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I love libraries because I believe they are an important part of a larger vision I have for economic equity. When I think about the zillions of times I've heard people talk about the library being the first place they realized that there was a world beyond their own experiences (usually in childhood), I am reminded of exactly how critical libraries are to that end.

My friend in library school once said to me: the first time that I realized it was ok to be who I am was in a library.

The library wasn't where I was when I first realized this, but it was the first place I was exposed to ideas outside of the very narrow world-view my parents had provided for me. It was a hard-bound copy of "Thoughts of Thoreau" and I got it at the Kitsap County Library in Port Orchard, WA.

True confession: I still have that book.

I've been thinking about how to answer this, and realize it may have been easier to answer why I don't love libraries. Libraries are my religion...they tie together all my loves: community, learning, books, art, music, technology, story time, synchronicity, capacity building, partnerships, knowledge as power, meditation, noise, belonging, quality of life, jobs, hub, social capital, families, kids, social work, health, leadership, mentoring, comedy, public, equal access, education, information, architecture (physical and digital), dialog, debate, old stuff, new stuff, culture, documentation and free speech, to name a few.

love and be loved by libraries and the lives they touch.

I love libraries for many reasons… the books, the research tools, the enabling of life long learning … all the usual suspects. But the main thing I dig about libraries is the reflection of them I see through my kids' eyes.

I've devolved into being a pretty pragmatic library _consumer_. I usually have a pre-defined material need, find and reserve the target of that need online, swing by my local branch, grab the books, and I'm gone.

However my kids have changed all of this. They remind me it isn't just a building full of product. To them, the library is an experience, a wandering journey that can (but doesn't have to) lead to a really excellent destination. Going to the library is fun -- they rank it up there with the zoo, going to grandma's house, or watching a movie. We go at least weekly, usually via foot or bike. During the trip, they chatter about how they'll use their library time: look videos, read, try the computes, find Maisy or Lemony Snicket books, read, talk to the librarian, read, join the book club, pick up holds, read, and more. They are very thoughtful planners and make creative decisions to maximize their library time.

Their energy has inspired me to be a more thoughtful library user. Once they've had enough of my hovering I take some time _wander_ as they execute those carefully crafted plans. I browse new book displays, sometimes finding an unexpected must-read. I scan community happenings and news posted on bulletin boards and feel connected to my neighborhood. I talk to my librarian. I people watch and take in the comings and going of my community. I see and chat with neighbors -- you know, those neighbors you wave at in passing but don't often share a conversation. It may only be a brief library stop (though honestly, it's rare to get the kids out in under an hour) but it's worth every minute.

The library slows us to a human-friendly speed. We make time to talk. We connect. We love our library.

Libraries are our most democratic institution. They matter to everyone. This was brought home to me years ago when I was being recruited for the position of Director of the Cleveland Public Library. I flew into Cleveland, hopped into a taxi at the airport, and asked the driver to take me to the main library downtown. No address. No directions. Just take me to the library. For the entire trip the taxi driver told me how wonderful the library was. Not only did he know where it was but he - and his family and friends - used it regularly. He was inspiring.

I have been using, enjoying, and loitering in libraries all my life, both public and school, and consequently I always feel like I am in a familiar, safe place even if I go to a library I've never been to before. These days, I mainly use the Fremont branch of the Seattle Public Library (about 1-2 times per week, sometimes more), but I love visiting all the amazing new libraries our city's "Libraries for All" levy (http://www.spl.org/lfa/index.html) has resulted in.

I have realized lately that I am the odd person who actually enjoys going to the DMV because of the variety of people I see there - I think that my appreciation of libraries, both as a patron and as a licensed librarian, reflects this part of my personality. As we tend to meet people with similar experience, education, etc. in our workplaces, private social events, and other places in which we spend the majority of our time, it's refreshing to me to see new faces, talk to new people, and hear new ideas.

So, not only does my library offer me intellectual and creative growth through its materials and programming, it offers me the opportunity to connect with my community in a way that I don't often do, and I love it for that.

Free Knowledge - Bring Your Own Container

Or put it on a bumper sticker... or a library book bag. Or (this is my Seattle showing), a coffee cup! ;-)

And from the "free" pictures at [url http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Main_Page]Wikipedia Commons[/url], a picture of the Discworld librarian (see attached).

Attachments:

450px-Discworld-librarian.jpg (60.9k)

I love libraries because, even though I am not a wealthy man, at the library I realize how rich I am.