📖 Passage: Modern Libraries & Digital Literacy

Read the passage carefully. Underline the main idea and circle any vocabulary words that stand out.

Modern libraries have evolved far beyond their traditional role as repositories for books. Today, they serve as hubs for digital literacy education, offering free internet access, coding workshops, and media labs to communities of all ages. In many neighborhoods, the local library is the only place where residents can access high-speed internet and modern technology — making it an essential deterrent against the growing digital divide.

A vibrant library does not simply store information; it actively empowers people to find, evaluate, and use information effectively. Librarians now act as information guides, helping patrons navigate databases, assess source credibility, and develop the digital skills demanded by today's workforce. Studies show that communities with well-funded libraries demonstrate higher rates of literacy, civic participation, and economic mobility.

Critics argue that digital resources have made physical libraries obsolete. However, statistics tell a different story: library visits in the United States increased by over 20% in the past decade, and demand for digital literacy programs continues to grow. The modern library is not a relic of the past — it is a cornerstone of an informed, connected society.

📝 Part 1: Main Idea & Supporting Details

Answer the following questions based on the passage above.

🔍 Part 2: Fact vs. Opinion

Label each statement below as F (Fact) or O (Opinion). Then briefly explain your reasoning for TWO of your choices.

_____ a. "Library visits in the United States increased by over 20% in the past decade."

_____ b. "The modern library is a cornerstone of an informed, connected society."

_____ c. "Libraries offer free internet access, coding workshops, and media labs."

_____ d. "Digital resources have made physical libraries obsolete."

_____ e. "A vibrant library actively empowers people to find and evaluate information."

💬 Part 3: Vocabulary in Context

Use context clues from the passage to answer the vocabulary questions below.

💡 TEAS Tip: On the TEAS Reading section, always identify the main idea first — it helps you evaluate every answer choice more efficiently. Look for the sentence that most details point back to!