Long gone are the days of the local public library as a quiet repository of books and newspapers – dormant except for the occasional patron coming in to return or check out a book.
The library of the 21st century is a hub of activity – public events, cooking classes, how-to demonstrations, computer access, tool lending service, seed exchange, books and DVDs, community meetups, early childhood learning sessions, ESL programs, after school activities, poetry jams, community gardens, career guidance, study rooms, meeting rooms, social services info desk, plus tons more – and free to everyone.
Library websites and apps now provide a full array of popular ebooks, music, movies, and learning courses for easy download lending.
In the past few years, public libraries large and small have also begun hosting their own YouTube video channels and filling them with lots of entertaining programs and ongoing series about a vast array of topics, such as cooking and nutrition, exercise, story times, author interviews, DIY demos, job hunting skills, language learning, and concerts, to name just a few. Most of these programs are created under the guidance of library subject specialists.
YouTube is the second most-visited website in the world (topped only by Google) with 122 million people using the video service every day, so it’s a great way for libraries to share their video programs both locally and worldwide.
Listed below are the top 25 public library YouTube channels we enjoy watching these days. Our choices are based on programming that is highly creative, inclusive, well produced, and offers something for every age and taste.
Browse, subscribe, and share the ones you like. And search YouTube to find your local library’s channel too.
Our Top 25 Library YouTube Channels
Photos (from top): Anythink Libraries, Fort Worth Public Library, Palo Alto City Library. Anythink Libraries