I am sending this post from the newly renovated library of my hometown in southern Ohio.  It is a beautiful place, one this small town should be very proud of, one partially funded by a grant to provide libraries to communities that are less economically prosperous. I have wonderful childhood memories of the library. It is where I "hung out" as an adolescent. It is where I systematically read through all of the preteen biographies one summer and all the Nancy Drew and Trixie Belden mystery series during other summers. Note: I still know that because of Trixie Belden I am prepared to react to anyone who is bitten by a snake. So, if you are ever in such a situation and I am around, call out!

The library was a place where I was at home, where I was known, where someone knew my reading preferences and held books for me. It was a place that allowed me to travel to far flung places, learn of the ways of the larger world, dream of what could be, of what I could become.

The librarian at the time,Miss Davis, was a guard…these were her books, her home, her domain, her universe. She was kind to those who treated her sanctuary with respect; she was stern and frightening to those who wanted to touch clean pages with dirty hands, turn down corners to mark a place. She was the first vegetarian I had ever met! In a world of chicken-fried-steak and sausage gravy over biscuits, this was not only odd, but exotic to me..

Of course, libraries have changed alot since those days. And so have librarians-their domain now includes tasks such asking me to sign a waiver that I will not do anything on this computer that violates their policy…and good taste.

But when I walked into this beautiful, well-cared for space, it is clear that it is still a place that has the potential to open the world to young minds, young hearts, longing to know a wider world. It is still the place that allows impressionable adolescents to learn how to treat a snake bite, to solve a mystery, to be inspired by the lives of wise and courageous people, travel to amazing places, planting seeds for their future.

Do you know a librarian? If so, thank them today….they do powerful and important work.

This weekend might be a good time to curl up with a good book…enjoy…and don’t forget to wash your hands and use a bookmark!