"Libraries are an essential service in action, as well as an effective leveler of privilege and avenue of reinvention. As budget cuts affect more facilities, children will be the first to suffer."
The Dreamer sent us "U.S. public libraries: We lose them at our peril" from the La Times. We both felt moved to action --what do we do to make our precious libraries valued as they should be? Can we save them?
The Big Sis, Little Sis and I headed right for our library the Interlochen Public Library and spent time there, it made us feel a little bit better. The new acquisitions aren't as many, there seems to be an element of change in the air, but the librarians still welcome us as if we are old friends. In a way we are. The girls have grown up wobbling as they carried their treasure up to the counter --first I would check them out on my card. Now we have three cards, three stacks and three smiles as we leave the library with our week's worth of inspiration and education. (Unless, the Dad joins us and then there are four cards, four stacks and four smiles.)
"The people who welcome us to the library are idealists, who believe that accurate information leads to good decisions and that exposure to the intellectual riches of civilization leads to a better world. The next Abraham Lincoln could be sitting in their library, teaching himself all he needs to know to save the country. While they help us get online, employed and informed, librarians don't try to sell us anything. Nor do they turn around and broadcast our problems, send us spam or keep a record of our interests and needs, because no matter how savvy this profession is at navigating the online world, it clings to that old-fashioned value, privacy. (A profession dedicated to privacy in charge of our public computers? That's brilliant.) They represent the best civic value out there, an army of resourceful workers that can help us compete in the world."
Read the whole article written by Marilyn Johnson, click here. To learn more about Marilyn Johnson check out her website (click here) or read This Book Is Overdue! (click here to find it at a library near you) but don't try to take it out of Interlochen Library this week, I just reserved it!
Do you have a favorite library? A favorite Librarian? Tell us a story click here and visit Library Love Stories read our Library Top Ten. Take action to save our libraries: visit your local branch and tell them that you appreciate them --you may even feel moved to give them a hug (for a little inspiration, read The Poet's blog today, click here.)
Do you have a favorite library? A favorite Librarian? Tell us a story click here and visit Library Love Stories read our Library Top Ten. Take action to save our libraries: visit your local branch and tell them that you appreciate them --you may even feel moved to give them a hug (for a little inspiration, read The Poet's blog today, click here.)
