I am sharing here a wonderful letter in support of a library in Wales, written by the author and illustrator Jackie Morris. Jackie posted this letter on her blog, "The balance of life as an artist and illustrator living in Wales; or how to avoid housework."
Jackie gives a lovely plea for a library which is slated to be relocated to a "parking lot". (?!) I think you will be moved by her defense of libraries just as I am. I just had to share this. Libraries play such an important role for children, and I know many people who remember the library as a "bridge" for them to a larger world.
If you click on the link below, you will be able to read Jackie's post.
A Library
10 comments:
Thanks for sharing this. The library is in England. Not one I have ever been to, but I will go if it is still there and survives the council decision. The thing is that although I don't use this library and although my children don't there are many many who do. Just because it is not directly of concern to me does not mean that I should stand by and watch and do nothing. I hope the people who love and use it can continue to do so. I hope it carries on changing lives the way my ;library in Evesham did when I was young.
Jackie,
Thank you for visiting, and your comment. I agree that it is important not to stand by when something moves us to speak up.
You have provided an invaluable contribution just by speaking up for the people who use this library, especially the children.
Thanks for the information about where the library is - for some reason I thought it was in Wales. :)
Brenda
Libraries are my favorite places to visit. When I was young and walking back and forth to school every day, I had to pass the library. Need I tell you I rarely just passed by.....
neat post Brenda.
Hugs
Thanks for sharing Brenda. I have left a comment on Jackie's blog. Unfortunately here, libraries seem to have become a place where people go and rent DVDs rather than check out books. If you can read, you can do anything.
Ann
You find the most interesting things, Brenda. Thanks for the link. I can't imagine not going to the library, can you? Even with my Kindle, I make regular visits. I don't know about the ones in your area, but our town library is busier than ever, with all the activities and the available computers, besides thousands of books, lots of movies and music on cd's and all the aid they offer the community.
Teri,
My first memory of the library was a book trailer that visited a strees just down from our house on Mullin Avenue, and I remember borrowing Curious George, and Babar picture books. I remember feeling strangely empowered as I walked among the shelves in what must have been quite a small trailer.
Here in our city we've had struggles to keep the small neighbourhood libraries open over the past ten years, and fortunately they have stayed open. They are always busy, and especially well used by the children of the inner city areas for homework clubs, etc.
Brenda
Ann,
I'm glad you visited Jackie's blog, as I find her posts lvely and so interesting.
I enjoy learning about life in Wales, it seems like such a wonderful place to live.
You are right on, about this, reading is such an empowering tool!
Here our downtown library has the most wonderful Children's Library, on the entire lower level, and the librarians are childrens' librarians skilled in helping children in their research, and homework; and in storytelling, and puppet shows. This library also has a play section where children can play with toys, and this makes a nice introduction to the library for preschoolers. I have taken my young preschoolers to this library quite abit over the years, and it is a blessing really, to find a place where children can explore and be welcomed.
Brenda
Sandy,
Thanks, I remember you had a nice post several months ago remembering a library. I agree, libraries are such a vital institution, and maybe we tke them for granted until threatened with their closure.
Funny, just recently, when I've started borrowing books from the library again rather than downloading them to the Kindle, I've been really enjoying the experience of the book itself. I still do use the Kindle too, and think it's another great way to read...but maybe if I'd never had the chance to borrow books as a child at the library, I just wouldn't be much of a reader today.
We really shouldn't underestimate the power of books to change children's lives.
Brenda
Brenda, I came back for a visit again. Our main library downtown has a wonderful children's section with the kindest librarians and fun areas for kids of all ages.
Reading was such a priority in our house when I was growing up and I am grateful my parents instilled the love of books and learning in me. My kids have the same thirst for knowledge and love to read in spite of the love of electronic devices as well. However, even they, as you and I know, inspire reading (through our Kindles) and gather knowledge. But reading a book is a skill each young child must master, I feel in order to me successful in school and in life. Ann
Hi, Ann,
Thanks for dropping by again.
I think childrens' librarians are a special group of people indeed!
It's nice to hear about the childrens' library in your city!
I haven't had a chance to visit blogs today, as I have been out on errands, and am down with a miserable summer cold, with a sore throat that feels like the start of strep.
However, it is a treat to turn on my computer and find that TBL, has dropped in!
Cheers!
Brenda
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