A couple weeks ago I did something I hadn’t done in a long time- I went to my local library. I got myself a library card and checked out a couple books right away. I’ve already returned those and got 3 more!
It was important to me to get back to this now for a couple reasons.
#1 Libraries are under fire from the right like they have not been in many many years. I wanted to add myself to the number of people who can say “Yes I support and USE the library!” “I have the right to read anything I damn well please and so does every other American!”
#2 I need more books and less screens in my life. I used to read a ton. I don’t really know how I got away from it, but I realized recently that I miss it. So I’m bringing it back. And it’s been really lovely.
Libraries in general are lovely! I had forgotten the endless promise of all the things there are to read and to learn and to enjoy. I had forgotten the quiet thrill of wandering through the stacks. Sure, I have a list of books I want to read, but there is nothing like something catching your eye you weren’t expecting. I did not go looking for an autobiography of Julia Child, but it’s sitting on my bedside table right now.
So I ask you- when was the last time you went to your local library? If it’s been a while, I cannot encourage you enough to go back, or go for the first time. You won’t regret it