THE SOCIAL ROLE OF PUBLIC LIBRARIES IN THE COMMUNITY

Abstract

The public library plays a vital role in the communities it serves, being the main institution that provides information and documentation services in various forms and in different contexts. Thus, it contributes to the personal development of its users through formal education, through lifelong learning, through after-school activities, information literacy, leisure, skills development and access to public information. Another aspect covered by a public library is linked to social cohesion, institution space transformed into a meeting place and center for community development. The culture and local identity are problems with a significant impact of belonging to the community which is served by the public library and the imagination and creativity develop people's interest in cultural activities. All these situations are the most convincing evidence that a public library plays a very important social role for the community.