The Power of Libraries and Lifelong Learning

There's an adage that goes, “The person who does not read good books is no better than the person who can't.” If you agree, you may want to keep reading. Another saying, “The pen is mightier than the sword,” emphasizes the strength and power of words over physical force.

Both reading and writing are essential skills that must be learned, practiced, and applied as part of our overall development.

When I moved to the Chicago area, one of the first places I visited was the public library. It was an amazing place, filled with books for every interest and reader. It’s a space to learn, take classes, download the Libby app, and escape. Best of all, it’s free. So, sign up now!

But this piece isn’t just about books or reading. It’s about learning and absorbing the stimuli around us every day to keep our senses sharp and our minds engaged. Without this, we risk becoming isolated, unstimulated, and detached, which can lead to depression and loneliness. Our bodies need food and exercise, and so do our brains.

After the pandemic, I was teaching an undergraduate class at NYU. The class consisted of about 15 students in their twenties, all back in person for the first time. Before the pandemic, I did not allow the use of any devices in the classroom. Yet, the first thing each student did was take out their device. As I walked around, I noticed students online, chatting, and browsing during the lecture.

At first, I considered letting it go, thinking this was a new generation's learning style. But then I realized this behavior was a result of isolation and detachment. The students weren't used to engaging in a live, interactive class. Listening to a lecture while staring at a PowerPoint screen and a device doesn’t help the brain remember; it puts it on autopilot, dulling our thinking and questioning.

That week, I went to the Dollar Store and bought 15 notebooks and pens. The following week, I banned devices in the classroom. I taught them the correlation between hand and mind, explaining that writing notes embeds information in the brain. By taking notes, drawing, and doodling, and then translating those notes into their devices, they found a foolproof way to study. Initially, there was doubt, but within 30 minutes, the class transformed with questions, laughter, discussion, and engagement.

I love technology and what it offers, but I also recognize its impact on young, developing minds and bodies. As a lifelong educator and trainer, I value online learning, but I know that live communication is critical for holistic development. Balance is key. One of my first bosses told me years ago, “Dianne, you have to know when to put down the pencil.” Today, we need to know when to put down our devices and live fully.

This summer, pick up a book and encourage those around you to do the same. My generation was required to read at least six books over the summer and write book reports. Many of my contemporaries still refer to the books they read back then—the classics that captivated us on summer days and taught us lasting lessons. Books offer an escape, fuel for the imagination, and exercise for the brain. We can’t learn to read if we don’t read; it’s essential for brain exercise. We can’t learn to speak and use grammar correctly without learning and using words in writing and discussion. It's a vital form of communication and expression.

We all have the choice to learn and invest in our development throughout our lives. Be mindful of yourself and the young people around you. We are sensory beings who need to feel, touch, see, hear, and taste, all of which require cultivation, much like watering flowers in a garden. Life is about balance, and we all need stimulation, conversation, enjoyment, and a good book. Think about it.