TEN REASONS TO LOVE YOUR LIBRARY

by Randye Kaye, author, speaker and audiobook narrator

It's National Library Week! Do you have a library card? Do you use it?

No matter how connected you feel when the world seems to be at our fingertips (if those fingers are holding a smart phone), nothing can replace the treasure that is your local library. There you find so much more than books - it can become an oasis of pleasure and connection in the middle of any stressful day.

I used to travel around the country, leading seminars that were often scheduled in five cities in five days. If I was lucky, sometimes I only drove an hour or so to the next booking; and, if so, the first place I looked for – after checking into my hotel – was the local library. There is no better place to feel at home than among fellow learners. Plus – unlike tourist attractions – this was all about the locals. Each library was unique. Some had reading areas around a fireplace, others just institutional tables and chairs. But there is where your intellectual – and, sometimes, emotional –batteries can be recharged beautifully.

Haven't been there lately? Your library is a treasure waiting for you.

Ten reasons to visit:

1. Inspiration. You’re surrounded by some of the greatest minds in history – at your fingertips. Walk in. The sheer amount of material is enough to inspire. Any subject, any question, and idea you may want to explore – it’s all right there. And not just the latest bestsellers; you’ll find volumes there that Barnes & Noble could never carry. Ages of wisdom! For instance, on the self-help shelves, you’ll find advice from great minds from years, decades, even centuries ago. All sounds remarkably the same as recent stuff, too. Hmmm.
2. Rules. No, it’s not your grandmother’s library. No severe “shushing” librarians. But people know the rules. It’s about respect, and nice manners. No cell phones ringing, either. Peace and quiet: Priceless. 
3. Single focus is possible. The last time I was in a dentist’s waiting room, the TV was on, with a constant stream of chatter from one of the 24-hour news channels. And – believe it or not – the radio was also on. At the same time! Can you say “brain overload”? I couldn’t wait to get into the dentist’s chair, just to get out of that room. Your library may be the only place left in the world where there is no soundtrack, no ticker tape news in the background. You can hear yourself think.
4. You can take books home. For free. Uh. Yeah. You knew that, right? And not only books – CDs, back issues of magazines, DVDs (the educational ones are usually free), even artwork. For years, when my children were small, we had a special picture hook in the living room for a piece of art we’d choose together in the library, and enjoy until it was due back. Rotating art. Still free.
5. Deadlines. Okay, admit it. How many books are on your shelf, stacked by your bed, even still in the bag with the receipt? You’ll get around to reading them “someday.” But – if the book has a due date, you’ll usually read it – or at least make a decision about whether you really want to read it or not. There are only three reasons I usually finish a book – especially nonfiction. One, it’s too compelling to put down; two, my book club meets in two days; three, it’s due at the library tomorrow. Deadlines are inspiring.
6. It’s a community center, too. Check it out! Movie nights, classes on writing, book clubs, lectures, play readings, and more. Check the library's website or local papers (still get them?). And now that I have three toddlers in my life, the children's library is a favorite destination. Free. Other kids to play with. Surrounded by books, toys, and often music or craft classes.
7. Used book sales. Oh, yes. Most libraries sponsor these, and they’re so much fun. And, at those prices, you can buy them, read them - and donate them back when you’re done.
8. Oasis. One of my best friends goes to the library simply to have a break from the demands of being at home with her testosterone-filled family of husband and sons. It’s a mini-vacation for her. I like it too – and so much easier to read People in a comfy armchair instead of on line at the supermarket.
9. Real live people go there. At the library, you are surrounded by fellow seekers: people who read, who look for answers, and enjoy the presence of other humans. And – just for the joy of it – you can also visit the children’s section and watch the kids play.
10. Expertise. Your librarians know a lot. Try them. Research librarians are amazing resources. Ask them questions; it’ll save time and frustration, and the answers come with a smile too.

Oh, and (have I already said this?) it’s all free. The peace, the knowledge, the solitude, the company; the books and all the rest. Try it – even one hour a week. You’ll be hooked – or at least I hope you will. The world waits for you at your local library. Use it, support it, teach your children about its pleasures. It’s your tax dollars at work, in the best possible way.

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Randye Kaye has just found out she's a "multipotentialite" - actor, author, speaker, voice talent, radio personality, podcast host, teacher. Her book, Ben Behind His Voices: One Family's Journey from the Chaos of Schizophrenia to Hope (Rowman and Littlefield) is available on Amazon - and, of course, at your local library. www.randyekaye.com. A version of this article was reprinted by the American Library Association in 2011.