As if providing access to a world of books is not enough, libraries have become even more ”“ not less ”“ relevant in the digital age by taking on additional roles, providing a community hub and a wealth of services for young, old and all in between.

The McArthur Public Library in Biddeford is celebrating 150 years, and we’d like to extend our congratulations to them on continuing to be a source of community pride, a dependable resource and an active community partner. Over the generations, libraries have been the public’s source for information of all sorts, from historic documents to encyclopedias to entertainment. Collections have grown to include periodicals, audio, video and now Internet access, giving every resident a key to a world of information on any imaginable subject.

If you can read, you can learn anything. What an exciting truth, if you just take a moment to think about it.

Libraries are a privilege that we all too often take for granted, particularly in these days of instant access to our everyday questions online. There is no substitute, however, for the helping hand of a librarian who can point you in the right direction for a historical investigation, setting you up with binders full of historic photographs or microfilm copies of long-ago newspapers. For those searching for jobs, a librarian is a powerful resource to help with resume and interview preparation and serve as a guide to the online job hunt. For children, the opportunities abound, from storytimes to book clubs, arts and crafts and reading challenges ”“ all meant to instill a love of reading that will last a lifetime.

Libraries are an invaluable component in the fabric of each community, providing meeting space for a variety of groups, a quiet place to read, and a safe space for teens to gather after school.

In Wells, a recent complaint brought to light another library role, as the Wells Public Library debated its dog policy. The library has been host to a special program in which children are invited to read to a dog. It’s an approach that’s been well-received at Sanford’s Goodall Library in the past as well, and librarians say it has great results. These trained therapy dogs don’t judge or correct children as they read; instead, they’re attentive listeners whose calming presence can help build up a young reader’s confidence.

One Journal Tribune reader sent a letter to the Wells library asking them to consider allowing all dogs in the library, rather than just service or therapy dogs. As the board considered its policy, the program was temporarily suspended, but we’re glad to hear they decided to widen their policy, which previously allowed only service dogs, to include therapy dogs as well. The program at WPL is set to resume in April.

Untrained dogs have no place in the library, where they may make other patrons afraid, cause disruptions or damage to the facility. Therapy dogs, however, are certified and insured to perform a specific task. Letting them in gives libraries a chance to offer one more valuable service to patrons ”“ and any effort that can help young people embrace reading is worth preserving and promoting.

As McArthur celebrates 150 years of service to Biddeford, we’d like to extend kudos to all our area librarians for the important work they do of keeping our records, encouraging learning and building community.

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Today’s editorial was written by Managing Editor Kristen Schulze Muszynski on behalf of the Journal Tribune Editorial Board. Questions? Comments? Contact Kristen by calling 282-1535, Ext. 322, or via email at kristenm@journaltribune.com.