Writers Need Libraries; Libraries Need Writers

Simply put, the best way to improve one’s writing skills is to read the work of other writers. 

We should emphasize that anyone can benefit from their local library. They’re community spaces that offer most of their resources for free. Libraries aren’t just for book lovers; they’re for anyone who needs access to public education. Nevertheless, libraries have always been a vital resource for writers.

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An Inspiring Environment

Simply put, the best way to improve one’s writing skills is to read the work of other writers. Libraries give me full, complimentary access to these authors, whether I’m borrowing classics like Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility or contemporary bestsellers such as Gender Queer. Plus, the environment is inspiring. I love writing in a space filled with other readers, and there’s no better way to do that than by visiting the library.

Free Educational Resources

Being a writer also makes me a researcher. Unfortunately, my favorite online databases like JSTOR or the MLA International Bibliography require paid subscriptions to access them from my personal computer. Libraries give me free, unrestricted access to these vital resources. That’s not to mention all the nonfiction materials I utilize for further research. Plus, if there’s ever anything that I can’t find on my own, my local librarians are always happy to help.

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Lifelong Learning Opportunities

I’m a writer. I can’t run out of things to learn. Creative writing workshops are essential for improvement. Many local libraries host these opportunities for free. Why spend money when these opportunities are free?

A Quiet Place to Write

I could go on and on about the benefits of libraries for writers. But I appreciate having a place to go when I need a change of scenery without interruptions. When I don’t mind a little background noise, I’ll place myself in busier parts of the library. I’ll transition to a community room or a designated quiet space when I need to focus. As a fellow bibliophile, I can always curl up with a good book if I need more motivation to write.