Encomium to the Public Library
/“Momma, I love the smell of the library.”
“Me too, my love, me too.”
Michelle told us as we checked out, “Corinna, I think this might be the most books you have ever checked out at once.”
Dragon pipes up, “both of our bags are bursting!”
56 books does seem like a lot of books for a woman who avoided public libraries for years.
The last time I visited a public library as a child was to return a book. Late. I did not have any money. The dark desk came up to my shoulder. The piercing eyes of the librarian looked down on me as she instructed me to go home and return with the money - without delay. I returned with the 25 cents, my heart in my throat, and a promise to myself I would never return.
Then I had children - and the public library beckoned. The weekly offering became part of our life tapestry. Story time. Painting. Lego club. Our town library doesn’t charge late fees.
We now visit weekly, biweekly. We order all of the books our hearts desire. We pillage the shelves and add more to the pile. We read them (or skim to ascertain whether we like zombie stories - no). We return them.
Rinse repeat.
Thank you to all of those who work in the world of libraries. Thank you for whomever came up with this glorious notion of a public community space where we can borrow books.
And not just books - walkie talkies, American Girl dolls, weaving looms, gardening tools, puzzles, games, etc. The library is an oasis of ideas and thinkers. It is a sanctuary of community and kindness.
It is a place where they offer free stickers saying, “Read Banned Books.”
The regular infusions of new tales to read
Upon which the whole family does feed
Where would we be without our stacks of books?
Beckoning with colors and nefarious crooks
The respite of reading as I prepare a post library lunch
Two forms, heads bent, shoulders a-hunched
Curved over bright pages, ears deaf to noise
“let me just finish this chapter and then I will come”
And a promise made as the pages turn
“Momma, next time someone asks me what I want to be when I grow up, I am going to say - a book worm.”
From one book worm to another - I see you both. Welcome to the beginning of a wonderful life-long relationship.
