Landscapes of Hope

The Public Library (University City Public Library)

6701 Delmar Blvd. Saint Louis, MO 63130

I may be biased because I work for a library and am dedicating my life to library science soon, but I do think one of the most inspiring and hopeful places is the public library as an institution. The University City Public Library is just one of dozens of public libraries in the St. Louis region. While the history of tax municipalities and city and county borders have resulted in a confusing 3 separate library systems, there is comfort in the fact that St. Louisans have the ability to acquire a card from all 3. I think the history of the public library and the Library Bill of Rights are things that are hopeful in themselves. The author of the provisions of a bill that would allocate tax money to fund public libraries, offering free access to knowledge of those within a municipality, was a Peoria, Illinois native. E.S. Wilcox saw the need to provide books and resources for all, something that each state would soon adopt in their own bills and laws. The public library today offers much more than physical media but is one of the only free public institutions that works to fill the growing lack of resources in our communities, especially in urban areas where there is often a major rift between the rich neighborhoods and the poor ones. During the May tornado that devastated St. Louis, the library I work for was a safe haven not only in the moments leading up to and during the storm, but in the weeks and months following the destruction. For those suddenly displaced and with nowhere to go, the library provided internet, air conditioning and a respite from the chaos. As the weeks went on and some of the neighborhoods nearby that were the most affected saw little to no assistance from the local and federal government, but a huge response from ordinary citizens, neighbors, from throughout the city. These groups used the library to make fliers, research, and as a meeting space to connect with one another. There are community classes offered regularly at the library, and cultural events such as book discussions, author talks and art gallery events. There truly is not one day that I will work without witnessing something hopeful. Whether it’s the small moments of calm and relief in the aftermath of a major natural disaster, or on a regular Wednesday night watching children squeal with excitement and run upstairs to find their next book…the library has the hope that we have been searching for.

Kathleen Jochman

Kathleen Jochman

Fall 2025