Libraries in many parts of the United States and the United Kingdom are facing significant challenges, including closures due to lack of funding. In contrast, the Morristown and Morris Township Library has seen notable growth in recent years.
In an opinion piece, Linda Stamato reflects on the evolving role of libraries and their value to communities. She notes that while some libraries are forced to expand their services beyond traditional roles—such as providing advice, community programs, or acting as social infrastructure—the Morristown and Morris Township Library is experiencing increased engagement.
A librarian from Tieton, Washington said, “A library is in a lot of ways a kind of civic symbol, a demonstration of a community’s commitment to itself. So what does it mean if that goes away?”
Stamato also cites a description from The Guardian about libraries’ expanded functions: “The library is not only a provider of the latest book, but now ‘an informal citizens advice bureau, a business development centre, a community centre and a mental health provider. It is an unofficial Sure Start centre, a homelessness shelter, a literacy and foreign language-learning centre…a place to sit still all day and stare at the wall, if that is what you need to do, without anyone expecting you to buy anything.’”
Geoffrey Brooks, president of the Library Foundation for Morristown and Morris Township Library, emphasizes the institution’s ongoing mission: “its abiding mission to serve as the epicenter of information, education and culture for all of the residents and other constituents of Morristown and Morris Township.”
Recent statistics highlight this growth. Over the past five years, total circulation at the library rose by 44%, with 301,500 items circulated in 2024 compared to around 209,000 in 2019. Programming expanded significantly in 2024 with 951 events drawing 28,000 attendees. Visits increased from 179,000 in 2019 to 206,000 in 2024. Public WiFi usage grew from 12,300 users two years ago to 20,000 users in 2024. Since 2020, there have been over 10,000 new library cards issued; currently there are more than 23,000 cardholders.
Brooks commented on public perceptions: “Counter to popular perceptions of libraries (and books) as declining in public importance, our library suggests nothing could be further from the truth. Even as electronic usage of our resources certainly grows, overall utilization of the physical space keeps humming right along (and growing too)!”
As some communities face losing these vital spaces due to budget constraints or shifting priorities elsewhere—both in rural America and abroad—Stamato concludes with Benjamin Franklin’s words: “libraries have improved the general conversation of the Americans.” She urges continued support for local libraries as essential community institutions.
