Checked In At the Library

In many ways this blog is about going forward by looking backwards, not just at the examples set by other groups or cultures, but also those examples set by others. (Earth House Hold is also about increasing awareness of community and reducing waste on Turtle Island--both of which relate.)

Many of my happiest childhood memories revolve around visits to the public library. An avid reader herself, my mother would take my brother and I to the library once (sometimes twice) weekly. While there, we would borrow books with topics including Robin Hood, UFOs, movie monsters, Davey Crockett and Peanuts. Occasionally, Mom would allow us to borrow framed knock-offs of famous paintings which would be hung in our dining room. It was always a great feeling to "pick the painting."

We didn't have money for records and magazines and the library offered them as well: National Geographic, Mad, Cracked, Journey, Survivor, Mac Davis, Abba(?)... I even remember spending hot summer days in the small conference room at the library watching old movies on worn out screens as part of the library's "Summer Camp" program.

My mother impressed upon my brother and I the value in utilizing available community resources, and not wasting our limited funds on necessary "things." The intellectual value of the information and literary experience gained was not lessened simply because we did not own the vehicle which carried it. Through accessing products and services purchased for use by the community, good public works are supported. I am glad to see that each time I go to the library there are many folks there reading, cruising the net and renting videos and DVDs--all without cost.

A good recommendation for today: participate in the community of sharing that takes place at the public library!