By their nature and because they are located at the heart of communities, libraries serve a variety of needs in a way that no other public institution can.

The report OVERDUE: The Case for Canada’s Public Libraries points out that in a single day a public library might be:

• a place to access culture and information;
• a place to warm up or cool down,
• a refuge from domestic violence;
• an election information or polling centre;
• a job search facility;
• a health clinic;
• a language learning centre for newcomers;
• a place to attend free classes or concerts; and
• a space for babies, children, caregivers and youth to make friends and form a community.

The report concludes that Canadian libraries "...are essential to social cohesion and the healthy functioning of modern life.”

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