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Posts Tagged ‘libraries’

I Say Yes

Posted in Likes, Other, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 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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Photo by Christian Garcia on Unsplash

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Wait, Wait, Wait, Wait. What?

Posted in Other, tagged , , , , on April 24, 2024| Leave a Comment »

I had no idea that growing up in a library was an option. Here, something to watch while I question my family’s life choices;)

The Temple of Knowledge – YouTube

Ronald Clark’s father was custodian of a branch of the New York Public Library at a time when caretakers, along with their families, lived in the buildings. With his daughter, Jamilah, Ronald remembers literally growing up in a library, creeping down to the stacks in the middle of the night when curiosity gripped him. A story for anyone who’s ever dreamt of having unrestricted access to books.

— via The Kid Should See This

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Photo by Janesca on Unsplash

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Glad You’re Here

Posted in Entertainment, Writing, tagged , , , , , on February 20, 2024| Leave a Comment »

It is Freedom to Read Week here in Canada. What is it, you may ask?

Welcome to Freedom to Read

Freedom to Read Week is an annual event that encourages Canadians to think about and reaffirm their commitment to intellectual freedom.

Well, I am all about that. The more readers in the world, the better.

And while we’re on the topic, if you happen to live in a place where access to books is not what it could be, allow me to introduce you to the Open Library. 

Open Library is free and open to anyone. Some features require that you have an Open Library account.

Have an email address? You’re in.

And welcome. We’re glad you’re here.

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Photo by Sanjeevan SatheesKumar on Unsplash

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L Marks the Spot

Posted in Other, tagged , , , on January 16, 2024| Leave a Comment »

I’ve often talked about the general excellence of libraries. Today I’d like to make a specific comment, and it’s not even about books.

Sad news: Mr Man is still not feeling great.

Good news: He was able to get a same-day appointment with our doctor. 

But. 

Our doctor will only see symptomatic patients if you have a negative Covid test in hand. Ok, fine, I guess. Our health care providers and system have been under massive pressure for years. 

Except. 

The holidays cooked up a stew of respiratory illnesses and a significant portion of Ottawa’s Capital Region is down for the count. Our wastewater numbers are right up there with the highest levels since tracking started in 2020. Finding cough medicine has become the equivalent of a treasure hunt. And finding a Covid rapid test? That’s more like the Holy Grail. 

None of the pharmacies I called had any tests in stock. They’d be happy to schedule us for Covid boosters, but we already have those. Our local health unit should have tests but is halfway across the city.

Where to find a rapid test? The library came through for us. Not just a home for books and music, maker spaces and digital resources, the library is also bringing this now necessary resource into our neighborhoods.

I walked into our local branch to find a stack of rapid tests on a table by the door. The librarian couldn’t see my grin under my mask, but it was there.

And good news! Mr Man’s test is negative and now he can get the healthcare he needs.

Thanks, library. You saved the day.

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Photo by JACQUELINE BRANDWAYN on Unsplash

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Who Needs Libraries? Everyone

Posted in Favorites, Other, Writing, tagged , , , , , , on May 18, 2023| Leave a Comment »

Like many of you, I love libraries. Like, a lot:

Run, Don’t Walk | J.R. Johnson

Passport to Wonders | J.R. Johnson

Keys to the Universe | J.R. Johnson

Inquiring Minds Want to Know | J.R. Johnson

Books Neverending | J.R. Johnson

Keys to the Universe | J.R. Johnson

Lovely Libraries | J.R. Johnson

What Now? Check Out a Ukulele at the Library | J.R. Johnson

I don’t love that some people are trying to control what others can read in libraries. If this is happening in your neighborhood, what can you do?

How to Protect Your Local Library From Book Ban Campaigns – Bloomberg

Library boards, school boards and legislatures are becoming battlegrounds in a push to censor books. Communities are fighting back.

I was also glad to see this policy on Intellectual Freedom And Controversial Material at my childhood library: 

The libraries have a responsibility to serve all segments of the county. Materials useful to some may be objectionable to others.  Selections are based solely on the merits of the work in relation to building the collections and to serving the interests of readers. The libraries attempt to represent all sides of controversial issues. Their function is to provide information, not to advocate specific points of view.

