‘Library Lovers Day’ is next week, and so the good people at Australia Reads (where I am honoured to be an ambassador), sent me a text meme to celebrate. It made me think: why do I love libraries?
A deluge of memories flooded into a list of 18 reasons I thought I’d share!
1. Magic
When I was little, my mum often took me to our local library. I loved reading and libraries had books. As long as a book was age-appropriate, the librarians let me take it home. How miraculous!
2. Sanctuary
When I was at school and had trouble with friends, the school library was a calm and serene place that welcomed readers. I could go there whenever I liked and it wouldn’t judge me. I’d even get a headstart on classwork, or homework, and there were books that could help with that. Amazing!
3. Weather
When I was at high school, I volunteered in the school library and, when it rained, the librarians let me read in there. In wet weather we were supposed to go to our classrooms, but everyone else was in there. Generous!
4. Study
When I needed a book that wasn’t available in my local library, the librarians would phone another branch in the district, reserve their copy for me, then have it transferred. One time I couldn’t wait for the transfer, so my mum drove me for an hour to the branch, an hour home again. Emergency help!
5. Inclusive
When I was at university, the campus library kept reference copies of all the most important books. It also had cheap photocopying machines. So if I couldn’t afford to buy a book, and the library loan copies were all out, I could use the reference book to photocopy the pages I needed. Useful!
6. Questions
When I went to another university and didn’t know anyone, the department library was a great place to ask for help. If someone was studying the same book as me, in the library at the same time, chances are they were part of my tribe. I could ask them a question, or they could ask me, and we’d learn together. Connection!
7. Quiet
When I was a mum of two, under two, it could be loud and hectic at home – so every Saturday I could, I’d escape to my local library to write or catch up on work. There was good Wi-Fi and a plethora of regulars who went to read newspapers or use the internet. They’d ‘keep an eye’ on my laptop if I needed the toilet or a drink. Community!
8. Treats
When I took my children to the local library at certain times of year, the librarians would hide wrapped chocolates among the books for all the children to hunt and devour. There were DVDs to borrow too, craft sessions, and big glossy picture books with bright colourful illustrations. Creating memories!
9. Open
When I co-wrote a series of children’s books to raise money for The Kids’ Cancer Project, my local library hosted a story-time event, and allowed the local newspaper to photograph it for publicity. Supportive!
10. Collective
When I started teaching creative writing, my local libraries were among the first to book my writing workshops, so I could share my knowledge with others. They even printed posters and sent out email notifications to advertise them. They still do! Involved!
11. Practical
Whenever I need a Justice of the Peace to witness a document signature, there is always a choice of local library branches offering the service for free. Cost-effective!
12. Immediate
When I need to read a book or watch a classic film quickly, for mentoring, editing or writing purposes, I can access a wealth of ebooks or audiobooks, and watch films, from the library access on my phone. Convenient!
13. Expertise
Whenever I judge a library literary competition, they always invite me to give a speech or share a blog post about my judge’s report. Together we try to encourage creativity throughout our communities and beyond. Inspiring!
14. Everyone
When my non-writer friends join library book clubs, it means I can talk to them about books without them thinking I’m a nerd. Normalisation!
15. Creative
When I wanted to create a writing collaboration project for local writers and artists, my local library embraced the opportunity to support my vision and promote creativity throughout our council area. Enlightened!
16. Finance
When readers borrow books I’ve written from the library, I get a nice annual payment accounting for the lending rights. Fairness!
17. Opportunity
When the Covid-19 pandemic prevented libraries from holding author talks, my local library included me in a showcase of authors at my local theatre to enable social distancing. Innovative!
18. People
Whenever I ask a librarian a question, they always help me find answers, until there are no more answers to find. Helpful!
What About You?
What memories do you have of libraries and their positive impact on your own and others’ lives?
I bet there are a few!
Zena, your piece really resonates with me – been studying and borrowing in libraries since childhood, in various countries, and for 21 years have been enjoying the Northern Beaches library services too. Kids’ story time, borrowing kids’ books, audiobooks and DVDs = life savers! And as they got older, using the library computer for an hour while I had some quiet time = life saver! And doing my own study and even work from the library during the winter when I didn’t want to heat the house just for me… And the fantastic Library 2 U service during lockdown. My book club borrows book sets from the library so that we don’t have to buy books (that we may not end up even liking). Public libraries are one of the finest social and educational services that humans invented. Such a crying shame that many have closed down in so-called ‘civilised’ countries. Support your library folks!
Yes! Thank you for reading, Jan, and for taking the time to share your thoughts :0)