Ode to My Local Library

View from my afternoon perch at Denver Library's Woodbury Branch.

Seems appropriate that my internet would be wonky during National Library Week. Of course, the first thing I thought was to come hang at Denver Library's adorable Woodbury Branch. I’m writing this blog post now showered in its natural light, teens gaming on one side of me and a family reading and chatting on the other side. 

Even after working in libraries for 16+ years now, I have a whole new appreciation using their services as an entrepreneur. To print, to use the internet, to problem-solve software issues. One of the staff even helped me with my business cards because I had printed the text too small, and I needed another set of eyes to confirm whether it was still okay to pass them out. (Yes pass out, yes get reprinted.)

I love being social alone in this beautiful, comforting space just blocks from home, next to a beautiful park, just like my childhood library (s/o A.K. Smiley Library).

A.K. Smiley Library in Redlands, CA. Photo by Don Graham.

There’s comfort, safety, creativity, and community in this space - stuff I’ve talked about for years all over the world but am experiencing again with fresh eyes.

Yesterday was National Library Workers Day, so I brought donuts for the staff. They’re always so kind when I walk in, being my goofball self.

Over the past several weeks, I've been working with the Boulder Public Library crew and talking about messages that resonate with their patrons, partners and community members. Being a “non-judgment zone,” the “lifechangingness” of libraries, staff's kindness, time and personal attention were just a few that came up.  

I’ve experienced all of these first-hand as a library staffer, consultant, and regular user. I am a direct result of the “lifechangingness” of libraries. 

In a time when these critical institutions are under threat from funding cuts and book bans –when staffers persevere through passion, creativity and resilience despite compassion fatigue and burnout – it’s critical that we as community members do all that we can to support and protect them. These are the last democratic spaces in our country where everyone has equal access and opportunity, and they deserve our love and advocacy.

Here are a few things you can do this National Library Week to show your support:

1. Share your own library story. Shout it from the rooftops and your socials. 

2. Visit a library - your local library or a new-to-you library. 

3. Get a library card, even if you already have one. (I just got a new Boulder Library card the other day!)

4. Donate to your local library. Many libraries have nonprofit arms that raise private funds for programs, collections, art, capital projects and more. 

5. Donate to EveryLibrary. As the first political action committee for libraries, EveryLibrary fights censorship and supports pro-library legislation. They’re doing the tough work out there, and you can help them reach a million members by donating today and signing up for their updates and alerts. (I’m a recurring donor myself.) 

   
   

Thank you from the bottom of my heart to the Woodbury Branch Library staff and every library staffer I know. This library lifer sure does appreciate you! 

Me showing off my new Boulder Library card.