In a world increasingly filled with "information slop" and AI-generated noise, where do you turn for truth? At today's meeting, Baz Perry, Director of the LP Public Library, shared her vision for the modern library as a sanctuary for intellectual freedom. While the library houses a robust collection of 27,000 columns, its true value lies in being a "trained guide" for the community. Baz, who brings a background from Cornell and Harvard Divinity School, emphasizes that librarianship is a cognitive science—helping neighbors transform basic needs into specific, answerable questions. Today, libraries matter more than ever for several reasons: 1) Navigating the "slop": With the rise of misinformation, the library remains a trusted, neutral space for verified data. 2) Bridging the digital divide: Whether you need help installing an app or accessing the New York Times for free, the library offers one-on-one digital literacy support. 3) Lifelong learning via CPR and baby sitting certifications to stargazing events with the Adirondack Sky Center, the library is a core engine for local education. and 4) Global access through Libby (http://libbyapp.com) plan an extensive inter-library loan system, Lake Placid residents have the world's information at their fingertips. From showcasing student art in the "Ghoulish Gallery" to tracking the ice melt on Mirror Lake via webcam, the library is deeply woven into the fabric of Lake Placid. It stands as a reminder that democracy requires an educated, empowered community. Baz provided a handout titled "The Fight for Intellectual Freedom & How Libraries help us win. Access it here: https://bit.ly/4cbO3mw
