In the Library

Yesterday I spent a half hour reading in the children's section of the local library while the nine year old played some games on the computer. The games are infinitely more interesting there than at home; it's one of those rules of the universe for nine year olds, I suppose. Each computer was taken. One of the two librarians on duty kept good track of the waiting list, and checked in on everyone periodically. My son and the boy next to him exchanged recommendations. Junior also recognized a teacher from school and waved.

In one corner, a whole family—three boys and a grandpa—camped out and looked at picture books, while the mom buzzed in and out of the area on various missions. Near my table several tutors coached students through the rigors of homework. Their upbeat approach to their task hummed in the background as I read.

The librarians continually accompanied children back to the fiction stacks to help them look for books. One provided a kid with a "read-alike" list; another filled out an purchase request (from a child) for a book the library didn't own. Someone wanted to know more about Beethoven; relevant books were found and delivered. Squeals from the toddler area hinted at unknown delights, and a boy who looked to be around four selected a student dictionary and carried it away, clutched to his chest like a prize. His mother and three siblings trailed behind him.

A busy place, needless to say.

"Is it always like this?" I asked one of the librarians, as she sought out an audiobook for a patron.

"Every afternoon," she said.

I know there are days when brothers and sisters shriek at each other, someone pukes on the rug, and a three year old bawls because she can't take home the library's doll house. But you know what? They make up, get well, and dry their tears—and eventually return. Literacy is ultimately about connection. Everywhere I looked yesterday, I could see it.

Comments

[tanita]

Sounds like an absolutely awesome day there.

[Terry Doherty]

Thanks for the great visuals, Susan. It sounds like a delightful place. I loved your point about literacy being about connections!

[suzi w.]

What a great advertisement/encouraging words about your library. You should send a copy of this post to the children's librarians--we are an overworked, underpaid population that nevertheless love our jobs.

xo,
Suzi W.

[Kelly Fineman]

That is a beautiful post, Susan - thanks for sharing it!

[adrienne]

That sounds like a good afternoon, indeed. :)

[Rawley]

I spent much of my college years volunteering in the children's section of the library headquarters. It always felt comforting to walk in and see the rows of books and all kinds of people, young and old, enjoying them. Kind of like eating mom's chicken casserole on a cold night with the fire going. Just a warm and happy experience.

[Wisteria]

Your library truly sounds like a wonderful place for learning.

[Susan]

Thanks, everybody! I really do enjoy our library. I'd not sat in the back part of the kids' section in a long time, and was amazed at how much activity went on.

[Jules]

That's a library doing things right!

[Chris Barton]

What a pleasure this post is, Susan -- and it makes me realize how much I tend to rush in, rush out of the library, always on a quick mission. I'm missing out on a lot.

[Suji]

Susan, your library sounds almost exactly like mine till they moved to a larger, very sterile (but still wonderful for the books so I must not complain) building.

BTW, it does me great honor to pass on The Wonderful Blog Award :) Details on my blog.

My warmest regards.

[Mary Lee]

Just sitting and noticing, then reporting back what you saw. Nice. (And good advice, by the way.) Thanks.

[Susan]

Jules, Chris, Suji, and Mary Lee, thanks so much for the nice words.

And, Suji, I am tickled pink to receive such an award!

[Susan]

You made this children's librarian smile :)

[Susan]

Yay! Like Chris, who commented above, I am usually dashing in and out and not spending a lot of time hanging out. It was fascinating.

[Deborah]

Thank you from all of us.

[Susan]

My pleasure!