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.
Posts
4 comments:
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!
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
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. :)
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.
Post a Comment