BY MAXINE BLEIWEIS
The words “economic development” and “public libraries” are not often found in the same sentence. But evidence shows that libraries, businesses and individuals are increasingly working together to make a positive impact on the economy.
Public libraries all over the country are magnets for attracting people who are preparing for a future, exploring new career possibilities and building businesses. People come to the library from all walks and stages of life, from the youngest entrepreneur to the octogenarian exploring a great idea. The library combines human curiosity with the new ways people acquire knowledge and the result is the perfect community think tank.
Since opening in 1908, the Westport Library has been at the center of economic growth. The place where farmers once traded agricultural tips became the place where illustrators congregated over “picture files” to find inspiration for book covers.
Over the decades, hundreds of writers and entrepreneurs have conducted research for new novels and business ventures in our space. In recent years, the business plan for the successful toy company Melissa and Doug and the idea for the Academy Award-winning film “Argo” happened at the Westport Library. Two clear winners.
Another leap forward happened in 2012 when the library established a “Makerspace” complete with a 3-D printer and software. Inventors flocked in, bringing their prototypes to life and research librarians assisted with business plans to help drive these new products to market.
Recently, the Library acquired two innovative robots. The robots”™ arrival was featured in The Wall Street Journal with broadcast and online news media, tweets and retweets spreading the story around the world. Our schedule now includes robotics workshops and new courses on coding ”“ positioning a whole new generation of innovators to get their start at the library.
The Westport Library is ever evolving to develop new ways to serve enterprise. We will continue to answer the call to provide technology, business and information resources, meeting space and a staff dedicated to working side-by-side with our patrons to help them reach their goals. The dividends that will accrue from this investment will impact our economy for generations to come.
Maxine Bleiweis is executive director of the Westport Library, a member of the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County.
