National Library Week

 


Last week was National Library Week and I was thinking about the topic all last week, but only got around to doing something about it until after the fact.  Does that make me like an overdue library book?

Sometimes I wonder if I should have been a librarian.  I'm an avid reader.  (I think that much is obvious.) 


I love books. We have a "library" in our house in PA...it's pretty much floor to ceiling shelves, purchased from Ikea, FILLED with books and the room's closet is filled with books.  In the living room I have two Barrister bookcases that house my beloved Nancy Drews as well as additional books from my youth.  I am still upset that I lost many of my favorite young adult books to basement mold and dampness. 

 I can remember books that I took out from my elementary school library (I was particularly fond of No Flying in the House by Betty Brock), as well as middle school (I took out Betty Greene's  Morning Is a Long Time Coming over summer break one year and it was finished in less than a day.)  My high school and college libraries were all about research and finding a quiet place to work.

I hold two library cards.  One for my hometown in NJ and the other for our residence in the Poconos.  The NJ library is much larger and more "traditional."  My aunt volunteered there for many years; I loved taking out books when she was behind the desk.  It's the place where our family got passports (back in 2020; they were never used) and where friends have shown artwork.


The library in the Poconos is much smaller; almost "house like," which I think makes it charming.  It serves not one, but two townships. I'm pretty sure we got our library cards the first or second weekend of our move.  (I tried to see if I ever wrote about it, but can't seem to find it.)  The library director knew the former owner of our home and was so nice to us.  Because I have a device where I can read downloaded books, I don't go too often.  However because we are still new to the community, I do go to the library more often than I have previously.  With some embarrassment (because I didn't realize this earlier), I have come to see that the library and staff who work there aren't just all about books, but community.  I've been to the library for historical meetings, to meet and greet local authors, to attend fun library fundraisers (wine and books are a winning combination for me) to check out artwork and displays, to enter contests (have I guessed the correct amount of Hershey kisses in the jar?), and to just wander.  

As a result of my "wandering" I have seen real community in action.  Several times I have seen a man there who is mentally impaired.  Every time the library staff has engaged with him showing him patience, kindness and consideration.  I have heard them ask him to help with simple tasks/chores.  They see him.  They involve him.  They make him an important part of their community.  I'm sure this happens in libraries around the world, but this was the first I had witnessed it (and more than once) and I was moved. This was humanity in action.

And so at the end of National Library Week, I went to the library because I wanted to do something to show my appreciation.  They are always taking financial donations. (What library doesn't?  They all need help and we should all support them!)  I know that for a certain amount they will "name a shelf."  You can honor an individual or an event and I wanted to do that.  Perhaps I could honor my grandparents, who are the reason my family came to the area in the 1950, vacationing at Skytop.  But when I got there, I had another idea.

After looking around, I went and found the library director.  I asked her two questions:  how long had she been director (she started in March 2020 and one of the first directives she had to take was to close the library due to Covid -- ouch!) and did she have a shelf.  She did not.  I told her it was time to rectify that.

I filled out the top of the form, but asked her to fill out the bottom; what the dedication would say.  She thought about it and then asked if it could be in honor not just of her, but the incredible staff as well.  My response?  No!  One shelf would not do for that.  But two just might.

With that understanding, I pulled out my checkbook and made out a check to cover two shelves.  It is not enough to show my appreciation for her and for the wonderful people who work and volunteer there but it is a start.

I'm pretty sure it made her day.  I know it made mine.  The old adage is true:  It is better to give than to receive.  Because in giving you receive so much more.

I look forward to going back to the library and searching for the shelves that have been selected. Where in the library will they be?  New books?  Young Adults?  Biography?  I can't wait to find out!

And while National Library Week might officially be over, it is ALWAYS a good time to visit your local library (or ANY library).  They offer so much.  And it's all because of the people there.  Don't forget to say Thank You!


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