By ALISSA WARREN
To my new lover, my library…
You’ve been so neglected and for that I apologise. By me. By your people. You see, I’ve been rather preoccupied with life. With a job. A wedding. Then kids. I’ll be honest, I’ve been distracted. Mostly, buried in my iPhone.
But I’ve come to my senses and realised your humble simplicity is what I need.
And the way you have wonderfully welcomed – complete with the baggage of three young children – back into your arms has warmed my heart.
Your old-fashioned lessons are hard to come by in this scary world. And you’ve helped me teach my kids things that I would never have been able to on my own.
I’m in love. All over again. And this is why:
1. Your seductive, slow pace.
We’re in a hurry. All the time. I have three kids under four. We always have a person to visit, shoes to put on, day-sleeps we can’t miss. But your subtle schedules give me a reprieve from the minute-by-minute alarm constantly buzzing in my brain. Things are scheduled, rules are bent. It’s the only place where I feel time is gentle. Life feels calm.
2. You’re more than Mojitos
Some pubs only sell beer. Others sell beer, cocktails and finger-food. You are the latter. You offer so much more than books. My kids do cartwheels – is that allowed? – over your DVDs, toys, magazines. Heaven.
3. You’re peaceful. So peaceful.
The silence. I’ll admit I’m usually the first to break this lovely rule. But I love it that you do your best to enforce it. Thank you. Life is too noisy.
4. You’re ahead of the curve.
If you were in fashion, you’d be Anna Wintour. Classic, but you already know what’s coming out before it’s hit the shops. You, my friend, are on trend. New releases before the book shops even get them? Yes, please.
5. You’re Good People
You house good people. Librarians who are helpful. People who actually KNOW things. There’s no room for bluffers. And if they don’t know, they find answers. A simple comfort in a world a million miles from Google.
6. You’re a Cheap Date
Top Comments
Thanks! Libraries are great. For those with limited supplies on the shelves, try asking whether they have inter library loans &/or check their website for these and *gasp* ebooks and eaudio...
Truly a haven. Great article.
Agree. Terrific article!