“Congratulations on the new library, because it isn't just a library. It is a space ship that will take you to the farthest reaches of the Universe, a time machine that will take you to the far past and the far future, a teacher that knows more than any human being, a friend that will amuse you and console you -- and most of all, a gateway, to a better and happier and more useful life.”
― Isaac Asimov
If you are giving someone a gift, regardless of age, I can't think of a better one than a library card. The first thing Linda and I did after arriving in our new community of Digby, NS last summer was apply for our library cards. They came in the mail on a hot summer day, but it felt like Christmas.
Even better, our library cards were completely free of charge, as they are in many public libraries. Free card, free borrowing, free, free, free. How can you beat that?
These days anything publicly funded is being targeted by mean-spirited, anti-community, anti-knowledge governments looking to move more funds into private pockets. Public libraries have long been underfunded, but now their very existence is threatened.
In Canada our federal government has been closing government controlled libraries, and has gone so far as to destroy materials and burn books. 100 years of environmental research materials were burned or dumped in landfills.
Public libraries, while chronically underfunded, are safe... for now.
One way we can show our support for our public libraries is to get a card. And use it. A lot.
Right now I am using my library to enjoy several music CDs, a few movies on DVD, and one of the most beautiful books I have ever checked out. The book is the Smithsonian Definitive Visual History of Music. It is huge, filled with photos and information, and is transporting me through thousands of years of musical history.
The timeline for my musical tome is from 60,000 BCE to the current era. I am travelling through time and space (for free), and humming a tune as I go along.
You can too. Get a library card for yourself, or someone you love, and gain access to books, music, computers, movies, and your own civilization and community.
And if you are a parent, introduce your children to their neighborhood library. It will give them a real sense of independence to have their own library card and enjoy borrowing books.
ReplyDeleteSarah Jessica Parker
!
We have great library in my small town in Australia.What is like in your part of the world?Wold be lovely if you let us know
Saffron Australia
My children both loved the comic at the top of today's page. We go to our library at least twice a week, more often when there's no school. A common sight is both children on the sofa with a pile of books in the middle, sometimes with a cat by their heads on the back of the sofa. I have found every book I've ever wanted at our library, if not at one of the three branches, then by "interlibrary loan". They have all the newspapers I might want, and all the magazines too. The kids play on the computers if they want computer time. In the summer, they have different crafts every day. Our library is really important to us.
ReplyDeleteLove my library. I participate in the library system! Participation is supporting. I feel as strongly about participating in things like libraries that enrich my life as I feel about non participating in things hurt people and the planet.
ReplyDeleteI too, love that my card was free and what I check out is free too! I love having my card too. The Smithsonian book you describe sounds like a great read/view. I'll be checking to see if my library has that one.
Terri
Our library membership is not free. We pay about $200. But it is the best $200 we spend. We use our library for books, movies, music, magazines, etc. But what we use it for most, is downloadable audiobooks. Between my hubby and I, we probably go through 2-3 books a week. That would cost a fortune otherwise. Love the library!
ReplyDelete