I love the library. Yup, I said it. In 2015 I still go to the library every single week.
real conversation:
Me: I’m going to the library.
Alberti: The library? What do you do there?
I know I can buy eBooks or audio books anywhere, but I still prefer the library.
1) I’m surrounded by people who like to do what I do, read;
2) I love the physical presence of books;
3) I love the feeling of the library community (yay librarians!!!);
4) I love that the resources at the library are free! And I want to support the library system.
I’ve had a love affair with books for as long as I can remember. My mom is a playwright, so our home was filled to the brim with books. Whenever I said I was bored my mom said, “go read a book.” So I did. And I haven’t stopped. I probably read a book and a half a week. At that rate, you can understand why I don’t buy every book I read. And since I’ve moved around a lot, I didn’t want to lug all of those books around either. So what’s the answer? The library! Getting a library card is always one of my first pieces of business after a move.
You’ll always find library books in my home. One is always on my night side table, because no matter what time I go to sleep; I have to do a little reading first. Opening a book is like getting on an amusement park ride. I can’t see the middle or the end, but I’m buckled in, holding on tight, and holding my breath for whatever comes next. I travel places, learn about different cultures, meet thousands of people, and feel the ups and downs and various textures of the characters’ lives. I love it. Can’t do without it. Reading is fun!
When it comes to fun, Theodor Geisel tops my list. Yes, I know he’s Dr. Seuss. Yes, I know he writes children’s books. Yes, he still tops my list. I say his name and just start smiling, don’t you? Come on!!!...The Cat in the Hat, The Grinch Who Stole Christmas, Green Eggs and Ham, The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins, The King’s Stilts, and so many more. I still give “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” to every graduate I know (and some folks who are simply embarking on a new adventure).
It’s Dr. Seuss’ birthday today. So really this is a thank you note. Dr. Seuss is one of the reasons why I love to read. His colorful, fanciful, super-duper-diggable books made me fall in love, in love with books, and libraries.
Happy Birthday, and thank you Dr. Seuss!
-Rachel