It has been widely acknowledged that libraries, including public libraries, are pillars of knowledge, enhancing intellectual development and socio-cultural awareness in communities. In addition to serving as repositories of books, public libraries hold an important role in shaping the mindset of people, encouraging critical thinking, creating open-mindedness, and constructing adaptability to changes in various aspects of life including the environment, social dynamics, and technology. In an era of technological advancement as well as social transformation, the impact of public libraries in developing a progressive and inclusive mindset cannot be ignored.

One of the essential aspects indicating that public libraries contribute to creating an open-minded society is their role in providing access to diverse perspectives (Ashikuzzaman, 2023). While digital platforms tend to provide views through algorithmic content curation, the libraries offer a wide and objective range of literature, such as literary documents, historical records, and research materials, all of which contain facts and are well-curated. The libraries also help ensure an authentic record of knowledge that are composed by past generations (Mondal, 2021). In this case, librarians play their main role as ‘organizers’ in managing and displaying the reliable information in the libraries. Meanwhile, fiction-related collections are arranged separately to make sure the collection category does not mislead and disturb those who seek factual information for study or research. Furthermore, nowadays, misinformation and bias are crucial issues that often arise in online spaces, making it essential for individuals to develop the ability to search for and discover credible sources. It is believed that exposure to new ideas and cultures strengthens people’s critical thinking and reduces prejudice.

At this point, the integration of technology in public libraries helps people easily find and borrow collections that match their interests through e-catalog and digital services (Hazan & Ayub, 2024). This integration enables the people to do their tasks by providing easy access, speed, and efficiency. It leads them to become more productive while exploring the collections in the libraries. Technology integrated into public libraries, particularly in the aspect of the library services, boosts visitors’ sense of comfort while engaging in various activities such as reading, developing information literacy skills, learning new things, or attending online meetings. Recently, some public libraries have started offering digital books through their online platforms. It allows people to legally access digital books anytime and anywhere. Additionally, these electronic books are guaranteed to come from credible sources. As a result, to provide inclusive access to all, the libraries must make sure that both the platforms and electronic books are designed to accommodate everyone.

Public Libraries as a Medium for Character Development

Since public libraries are dedicated to run and organize educational, social and cultural activities, they function as community centers appropriate for a variety of constructive activities or events. According to Vasilievna & Vladimirovna (2021), public libraries, along with public communities, organize various activities, facilitating the process of intellectual interactions such as workshops, seminars, discussions, talk shows, and book clubs that are primarily intended for their members, yet they are often open to the public and actively engage the participants from various backgrounds. These literacy activities provide individuals with opportunities to share ideas and gain valuable insights. The participants also learn new cultural perspectives when they are involved in discussions or sharing sessions. When people have the chances to engage with different ideas, they become more open to change and innovation, learning to respect and appreciate differences.

            Moreover, public libraries also provide a dedicated space for children. This space allows them to explore and learn new things, and interact with their peers through literacy programs to strengthen their social skills. Children are introduced to literature which is appropriate for their ages and develop their interests in reading (Itsekor & Nwokeoma, 2017). Such interactions not only enhance critical thinking, but also improve children’s creativity, rational thoughts, and open-mindedness while still allowing them to play. Following that, the role of public libraries extends beyond childhood, as they also support school and college students in accessing credible references, collaborating on projects, and encouraging their analytical and problem-solving skills, or even simply spending their leisure time in the libraries. Public libraries remain a vital resource, providing them with diverse learning materials and fostering their ability to think critically and independently.

            Hence, public libraries serve as bridges between tradition and progress these days, offering resources —both physical and digital —that equip individuals with the ability to integrate new perspectives while maintaining critical thinking. It is clearly demonstrated through the diverse literature available and the literacy activities or events organized in the libraries that give opportunities for learning. Everyone can participate and they gain insights from activities covering various topics, where they are exposed to new values through their interactions. These experiences help individuals develop adaptability as a foundation for building meaningful relationships with others in their social lives, as they become more flexible in adapting to changes and dealing with diversity.

Thus, public libraries contribute to forming a society that values knowledge, embraces diversity, and remains adaptable to changes by fostering intellectual discussions, providing access to diverse ideas through displayed collections, and promoting information literacy by utilizing technology. Public libraries also facilitate character development through organized activities or events, enabling people to actively participate, whether in person or through digital engagement, and learn to interact with others in a well-mannered way. These analyses convey that public libraries play a crucial role in shaping an open-minded way of thinking and building critical skills, which are essential for nurturing the socio-cultural and intellectual development of future generations in order to adapt to an inclusive modern world.

(Written by Khairunnisa Rahayu)