Director’s Thoughts – 11/22/24
Since it’s November and a time for gratefulness, I decided to share ten reasons why I’m thankful for libraries. I grew up visiting my home library since I can remember and I started working in libraries when I was 14 years old. I have had a passion for libraries for so long and you’ll see some of the reasons why I love the career I chose so much!
Save Money
I am an avid reader and without the library, I’d be spending a whole lot more money on books whether physical books or an online subscription. For just my Picture Book Gift Guide, I borrowed over 75 picture books from the library. Those are typically around $20/piece which would have been $1,500! Other than that, I typically read at least a novel a week and I would be spending a TON of money if it wasn’t for the public library.
Access to Resources
My mom just called me recently to ask about, as she puts it, “all the numbers and letters” when shopping for televisions. I, too, have no idea what any of it means, but with a subscription to Consumer Reports, all I had to do was some research using my library card and we found all the information we were looking for! Plus, you can find newspaper articles, access Ancestry.com or find eBooks and other material using online resources from the library.
Thrill of Discovery
I love the potential of public libraries. The ability to browse books on a shelf and find something you never expected before. As a librarian, this is insanely tricky because I could have a TBR list that is longer than my arm with just the books that “look cool” when unboxing the newest titles.
Free Programs
While I don’t attend as many programs as I’d like, the option to learn something new or be entertained for free is a huge draw to public libraries. As a children’s librarian for over eight years, I really enjoyed it when I could see kids exploring and learning during a program that I created!
Open to Everyone
I’ll admit that sometimes it can be difficult to manage a space that is open to everyone, especially if someone is dealing with mental health issues and isn’t able to follow the rules. But, in this day and age, there are very few places that exist that are open and available to absolutely anyone without the need to pay to enter or pay for something once inside.
I Love Learning
I love to learn, in fact I have two master’s degrees and probably would haven gotten a Ph.D. if I could figure out how to pay for it! Public libraries are a great place to learn – borrow a book about a new hobby, take a class, use an online resource, visit a museum – all available with the use of your library card.
Meet New People
While I’m an introvert at heart, I have met some amazing people at the library. Just yesterday, I was shopping and came across two moms whose kids are now in high school – the same kids that I had in storytime many, many years ago. It was great to see them and see how their kids have grown up.
Helpful Staff
Most people don’t start working in libraries because the pay is great or the accolades and awards they receive. Most library staff want to work for an organization to help people and the community. I love finding that just right book for people, offering suggestions to new patrons, and sharing about all the great things the library has to offer. I can talk about libraries forever!
Expand My Horizons
I like having the opportunity of choosing something new, something that I wouldn’t normally pick up to read. And because I have access to a large collection, I can choose the things I love and also select books and genres that I wouldn’t normally pick.
Safe Space
And finally, I love that for so many people, libraries are a safe space. Libraries are places to be seen for who you are or places to tuck away in a corner and just be. We’re here to help you find what you’re looking for or to be a place where you don’t need to do anything but sit and read, study, or listen to music.
And now I ask you, what are you most thankful for about libraries?
