One of my secret coveted jobs is a librarian. Maybe when I’m old and gray(er), I can live out my dream and memorize the Dewey decimal system.
I usually go to the library during the day. So I see patrons who are older – senior citizens meeting for book groups, etc. – and also the stay-home mom crowd, with toddlers in tow.
Tonight I went right before closing – about 8:30. I had to pick up some books that were on the hold shelf and had been for a week, meaning they would be taken off the shelf come tomorrow morning. So I went. And the parking lot was just as packed at that time as well. But the amazing thing to me was that the patrons inside were a totally different bunch. There were many, MANY kids – there without their parents. 8-10 year olds. Self-checking stacks of books with their own library cards. And then walking home to the subsidized housing that is close to this particular branch.
I was totally taken aback by this. And overwhelmed at how amazing it is that these kids are here at the house of books by themselves, instead of at home in front of the TV or playing video games, or whatever. My own kids were in bed.
I wish we lived close enough to the library for my kids to walk. How great would it be for them to trot off by themselves and bring back the books they wanted. What a great feeling that must be for these kids.
I just love the whole concept of public libraries. And am thankful for mine.
