It’s high time I shared an appreciation for something that has formed me and served me my entire life. I’ve been a regular visitor to the library since I could read. And by regular, I mean more than once a week. I don’t know who I would be without the library.
Growing up, I lived in rural Ohio. Because of living in the boonies, I qualified for the books by mail program. OMG! Books mailed to me for FREE on demand! I’d open the packages with glee. I’d enter the titles and authors in my giant hardcover reading ledger.
I used to play ‘library’ and interviewed for a job at the Denver Public Library in my 20s. I ended up working a few blocks away at Capitol Hill Books instead.
Is there anything better about the United States than its libraries? (Perhaps its postage stamps.) Books – all the books and magazines and movies you could want – for FREE!
My local libraries are havens of learning, community, and the vitality that makes a place worth living in. A range of people are served by the library’s spaces and computers. Last week I had the chance to visit two new (to me) libraries in one day!
The Park Hill Library branch is within walking distance of home, and this makes for a great midday exercise break. It has been closed for renovations. It reopens this week – thank goodness!
But the closure gave me the chance to visit the Sam Gary Library. It’s much bigger than Park Hill and is abuzz with life.
The Book Case podcast recently interviewed a few librarians. One, Kate Snyder, directed a documentary called The Librarians. If you love the American library system even a little, I highly recommend this movie, which you can find on PBS.
When I do my daily gratitude practice (an essential element of my QEC coaching), the library always fills me with joy and gratitude. I love these places that so clearly reflect my values of learning, growth, connection and creativity.
Want more librarians and booksellers? Here’s a list of them on Substack.
Imagine, if you had more money than you could spend, what would you do with it? Here’s what this gazillionaire did with his fortune.
What civic service have you directly benefited from your whole life? Share your thoughts in a comment below.
Leave a Reply