I have been thinking a lot about libraries lately. They have figured large in my life since I was about four years old! My library of choice, although I have used a large number of them big and small, is a tiny, rural library like the one I grew up with as a child. The children's room was in the basement, down a set of five cement stairs. The window ledges were adult eye level and held books on display and geraniums! The librarian wore sensible, black granny shoes and always smelled of powder. She loved books and loved that I loved books! My library now is now a new, state of the art building, but still has that tiny brick Carnegie building feel. I don't think any of the librarians wear granny shoes but the all love books. If you haven't stopped in lately why not give it a try?
"The National Literacy Trust says that children who go to a library are twice as likely as those who don't to read well. It is not just picking up a book. It is the social experience of reading, talking about the books, browsing, comparing what you have read with family and friends. Librarians are gate keepers in that process. They open doors to new worlds, new possibilities. They ask library visitors to evaluate the information they offer. Most importantly, they give access to narratives. Children and adults do not just need information to thrive as thinking beings, but stories. Libraries are the temple of story. They are not in decline because of some natural, historic progression, but because of the monstrous cultural vandalism of savage cost-cutting. We will pay a terrible price for the behavior of our masters." (Alan Gibbons)
By the way, a generous patron has been thinking about libraries too and donated $700 for technology and wants it to be matched by the end of this year. Have you considered a donation of any size to match their generosity and improve our computers? A donation of any amount is tax deductible and I guarantee it will make you feel wonderful!
No matter how you say it - Feliz Navidad, Yá'át'ééh Keshmish, Geséende Kersfees, Kong He Xin Xi, Joyeux Noèl, Buon Natale, Noeliniz Ve Yeni Yiliniz Kutlu Olsun, Sumaj kausay kachun Navidad ch'sisipi, or Nollaig Shona Dhuit - We wish you and yours a very Happy Holidays!