Libraries as Social Hubs

Today's library is no longer the ultra quiet place where no one talks, or the head librarian is constantly "shh-ing" everyone. Quite the contrary, the library is now a place of social interaction, a place to meet and collaborate with others, yet still remains a place to study and a place you can immerse yourself in the written word. The events that take place at your local library range from open mic nights, tutoring services, video gaming competitions, and chess tournaments, to name a few. Over the years I believe that libraries have tried very hard to re-invent their image, and for the most part, they have been successful.
Very recently I became the library clerk for the Teen Center at the new downtown San Diego Central Library. Granted, this new facility is not like most libraries I have worked for, but I think it is a good representation of what libraries are striving to be. The whole purpose of many of the weekly and monthly programs that we offer in the Teen Center are meant to bring teens in to socialize and collaborate with each other. We have a gaming room, where each day you will find at least 10-20 teens from different high schools in the downtown San Diego area challenging each other to a game of Super Mario Smash Bros Brawl on the Wii, or NFL Madden on the PS4. We also offer a program called "In the Mix" with DJ Dev, where one of our very own, brings in his DJ equipment and offers hands on training to teens who would like to learn the basics of mixing. This program however, has become more of a social hour, rather then learning time. Most of the teens that come in to the library that day come exclusively to listen to the music, relax and socialize amongst each other. Of course we don't mind this, because it brings in teens who would otherwise never set foot in to a library, and we count that as a small victory.
The library is not only a place for teens to come in and socialize, but the programs and events offered to adults also draw in crowds and offer opportunities for social interaction and a place to meet other like minded folks. Zumba classes are popular amongst adult patrons. And of course we have our monthly Book Club meetings, when adults get together with like minded readers and discuss a title they have all read.