write a business plan, project financials, discover industry trends, determine demographics, and access legal templates. The Library also hosts in-person events, like free law clinics and nonprofit resource days, to provide additional support.
The Library has always – and continues to – offer parents the tools they need to support children’s pre-literacy skills. The Library also offers tools to develop pre-mathematical and logical thinking skills in its weekly Little Logic Learners storytime. These skills are especially important in today’s technology-driven world. This storytime helps prepare children to succeed in mathematical concepts and reasoning when they enter kindergarten.
Curious about how the Library can help meet your needs? Check out what the Library can do for you at boisepubliclibrary.org.