Coffee Talk

This week, I was contemplating what to talk about. So here we are discussing my

love for reading books. I love finding others who love to read and love to discuss books. The only question I do not like to be asked is, "What kind of books do you like to read?" I am not set on a specific genre of book. The only genre I absolutely would not like to read is horror. The best part about reading a book is getting sucked entirely into the story. I love being so connected to the characters that I could talk about them like real people.

The best books are the ones that you still think about after you are done. They are books you can read repeatedly and not get enough of the series. I also love reading a book and then recommending it to friends. Then they read the book, and you can discuss it together. Sometimes, they read the next book before you can get it and can't tell you anything so they do not spoil the story. Yes, this has happened recently. But I still love her (LOL!). She reminded me that I was not very patient for her to get done with the first book either.

I joined a book club at my local library, and it has been so much fun. I recommend others find a local book club to join. In mine, we come from all walks of life and have different views. But I love that we have so much fun discussing the various things we learned from the books we read. We recently discussed Susan Orlean's book, The Library Book. It was an intriguing book and not something I would have chosen myself. Glad I did, though.

This book begins with a backstory on the author. She explained that when she was a child, she felt wonder and magic whenever she went to the library with her mother. She was transported into another world each time she picked up a book. Through the busyness of life, she lost that zeal for the library she had as a child. Her son needed to write a report about someone who worked in the city. He chose a librarian. So, she took him to the local library in Los Angeles. She learned the history of that library, but she also rediscovered her passion and love for the library. She decided to write a book about its history and discovered a story about a fire that occurred over 30 years ago and remains unsolved today. She explains in the book the importance of the library. She said it would be a shame if libraries did not exist anymore.

While writing this book, she went around the central library in Los Angeles, talked to each librarian, and saw their different jobs within the library. She saw how they provided a safe place for much of the community. So, this got me thinking about how the librarians at my library might feel about the library in our community. I decided to ask a few.

• I spoke with Rose Marie (librarian) and asked why she loved the library. She said that if you consider the library a community, it can paint a different picture of what it could be to so many people. It might be a building, but it is so much more. She said there are so many different ways to tell a story. Whether through a book, storytelling, computers, or various programs they offer. When I spoke to her you could see the excitement in her eyes and hear the passion as she spoke. She loves the library and loves to help people.

After we were done, I asked her if she thought anyone would be willing to talk to me about their love for the library. She said we could ask.

• I spoke to S. Carroll (the Regional Branch Manager for my local library). He told me a story about a scar he received at the library. When he was younger, he was excited to visit the library. He was running, tripped on his shoestring, and hit his head on a shelf. He has the scar today, although it was not very visible. He smiled as he told that story, so the library has a special meaning to him despite the scar. He mentioned that he did not grow up with a lot, and the library was a warm and safe space he could come to. He shared with me the mission of the library: To enrich lives and build community through opportunities to learn, discover, create, and connect. He said he thought of himself as a community builder. Community is significant to him. He sees the library as a place where people from different walks of life can connect and have conversations. He saw this as a way for us all to grow as people. He said the library helps in big and small ways in the community. They started working with the Kids Aid program, which provides food bags for the weekend. Families can pick them up when they need help with food. He told me they give out 50-100 bags. He said he feels the library is a great equalizer for socioeconomics. They help so many people with so many different programs: Assisting people to get their GEDs, helping people with citizenship tests, and I know they offer help with technology. There is a teen club where they can gather, hang out, and meet new people. I see so many different ways the library helps our community. I told him I love the book club and Wendy, who runs it. I informed him one of the things I enjoyed was that everyone there was from different seasons and walks of life. We all have different political views and faiths, but we can sit around and discuss a book and have an enjoyable time. It is great when we can talk civilly to each other about different ideas. I also enjoy the various perspectives that each person brings. He told me that tolerance for everyone is promoted at the library. I could also see his love and passion for the library.

I appreciated their willingness to share their thoughts about the library and what made it unique to them. At my library, they have such kind and considerate librarians. They are always available and willing to help anyone who has a question. I began to consider how I felt about the library and reading books. The following is a description I want to leave you with.

In the quiet corners of libraries, where the scent of old paper mingles with the hushed whispers of readers, there exists a magic unlike any other. It's a magic woven from ink and imagination, binding generations together across time and space. The love for reading transcends mere words; it's an affair of the heart, a dance with characters who become confidantes and plots that unravel the mysteries of existence. As we turn the final pages, we leave the library's embrace. Yet, its enchantment lingers--a promise that every book holds a universe waiting to be explored, and every reader is a traveler on an endless journey. So, let us cherish these sanctuaries of knowledge, these portals to other realms, for within their walls, the ordinary becomes extraordinary, and the mundane transforms into wonder.