Stop what you’re doing. Really. Stop now and read this newspaper article about how regional libraries in Santa Ana, CA are fostering community and well-being in these difficult times.
Author Kate Huh does a beautiful job of capturing the range of valuable qualities and activities we support through our taxes.
Libraries are a great example of what’s possible when we all chip in to have something most of us could not have as individuals. Something that is always there for us, through thick and thin. A quiet space to read, or a cool place to dance … or perhaps try bookmaking and origami. A place to borrow fun things like movies and books. Or get help learning how to do job search or find assistance when we’re at risk or losing our home. A place to experience the joy of giving back through volunteering.
Our libraries are more than places, of course. They’d be just buildings without their staff—people with specialized training and experience as well as open hearts and public spirit. Library staff keep their complex organizations running, they field far-ranging questions from us, and work with local agencies, artists and businesses to continously coordinate programming. They do a lot of stuff, and it’s all for our benefit.
This comment on the newspaper article sums it up:
The public library system operates at so little cost and provides such amazing benefits it is a crowning achievement.
This post dedicated to LH — thanks for good conversation, open heart, public spirit…
