Imagine this: a sleepy, suburban town with tumbleweeds barreling down the empty streets. It is desolate because it lacks a mark of civilization and a prospering community—a library.

Okay, maybe that was a bit of an exaggeration. In all seriousness, we need libraries in our society because they show a mark of prosperity in every community.

Libraries are often our saviors in many situations, especially school-related ones. Even though the roles of libraries today are changing, they still deserve a place in our community.

The qualities and roles of libraries have shifted over the years to centers of culture that stimulate knowledge and conversation.

Despite the fact that over 57 percent of the adult population owns a laptop, libraries still serve many purposes, even in our digital age.

I am a pretty strong advocate for libraries because they are very useful to me. The library is a place to go with a study group for finals, to spread out and use the resources available. Libraries are a place to loiter and access information. It’s a gathering place for me and many others.

Libraries  are vital to every neighborhood, because there are so many opportunities and activities available to patrons. Libraries are common ground in the community.

Libraries mean a lot to Jennifer Black, director of communications at the Glenview Public Library.

“Today’s libraries serve many functions,” Black said.  “[They serve] the traditional function of books and materials, and then as libraries have grown and become such a vital part of the community, they’re also very important, almost like a cultural center.”

Libraries may have been used for strictly reading in earlier times, but for today’s society, we tend to use libraries for other purposes like computer access, completing homework and studying. Specifically, our own library in Glenview, serves so many purposes beyond the traditional thinking of library functions.

For example, you can take adult and child academic enrichment programs as well as literacy classes for non-native speakers, according to Black. There are many opportunities to take classes based on your interests. You can even take cooking classes and classes to prepare for the SATs. Not only can you get some studying done, but there are workshops and classes that cater to specific areas, for the public.

Libraries are great for providing networked information to the public, getting homework and studying done without the distractions at home and taking classes. It’s always nice to grab a coffee, settle into a comfy chair and break out the study materials during finals week.

Even though today we have iPads and eBooks to replace regular books and computers to answer all of life’s questions, libraries still ring true to any neighborhood.

Students always head to the library for many different reasons, whether to study, for academic classes, tutoring, or using the computers and books.

After a lot of money was pumped into the Glenview Public Library, it has become a huge, luxurious center of knowledge. I feel like our library could have used some renovation, but maybe not to that extent. However, libraries should continue to be built in schools and communities, despite the growth in information technology, because they provide a safe and comfortable place to carry out all kinds of activities.

Libraries continue to keep up with advancing technology, and they will continue to keep up with our ever-changing society.