2008 Woodie Awards
Libraries full of missed opportunities
Daniela Gutierrez
Issue date: 5/12/04 Section: Opinion
- Page 1 of 1
The Hayden Memorial Library at Citrus College has a collection of more than 60,000 books. They are there for students to read. Yet few students ever consider going to the library on their own to check them out.
Many Community Colleges students do not consider books to be an indispensable part of our daily lives. Sure, we will all use one or two books for required research papers, but in many cases we can actually find the information we need faster on the Internet.
I have checked out books from the Citrus library on several occasions. I have been surprised to notice from the date stamps that the last time someone else checked out that same book, was 10 or 15 years ago. Or never.
This is a wasted opportunity. We students need to take some time out of our busy schedule and walk along the shelves of our library. The interesting books you can find may surprise you.
Maybe you are not really a lover of the written word, and you don't want to read a novel "just for fun." You can still find thousand of factual books with fascinating, practical information that may help you understand contemporary world problems. Gaza Strip, South Pacific island, Africa, Eastern Europe are just some examples.
The library has pictures books about other countries. It has film books; fantasy books; books in Spanish, French, Arabic, Italian. If you are learning a second language, you may be able to read your favorite author in his/her first language.
College students often hear other students and teachers talking about books that they have never heard of. Well this is your chance to star with the must-read books instead of the must-see TV shows.
If you don't know what to choose or where to start, ask your favorite professors about their favorite books or talk to the library staff. They are eager to help you find books on topics that appeal to you.
Reading can open up many possibilities. Exercise for the brain is as important as exercise for the body. Give reading a chance.
The written word has profoundly shaped human history. There must be something in the library that will open up the future for you.
Put your mind to work. Go to the library and read.
Many Community Colleges students do not consider books to be an indispensable part of our daily lives. Sure, we will all use one or two books for required research papers, but in many cases we can actually find the information we need faster on the Internet.
I have checked out books from the Citrus library on several occasions. I have been surprised to notice from the date stamps that the last time someone else checked out that same book, was 10 or 15 years ago. Or never.
This is a wasted opportunity. We students need to take some time out of our busy schedule and walk along the shelves of our library. The interesting books you can find may surprise you.
Maybe you are not really a lover of the written word, and you don't want to read a novel "just for fun." You can still find thousand of factual books with fascinating, practical information that may help you understand contemporary world problems. Gaza Strip, South Pacific island, Africa, Eastern Europe are just some examples.
The library has pictures books about other countries. It has film books; fantasy books; books in Spanish, French, Arabic, Italian. If you are learning a second language, you may be able to read your favorite author in his/her first language.
College students often hear other students and teachers talking about books that they have never heard of. Well this is your chance to star with the must-read books instead of the must-see TV shows.
If you don't know what to choose or where to start, ask your favorite professors about their favorite books or talk to the library staff. They are eager to help you find books on topics that appeal to you.
Reading can open up many possibilities. Exercise for the brain is as important as exercise for the body. Give reading a chance.
The written word has profoundly shaped human history. There must be something in the library that will open up the future for you.
Put your mind to work. Go to the library and read.