Magic of Libraries; Elves and the Shoemaker flannelboard

News & Views, December 2009 (mp3 file; 3.4 MB; 3:40 min.)
Magic of libraries; Elves & the Shoemaker flannelboard


The "official" Thanksgiving for this year is now past, but as we head into the holiday season I'm thinking of all the reasons I'm thankful for the work I do. With all the stresses we're all facing these days, it's a good time to "remember the magic."

I'm thankful for all of you, who are the ones who are really doing your magic for your patrons, every day. Whether or not they all acknowledge it or even realize it, they are lucky to have you to help them explore new worlds, grow their skills, find answers, or disappear into a good story for awhile.

We all came into our library roles for different reasons and in different ways, but I think we have all been captivated, during moments that on some days may seem rare, by the look of dawning understanding on a child's face when she realizes that she can read, or the wonder in children's eyes when they're listening to a good story, or the light in an older patron's eyes when you take the time to visit with him, or the "Hey!" greeting of recognition you get from a teenager when you see her on the street or in the store.

For many of us there's a comfortable sort of magic, mixed with anticipation, when we open a new book, or an old favorite. One of the things I have missed since I left the sphere of the public library is opening a box of new books--it's like holiday magic all over again...and again. And the joy of sharing those books and stories just adds to the magic.

Santa may be able to cover the world in a single night, but with what you do you can help people travel to the other side of the globe in an instant, too, through books or the web or videos.

Holidays are for sharing, and goodness knows that the world could use all the sharing and helping each other that we can muster. We, and our friends and neighbors all over, deserve to find some joy and peace, especially in these difficult times. The services you provide at the library--from computers and information to find a new job, to a smile on a really hard day, you are magic for the people who come through your doors--real or virtual. Thank you for all that you do.

We at SWILSA hope that you find joy and peace during the holiday season, and throughout the new year.