The Library.

An Ode to an Ancient Concept

. . .

I’m ashamed to tell you that when I went to my local library six months ago, it was the first time in many, many moons. In fact, the card I had on file had been deleted, due to years of inactivity.

I’m also ashamed to tell you how many hours—and probably hundreds, if not thousands of dollars—I spent at Barnes & Noble in the handful of years prior to our kids being born. Having moved out of the city I loved (Philly, of course), resigning from my teaching career (albeit temporarily), and dealing with some inner turmoil, this literary conglomerate helped me cope. I bought my Ultimate English-Teacher Book Collection. I journaled. I created this blog, even. (Okay, that was actually at a Dunkin’, but you get my point.)

And then I gave birth; then the pandemic hit; then I gave birth again, during the Omicron variant of the pandemic.

Weeks gave way to months gave way to years.

And as I began to brainstorm meaningful (and free!) experiences for our toddlers, the library was no doubt at the top of the list.

And it welcomed me—us!—back with open arms, yo.

. . .

Once upon a time I actually thought about becoming a librarian. That is, I thought about getting a degree in library science. I’m not sure that most people know how knowledgeable, skilled, and certified librarians are. They are experts in their field, and can help us explore, research, and wander through the glorious written word.

As I drive down our suburban streets, passing strip mall after strip mall, my heart rejoices when I see the sign of a cartoon person reading, indicating a library nearby. It is a public service—an oasis—in an all-too-often desert land of go-go-go, more-more-more emptiness. It’s a place where all are welcome. Anyone can cozy themselves into a chair and spend the afternoon reading. Learning. Perhaps exploring a foreign land and language.

And it’s free.

(waves goodbye to Barnes & Noble)

. . .

If you’re living in America (as I am) it’s probably not news to you that libraries and their staff are being vilified. There is an absurd attack against access to published works. My guess is that many of those same people waging the war would be the first to say their free speech was under attack. If their precious texts were removed from public libraries, it would no doubt be unconstitutional.

There are so many books out there. Millions. Billions, perhaps?

Some true stories. Some not. Some funny, some sad. Some for grownups, some for babies. Some for kids and some for tweens, teens, and others.

Some are fantastic. Some are just terrible.

Some make you pause. Some make you want to race home and write your own.

Some get bullshit accolades while brilliant others remain unseen.

Some are in desperate need of editing.

Some are worth your time, and some just don’t make the cut in the 24 hours we have each day.

So. . . you don’t like a book? Don’t read it, love. Put it back on the shelf for someone else, and move right along with your life.

(steps down off of soapbox)

. . .

So, I just want to take this tiny moment to thank every single librarian, assistant, and staff member out there. You are a part of something good in this world. You provide an essential service, to all of us.

As a teacher, and as a parent, I thank you.

But perhaps more so, I thank you as one simple human being living on Planet Earth.

I thank you with all of my SnapDragon heart.

See you soon.

. . .

SnapDragon is a barefooted woman of many thoughts.

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