Reading preferences are a purely individual matter; while anyone is free to personally reject books and other materials, this right cannot be exercised to restrict the freedom to others.

Library materials will not be marked or identified to show approval or disapproval of the contents, and no cataloged item will be placed on closed shelves, except for the express purpose of protecting it from injury or theft. Items may be placed on temporary reserve for specific class assignment or projects.

Responsibility for what children and young adults read and view rests with their parents’ and/or legal guardians. Selections will not be inhibited by the possibility that controversial materials may come into the possession of children or young adults.

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Photo by Marissa Daeger on Unsplash

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Passport to Wonders

Posted in Writing, tagged , , , , , , on January 20, 2023| 1 Comment »

“Libraries are a force for good. They wear capes. They fight evil. They don’t get upset when you don’t send them a card on their birthdays. (Though they will charge you if you’re late returning a book.) They serve communities. The town without a library is a town without a soul. The library card is a passport to wonders and miracles, glimpses into other lives, religions, experiences, the hopes and dreams and strivings of ALL human beings, and it is this passport that opens our eyes and hearts to the world beyond our front doors, that is one of our best hopes against tyranny, xenophobia, hopelessness, despair, anarchy, and ignorance. Libraries are the torch of the world, illuminating the path when it feels too dark to see. We mustn’t allow that torch to be extinguished.”

― Libba Bray

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Photo by Ran Ding on Unsplash

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Books Neverending

Posted in Entertainment, Likes, Writing, tagged , , , , , , , , , on August 21, 2021| 1 Comment »

In my roles as a writer and as a person, I read a lot. Some books I purchase, but many I access through my local library. How great is that?*

So I just spent a non-zero amount of time writing a little AppleScript to automagically run a search in any of the four area library systems that share e-book resources. 

Was it necessary? No. I could click through my library portal and into each separate library system for every book I want to check, one stodgy button at a time. Ho hum.

Does this script save time and my wrists and open up new worlds of possibilities?

Yes.

Was it fun to make?

Also yes:)

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I know, it’s a store, not a library. But she’s having so much fun! Photo by Ying Ge on Unsplash

* I love books, and I’m lucky enough to live in a society that supports public libraries. In fact, I made a modest donation to my local library the other day, and hope it helps bring just a little more literacy and knowledge and enjoyment to my city.

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Lovely Libraries

Posted in Writing, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on April 20, 2016| 1 Comment »

Last week was National Library Week in the U.S. I’m coming to it late* but as far as I’m concerned, most weeks should involve a library:) Why, you may ask? So many reasons! And for those of us North of the Border, stay tuned because October is Canadian Library Month!

Without libraries what have we? We have no past and no future.
— Ray Bradbury

NLW-banner_0

 

* I blame a hectic work schedule but mostly the glorious backlog of library books on my shelves, just waiting to be read:)

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What Now? Check Out a Ukulele at the Library

Posted in Entertainment, Likes, tagged , , , , , , , , on February 12, 2016| 1 Comment »

What’s this, what’s this? Libraries that will let you check out musical instruments plus have a librarian trained to help patrons with the tricky bits? That’s something I like.

Pennsylvania Libraries Will Let You Check Out a Ukulele
There’s a strange sound emerging from some Pennsylvania libraries. It’s not the sound of pages turning or scanners scanning—it’s the distinctive dainty, nimble strum that comes from a ukulele.

Even in the age of the internet libraries are incredible resources, and this just adds to the awesome. Not that I play ukelele, but that’s kind of the point. Libraries let you sample a wide variety of knowledge, experience, and perspectives. Yesterday a Moroccan cookbook, today space opera, tomorrow ukelele:)

How great is that?

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Keys to the Universe

Posted in Likes, Writing, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , on August 20, 2014| 1 Comment »

The very existence of libraries affords the best evidence that we may yet have hope for the future of man.
― T.S. Eliot
I’ve just discovered a lovely series by NPR on libraries. It’s ongoing but there are already close to a dozen pieces on the role libraries play in society, how they are transforming to meet new needs (disaster preparedness, anyone?) and the challenges they face in this new century.
Also, I had no idea that not all states supported public libraries. Srsly?

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