Our class trip to the Prince George Public Library was in fact my first time inside the library (though I have dropped off my wife.) It’s always interesting to see how libraries are changing over time to maintain relevance, though for the purposes of school their original function of holding books is still quite relevant. The collection is considerable and I was able to find two books for working on my math lesson plan, mostly working with the idea of graphical representation of different concepts. Also of note are some packages of learning material that can be signed out for use in the class, though I’d be lying if I said the prospect of losing parts in the classroom didn’t make me a little nervous.

It seems like one of the perpetual and growing jobs of libraries is to provide computers and internet access to those who can’t afford them. I always wonder if librarians are comfortable with their shifting responsibilities and if the education they receive reflects the changing nature of the library as an institution. I don’t think I’ve ever met a librarian that hated their job, which is quite a commendation for the profession. It does also make me think about common resources and how prohibitively expensive the internet is these days; we recognize the need but only accommodate it in very limited degrees and circumstances. On that note, the library also offers free printing up to thirty pages a day. There are so many resources in society that I just never think to use.

I’m not sure if a field trip to the library is in the cards for high schoolers but they did highlight the teen zone. There weren’t any teens there at the time, though school was in session (are there policies?) I like the idea and hope it works out well, as a teenager I never had any confidence in going to a public hangout spot as I was unpopular and socially awkward.

The library is a very nice space in which to work. In school and in my career I will have to make a point of finding time to go there.