A Love Letter to Libraries #Library #Librarylove

 

Last night as I pondered what to write for my April blog, I came up with a blank, but my brain worked on it while I was sleeping. I woke this morning thinking of the perfect concept--discussing a pop-up picture book titled, What’s Happening at the Library? 

The image in my mind was so realistic, I was certain this already existed. So, I searched fifty pages of Amazon offerings containing almost everything (even a pop-up Kama Sutra!) except one about a library. Maybe paper engineers don’t consider libraries interesting enough, but I do, and I bet all the other bookworms will agree. Maybe I should create it.

This wouldn’t be just for children, but something for everyone to enjoy. With its intricately cut, detailed, three-dimensional illustrations on glossy paper, it would feature all the amazing services our libraries provide. Here’s how I envision it:

The first two pages portray rows of wooden shelves packed with intriguing hardcovers and paperbacks alongside overstuffed leather armchairs perfect for comfortable perusing. A twelve-inch, bronze, metallic, raised-relief floor globe in a cherry wood frame stands in a bay window surrounded by bright red, cushioned benches for children to sit and explore the world. Large windows leading to a high ceiling allow sunlight to suffuse the room. A smiling librarian at a circular check-out desk completes the scene.

In the next tableau, computer monitors and keyboards, each with an attached mouse, rest on high-sided metal desks with task chairs. Printers, crisp white paper, and reference materials await the eager hands of youngsters and adults.

Following are meeting rooms where groups learn new skills or discuss issues. In others, a volunteer reads to children or teaches crafts.

Authors exhibit stacks of their new releases, reading excerpts and signing copies for patrons.

Displays of local artist’s works; performances by community dancers and entertainers; mentors helping students with literacy, math, languages, and other courses are all shown.

My book would be immense! I probably won’t ever craft it, but that’s all right. We don’t need this to tell us what’s going on in these magical sanctuaries. We can walk in the door and see for ourselves.

April 4 - 10 was National Library Week. I would like to take this opportunity to express my deep love for our libraries. From the small building in my hometown where I checked out stories as a child, to the large, modern structure in the county where I live now, these institutions have been, and will always be, enthralling places for me.

Over many years, I watched them evolve into true community centers that are welcoming havens for all people. Libraries opened up the universe for me, taking me to locations I never thought I would visit, and domains where I could only go in my imagination. They ignited my creativity, and I will always be grateful.

Would you tell me your favorite story of how a library has helped you? Reply below. I’ll collect all the responses and send them with this blog to my local library. I will also include them in posts on social media (anonymously if you wish). Feel free to share! Let’s show our library staff how much we appreciate them!

Thank you for spending time with the Pen Dames. Please check back every month for new blogs, contests, excerpts, and more!