4.15.2015

library love


I thought I would take a moment to salute my local library. It has played a significant role in my life. As a life long learner, I have taken advantage of the library's many features over the years. My first adventure by myself as a kid was the walk to the public library by myself. Well, I had my trusty teddy bear in my wagon--the wagon was to carry all the books home--but it was my first time out of the neighborhood by myself.

As a teenager, the local library was the only resource available for research. All the reports I wrote in high school (and some college) were labored over using the stacks and card catalog. I remember my friends and I each sprawling out our index cards and rearranging the order to perfect the papers; the tables seemed so big!

When I moved to western Maine for my first teaching job, the first thing I did in the new community was scope out the library to see what resources were available for my classes and for me.

One highlight of my current residence is that I'm a block away from the library. I was at the library weekly after I first moved into my apartment. I read magazines, newspapers, used the computers, borrowed movies, and constantly took out books!

For the past few years I have served on the library's Board of Trustees. It's interesting to say the least. But it feels good to be a guiding influence on policies and decisions. Plus there has been a major renovation project going on during my tenure and I have learned so much. So many committees and so many considerations!

The library in my community is vibrant. Structurally it is a showpiece in the community. And there are innovative programs all the time. Community outreach and learning opportunities abound!

5 comments:

The Gal Herself said...

Aw, I love this post! I can just imagine Little Kwiz and Teddy off on their adventure to the library.

I remember my first time going to the library solo (well, without adults; I was with my oldest friend). It was the summer between 4th and 5th grade. No one had cell phones then, so on our way back we had to stop at her dad's office so he could call and let our moms know we were all right.

I think it's cool that you're giving back to your community in such a tangible way.

Linda said...

I can remember my library when I was younger. It was in an old stone building - with two stories. You were not allowed to go upstairs until you were a certain age! Still amazed over that.
I worked in one of my library branches for 10 years - shelving the books - 20 hours a week. Hard work, but still fun (most of the time)!

Linda in VA

Terri D said...

I could walk to the library when I was a kid, and did often. I have loved reading since I could read! Now, I work across the parking lot from our main library, and don't even have a library card. Sad. All the books I read now are digital....and I still love to read and ALWAYS have a book open on one device or another. I love that I can carry 400 books in my purse! But libraries are beautiful things and I hope they never go away.

Unknown said...

The library was such a big part of my growing up, and I made it part of my children's lives, too. Now my daughter takes her kids to the library. It's a great resource that I'm proud to support in our community.

Cat. said...

I've been reading and rereading this post all week. Thank you. That's all I got, just thanks. ;-)