I must say I find television very educational. The minute somebody turns it on, I go to the library and read a good book.
Groucho Marx
Our island library is a most beautiful space. Newly renovated, it has plentiful windows that provide light and warmth. I go there at least once a week and usually I stop and just sit. My heart rate goes down and I bask in the comfort of quiet and non-commercialism.
When my family was young we loaded everyone up to go explore at the library on Monday nights. Each child migrated to a different section and cozied up to the shelves while stretching out their legs in the aisle. My husband only enjoyed reading books to the children which entertained him, as well. He would peruse the children's section and balance a huge stack all the way home.
"I assure you that public libraries as we know them today considerably predate the 1950s. In fact, they date back to the nineteenth century--in other words, almost to the dawn of time.
You may already have run across this while googling ancient history, but I'll tell you anyway: A man named Amit Anu had the title "Tabl Keeper" at the royal library at Ur in roughly 2000 BC. He was the earliest known librarian. No word if he was the first to tell unruly sixth-graders to shush."
The Straight Dope
We, as tax payers, have kept this wonderful institution going. I don't begrudge paying money for this benefit. I even like paying my overdue fines. That amount is so much lower than when we had a full house. Librarians have kept me full of ideas for homeschooling, they pointed out the best read aloud books for my Music and Movement classes, and best, they keep me from buying a constant flow of books I would never read twice. They are an island treasure. I bet you love your public library, too.
I am writing for 31 days this October about Island Life. Click here to see the other days of writing.
Well, good for you, you are still hanging in there with the challenge! I would have been better to take a 31-day "fast from technology" challenge.
ReplyDeleteAnyhow, I have enjoyed reading a bit about life on an island through your series. It's been fun and interesting.
I am a huge fan of the public library. Not only did I haunt the library in my hometown during my growing-up years, but I had my kids involved in the library before either was a year old. My daughter even spent 5 years as a children's library here in Boise. She just left that job back in December, in order to go to school full-time. She, too, is a huge believer in the library and early literacy.
Blessings,
Patti
I agree with your love of libraries. Sadly there is talk of some of the libraries closing down here because they are not being used as much as they used to be. I hope a way is found to keep them open.
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