St. Louis County Library

The St. Louis County Library (SLCL) provides hundreds of resources, classes, events and even vouchers for St. Louis events. From Diaper Distribution to GrandPads and accompanying access classes, SLCL branches have much to offer their community. 

“Now more than ever, it’s super important to have accessible, accurate information, which libraries are meant to provide. With all the book bannings happening right now, their information and books are imperative,” senior Katherine Hansas said. “We are starting to see more gaps in true information, especially that is easily accessible to all people like on the internet, and libraries fill this gap.”

In addition, libraries not only keep up with the digital age but also promote it. SLCL prepares classes that teach patrons how to use the internet and provides Wi-Fi hotspots for patrons to borrow. Junior Elizabeth Franklin worked as an intern for SLCL over the summer and enjoyed her experience.

“I didn’t expect the scope of influence that the libraries have on the community and how much the libraries impact the community, especially people from lower-income families. SLCL even does children and adult eye examinations, which for low-income families is important. A lot of the events bond families together across the community who probably wouldn’t interact otherwise,” Franklin said.

Students can also utilize their public libraries for essay help, ACT and SAT classes, tutoring and color printing. Book clubs and the summer reading club are also very popular for getting kids and teens reading. 

“There are just so many resources that are geared toward students, as well as so many toward other ages. People think that libraries are just books, but in reality, they do much more for the community,” Franklin said