05/07/2026
Library Director Ryan Johnson answers an important question from a community member who recently asked: “Why do we need a new library when accessibility to electronic means are available in every home just about? The internet is common today.”
While technology is everywhere, access and understanding are not. Of the more than 136,000 people who visit the library each year, not everyone has a smartphone, reliable internet access, or the confidence to navigate today’s digital world safely.
Many community members come to the library for help learning how to use devices, avoid scams and misinformation, access important resources online, apply for jobs, print documents, and stay connected.
And beyond technology, the library continues to provide vital in-person services. One example is the AARP Tax Assistance program, which fills up every year, often forcing us to turn people away because demand exceeds available space and resources.
That’s one of the many reasons the library is exploring the need for a new building: to better serve the growing needs of the entire community.
The library is more than books. It’s access, education, connection, and support for everyone. Find more info and answers to questions like this at OFPL.info/togetherofallon
