Oh be still my beating heart. What can I say…….the library. A place of wonder, excitement and for me pure unadulterated joy. You walk in and the place is abuzz. Quietly of course but still there is a buzz. I always manage to bump into someone long forgotten and we catch up.
From youth to now, I have seen a massive shift and change of a library’s function. No longer just a place for books but for all types of community engagement. I have to admit I was excited when a coffee machine pop up took over in a corner. Coffee and a biscuit (with proceeds going back to a local organisation) after pursuing a book to read. Or meet a friend for cuppa then grab a book or CD or DVD or that game for a family game night.
This was and still is one of my safe gathering places. When my children where at high school they would catch the bus to town then head to the library. Not because they have the same feelings about the place as me, but they would meet their tutor there. They felt safe there. They often would have time to browse the selections then settle down for their tutoring.
It was a place I could train my children on how to be independent. They could go and learn how to ask for help from their librarian. This helped them to practice talking to strangers but also pick the wandering librarian who they felt comfortable to approach. Even how to use a computer to locate information. They could wander looking at what they wanted and so could I. I thought that was a win win all round.
So when was the last time you went to your local library? Do you see it as a place that is more than just books? I haven’t been in the last few weeks myself, since going back to full time work. But I think that is exactly what my soul needs, library time.
Grateful Wonder 