Whee, I just realized that our library has added two new libraries to its partner system and now I can haz alllll the books!
(Seriously, I can now check out something like 75 books at one time. I won’t, but I could!)
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Archive for the ‘Likes’ Category
This Is Excellent
Posted in Likes, Other, Writing, tagged #365Ways, #365Ways2025, inspiration, Thoughts, Writers, writing on October 3, 2025| Leave a Comment »
I Say Yes
Posted in Likes, Other, tagged #365Ways, #365Ways2025, books, creativity, free reads, innovation, inspiration, libraries, library, national treasures, news, NPR, public libraries, reading, Thoughts on May 2, 2025| Leave a Comment »
I love libraries. Growing up, our local library was a great place to study, read, or wait for the bus, and was a never-ending source of new and interesting information. I’ve moved away but still donate, because I want others to enjoy the benefits I had. Libraries are idea repositories, the physical embodiment of one of humanity’s most impressive accomplishments: the preservation and dissemination of knowledge. The real genius of our current iteration of this concept, however, is that we made so many of our libraries free.
Once upon a time, only the rich could afford books. (Heck, for a long time, few could read at all. And while we’re here, feel free to take a quick detour into the world of traditional bookbinding.)
Now, we all benefit when we all learn.
To those who say that the world is worse than ever? I give you public spaces filled with the magic of ideas, free for the borrowing.
Libraries are a great source for reading material but can also supply music, movies, information, classes, tools, seeds, eclipse glasses, museum passes, fishing poles, a taxidermied sandhill crane, or help with your taxes.
How cool is that?
Why am I talking about libraries? Because PBS has a new documentary about the evolution of the public library system in the US, and it got me thinking. Here’s a review from another national treasure, NPR:
‘Free For All’ review: This library documentary is worth checking out
…this documentary ends up covering all sorts of ground. The historical beginnings of American libraries, with nods to Ben Franklin and Andrew Carnegie. The growth and importance of tiny branches in rural communities. And, at each stop, a focus on individual libraries, librarians and everyday patrons.
Those in the US can watch the full film here:
Free for All: The Public Library – Independent Lens
How public libraries shaped a nation and remain a beloved sanctuary for Americans today.
If you can’t access the film, here’s a bonus article:
10 Ways Public Libraries Make Our Lives Better
Any answer must begin, of course, with books.
It asks, “With the internet putting a seemingly infinite supply of answers, arguments, and amusements at our fingertips, do we still need libraries?”
I say yes.
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Naught But Joy
Posted in Likes, Writing, tagged #365Ways, #365Ways2025, bright side, haiku, nature, Thoughts, writing on February 7, 2025| Leave a Comment »
Of all Nature’s gifts
Bright sun, warm rain, skies above…
You bring naught but joy.
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Changing for Good
Posted in Likes, tagged #365Ways, #365Ways2024, growth, kindness, service, Thoughts on August 12, 2024| Leave a Comment »
“Help others and give something back. I guarantee you will discover that while public service improves the lives and the world around you, its greatest reward is the enrichment and new meaning it will bring your own life.” —
The Terminator v.1Arnold Schwarzenegger* * *
Tuesday and Chill
Posted in Likes, Science!, tagged #365Ways, #365Ways2024, chill, Thoughts, Tuesdays on July 16, 2024| Leave a Comment »
On this hot day, here’s a little chill.
Relax to Mesmerizing Aerial Views of Iceland’s ‘Glacial Flour’ Pulsing Through Waterways — Colossal
As glaciers expand and recede, they have the capacity to grind rock so fine that geologists refer to the pulverized material as glacial flour. It slips down rivers and into lakes, carrying the otherworldly turquoise hue through a unique and resilient ecosystem. In Iceland, the blue-green color is complemented by rivers that flow yellow, thanks to sulfur from nearby volcanoes, or red from dissolved ferrous iron—also known as bog iron. Coursing over rock and black sand, the streams take on dazzling, rhythmic patterns.
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Going Far
Posted in Likes, tagged #365Ways, #365Ways2023, inspiration, Thoughts on December 3, 2023| Leave a Comment »
“For me, I am driven by two main philosophies: know more today about the world than I knew yesterday and lessen the suffering of others. You’d be surprised how far that gets you.”
― Neil deGrasse Tyson
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A Good Tuesday
Posted in Likes, tagged #365Ways, #365Ways2023, helping, kittens, Thoughts on November 28, 2023| Leave a Comment »
Today is Giving Tuesday, which is a reminder for me to support groups doing good work on issues I care about. For me, that usually means local animal charities like the one that rescues neighborhood kittens, food banks (for people and animals), and other groups that help people who need it. If you’re able to donate but aren’t quite sure where to start, this article might help:
Giving Tuesday: How to donate with purpose and intention
Cash is always helpful, of course, but donations can also be goods, time, service or support. And while I can’t save every kitten or cure every cataract or buy every child a book or feed every family, I can join others who care about those issues to help the groups who do.
And that’s what I call a good day.
“I’m convinced of this: Good done anywhere is good done everywhere. For a change, start by speaking to people rather than walking by them like they’re stones that don’t matter. As long as you’re breathing, it’s never too late to do some good.”
— Maya Angelou
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Exactly This
Posted in Likes, tagged #365Ways, #365Ways2023, Thoughts on November 25, 2023| Leave a Comment »
My mom sent me this quote and while I haven’t found a reliable attribution, it’s been around for years. So it’s not new, but it does capture my feelings about so much.
I want a simple life. I want to get up late, drink tea, and read old books. I also want a spaceship and a pet dragon.
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True Strength
Posted in Likes, tagged #365Ways, #365Ways2023, art, inspiration, Thoughts on November 17, 2023| Leave a Comment »
“It is good to love many things, for therein lies the true strength, and whosoever loves much performs much, and can accomplish much, and what is done in love is well done.”
― Vincent Van Gogh
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Caution: Wet Paint
Posted in Likes, Science!, tagged #365Ways, #365Ways2023, @CornellBirds, art, birds, science, Thoughts on November 16, 2023| Leave a Comment »
John Oliver’s recent shenanigans in New Zealand’s Bird of the Century contest has me thinking about birds, and I remembered this site from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
This interactive mural showcases 270 of the interesting birds around us. Zoom in and click to learn more about each species. And if New Zealand’s competition wasn’t enough for you, you can vote for your favorites.
I enjoy a lot of these birds (the Drongo, Lilac-breasted Roller, Hoopoe, puffins!), but the Blue-footed Booby looks like it took a wrong turn and missed the “Caution: Wet Paint” sign. Delightful.
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