Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Libraries Rock!

Me and the Cat I love libraries.

I love the quietness of them, the hushed voices and carpeted footfalls. Even when you’re excited about a book, you have to keep quiet about it. As a kid, I remember practically bursting with silent excitement when I found the books I was looking for.

I love that my first job was in a library. I was a page (I couldn’t yet drive), and my parents would have to drop me off and pick me up. The best part? When I was done working, I could come home with an armful of books every day (two armfuls on Fridays—one for Saturday and one for Sunday).

I love librarians. Give them a question about a book, and you’ll get several answers about that book, and recommendations about other books that I’ll also enjoy.

I love the multi-functionality of a library. Research, entertainment, workspace, meeting spot, information hub. It’s even a good place to nap (so I’ve heard :)  ).

I love the idea of going to the library as a destination. I don’t think I’ve ever had a bad time at a library. Ever.

I love the shared sense of community present at the library. Bulletin boards with notices of neighborhood events and local newspapers for the taking.

I love that I saw my book on the New Mystery shelf at my local library a couple weeks ago. Just sitting there. Waiting for someone to check it out. Like books by Dennis Lehane, Stephen King, Robert B. Parker, and Michael Connelly.

I loved having the privilege of attending the American Library Association’s annual convention this past weekend. What a treat to meet so many wonderful librarians! Thanks for everything over the years!

I loved being introduced to so many of my lifelong friends at a library when I was a kid. (The picture above was taken at the convention. Me with one of my literary friends.)

I love libraries.


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4 comments:

Unknown said...

What a great post! There really is nowhere like a library! Love them!

And I am SO jealous of you and "The Cat!" Priceless! Reminds me of having my pic taken with Mickey Mouse on a trip to Disneyland 20 -ahem- years ago. I was thrilled (over some teenager in a MM costume)! LOL!

Mary@GigglesandGuns said...

Easy to see that libraries bring out the child in you! That's the great thing about them--through the books you can go any where and be anything! It's my all time favorite vacation spot. If only they served Continental Breakfast *sigh*

Mary
Giggles and Guns

Sarah Hina said...

Me, too.

When I was young, I wanted to work in one. Live in one. Use the books as my pillows. And now I love taking my own kids there. What a safe harbor for a child to dock his/her dreams.

That is a great picture, Alan. Enjoyed this post immensely. :)

Terry Odell said...

I was in junior high and took "library" as an elective. Loved it.

Where I live now, the library is about 15 miles away, but the nearest bookstore is more like 40.