The Story of a Local Library
Golden District Library; 1 of 29 branches.
“Don’t forget to put some clear tape over the barcode on the small library card ” She interjected kindly “It’ll keep the barcode safe from the keys”. I understood the elderly woman frequented the shelves.
“Oh, why thank you. I didn’t know that” I returned kindly, although I would not be attaching the small library card to my keys. I was finalizing my membership for the local library.
A small, charming building nestled away in the midst of town. Distinctively adorned figurines lined the wheelchair ramp and children’s artwork adhered to the wall. It was a place of community, where the curious came to learn, the children were told tales of ole’, and senior citizens were taught how to use the technology of today. It is here where knowledge is gained, sharing is commonplace and kindness is not encouraged, but second nature. A place of refuge from distraction, the calm sounds of books reshelved, and a peculiar scent that reminds one that they are somewhere with purpose. It is mine, it is yours, it is ours.
I love libraries. I have been a member of libraries in three different countries. To me, they are a resource for knowledge and peace. When I want to learn about a subject, I’ll look towards the library to supply me with material. In times of distraction, I’ll flee to the library to focus among it’s still shelves. Libraries are a place of grounding, they are comfortable. Although I may not be in my home country, the fundamental principles of a library remain intact. I can scan the shelves using the Dewey Decimal System in order to locate specific books or authors. Shelves are organized by genre, typically in rows totalling six feet tall. Although I have never stepped foot in the Golden Library before today, I felt familiar amid the shelving and tables.
Just as I entered the library I was greeted “Hello, what can I help you with today?”. In a crusade for education, that question implies I have an ally in my higher pursuit. Where else am I able to step in a door as a stranger, sign up for a free membership, and access 1.5 million books, free wifi, magazines, CD’s, DVD’s and more?
Nowhere. That is the answer. There is nowhere else that can provide you with so many amazing resources for free. The purpose of the library is to empower all of its citizens, to provide an opportunity to learn no matter your status, and to help all who enter with the intention of bettering themselves or others.
Figurines festooned with yarns sit at the library entrance.
Why I’m a Library Member
As a library member I am able to borrow Ebooks and audiobooks for free, I do not subscribe to Audible nor directly pay for my books. From the inception of my book tracking in July 2019, I have read 78 books, a large portion (roughly 65) were in Ebook format. In order to have bought those Ebooks I imagine I would have spent around $650 dollars (Estimating a conservative $10 per book). I couldn’t afford to read those books had it not been for the library.
When I worked in a food truck it was common to have a two hour break between split shifts. Standing for hours in a hot, greasy, and stressful environment I wished for nothing more than to unwind and rest. I would toss my backpack on and thoughtfully walk along the charming stream, cross the narrow wooden bridge and stop midway to admire the trout below. An intentional breath would send me on my way up a short cement staircase between two pillars, the automatic doors would open and the all too familiar scent of bound books poured over me. Tucked into a corner sat a small checkered armchair. I slid the chair to face the window and sank down without resistance. I quietly unzipped my bag and pulled out my book. For the next two hours I would be elsewhere, swimming between the pages as I took advantage of my temporary comforts and quiet moment of the day.
Books and more books.
It’s Your Library Too
Have you been to your local library? When was the last time you went to a library? If you answered “no” and “unsure”, please take a moment and find out where it is (Click Here). It is a free resource that is often, and unfortunately, overlooked. What have you wanted to learn about but your access is limited or restricted because of costs? What are you curious about but don’t know where to start? Do you lack the space in your residence to confidently focus and learn?
All the aforementioned can be solved by walking into your local library with the curiosity to learn, the courage to say “I don’t know” and proof of a local address.
I am one example of a library member, reasons why I like the library differs from others who use it. Below I have listed out 12 reasons why your local library is helpful.
When the weather outside is unbearable, the library will have air conditioning or heating.
Librarians tend to be quite intelligent; They are great people to guide you in the right direction.
Often libraries will host events such as: Author meet and greets, workshops, and other activities.
A library is a safe space.
Libraries have books in many formats for whatever suits your style.
Local Libraries are usually part of a regional library system; Just because your local library is small, doesn’t mean their resources are!
By having a limited amount of time to read a book (14-21 days) it encourages readers to beat the deadline.
Most libraries will have an opportunity to reserve a room for meetings or studying.
Free access to paid software.
Learn technology and business skills.
You can sign up online, it’s easy.
You pay for the library with your taxes, you may as well use it!
Go and check out YOUR library!
The workspace from where I finalized this post.