I love libraries. Before the internet, I would visit them frequently to research topics for school or just for my own personal knowledge. It’s ironic that today, instead of being replaced by the internet, they are the places that so many use to access the internet.

In my opinion, the greatest contribution to our library system are the Carnegie libraries. Between 1883 and 1929, Dale Carnegie funded the building of 2,509 libraries throughout the United States. The first library in the US was opened in 1889 and subsequent libraries were funded in towns where he had a personal connection. In later years few towns that requested a grant and agreed to his terms were refused.

Carnegie believed in giving to the industrious and ambitious; not those who need everything done for them. He felt that those who, being most anxious and able to help themselves, deserve to be benefited by help from others. Libraries were created for blacks and whites though there were separate buildings for each.

Carnegie libraries had a variety of designs but all shared the entry staircase, symbolizing a person’s elevation by learning. Similarly, outside virtually every library was a lamppost or lantern, meant as a symbol of enlightenment.

There are often times I’m traveling and have an hour or two to kill while I wait for a train or ferry. Sure, I could go to a coffee shop, but then I’m required to spend money and consume a beverage I don’t really need. Instead I prefer to search out a library.

The library provides a place where I can access the internet for free while protected from the rain or heat. Today’s libraries offer a variety of amenities. I have come across some with coffee shops, some with fireplaces, and some with fantastic views. Perhaps they could also offer showers for some of the more pungent patrons.

I’ve discovered libraries so nicely designed that I’ll spend my entire time there exploring, and I have at least three that I include on walking tours of various cities, most notably Seattle’s central library Let’s not forget the librarians themselves who are valuable sources of information about what’s contained in the library as well as the community outside it.

I would love to see people use libraries as gathering places, like they do with restaurants and coffee shops. They could become community centers and collaborative centers, like the Helsinki Think Company an offline resource that allows us to share ideas instead of opinions.

Either way I they’ll be around for a long time to come as a place to make our lives better.