Published in the Westchester Guardian, July 2014
“A library outranks any other one thing a community can do to benefit its people. It is a never failing spring in the desert.” Andrew Carnegie.
There are a few places still existing where one can escape the world without costing you a small fortune. For many it is a place to meet friends, quietly of course, read, listen and view the latest in entertainment. For me, it was a place to rebuild a foundation from a life thrown into disorder by illness. A safe haven where I could build some structure. Today it’s still a place offering comfort through its many variable opportunities and activities for those in recovery, seniors, the unemployed, immigrants, teen, students, children, etc. All you need is a library card. Rita Mae Brown – “When I got my library card, that’s when my life began.”
Recovery from illness is a scary, apprehensive time. There are always triggers that may set you back. The days after hospitalization does not mean healing has occurred and one is free to return to a ‘normal’ life, but rather one is now somewhat stabilized and it’s time to expose the mind and self to the real world with its cold harsh realities including unfortunately – people. Not all people of course, just the ones who don’t know you. Therapist and doctors always recommend some form of daily structure evolved around activities – hopefully, eventually a volunteer position or a paying job. My local library opened a new world for healing.
The library offers many activities and events enabling one to make the best of their free time. Being home and possibly alone will definitely not open this wonderful, surprising world in which we live. And it’s not just books being offered, but a grand variety of items available just for the asking. It’s worth the time to experience your local branch. Home is a safe haven for most, but it comes with temptations and distractions, that before you know it, a day, a month and a lifetime have been fretted away. Television is not always entertaining and at times it is nothing more than a plug-in drug that will keep you from growing and encountering life.
I’ve always enjoyed being surrounded by books, the feel of the pages, the knowledge intoned on that paper, the history, stories encapsulated in so many volumes of such variety. There is a gold mine of material to distract the mind from the horrors on mental illness. I needed some place to be, with something to do. It was a great match. The daily tasks either suited the analytical side of my brain or enabled me to clear out unwanted thoughts, kept the mind busy and tired me out. Every item I properly shelved gave a sense of satisfaction of making life a little easier for someone trying to find that right movie, civil service practice test book, job hunting guide or magazine. Initially, a volunteer, I felt useful for the first time in years. The illness of course did not disappear, but the work was nevertheless a small step forward and made life slightly more palatable. .
Your local public library offers volumes in entertainment. Obviously books, videos and music in variable formats are offered. You also can listen to music, watch a movie, down load music, e-books, all for free. Additionally, available are the resources of every public library in Westchester County – all 38 of them. If your desired material is located in another branch, no problem. It will be shipped to your location. It’s a place that’s cool in the summer and warm in the winter. A place to hang out, peacefully, quietly, civilly, without the temptations to spend money as you experience in the mall. And don’t forget those book sales, quality items at bargain prices. Then there are the theaters offering first-rate entertainment. There are classes and courses offering computer training, language skills, yoga, tutoring, and so on. (In 2012 there were 26,348 sponsored programs.) Just ask, for questions bring knowledge. “Libraries are reservoirs of strength, grace and wit, reminders of order, calm and continuity, lakes of mental energy, neither warm nor cold, light nor dark…. In any library in the world, I am at home, unselfconscious, still and absorbed.” Germaine Greer
The whole notion of a library challenges our culture and economic system. It’s a place to be free, to learn without monetary or social constraints. Everyone is of equal standing.
The Westchester Library System (WLS), for 2012, the last year of complete statistics, have 3,833,961 books for all ages and 954,916 non-book material available for circulation. There were over 480,000 cardholders in Westchester out of a population of approximately 960,000. There were 7,400,000 visitors with over 8.6 million checkouts of books, DVDs, magazines, audiobooks and so on. Factor in those attending classes plus those browsing or reading the daily newspaper and you have a community center that holds an important place in so many lives. “Libraries store the energy that fuels the imagination. They open up windows to the world and inspire us to explore and achieve, and contribute to improving our quality of life.” Sidney Sheldon
Always get to know your librarians. They are there to serve you, make your stay as enjoyable as possible and introduce you to a world of art, music, film, etc. They are friendly professionals with specialized advanced degrees who deserve your respect and will show respect in return. Obey the rules. They are there to enhance your experience. Remember, it is not a shelter but a learning, entertainment and community center. The best bargain around.
“Without libraries what have we? We have no past and no future.” Ray Bradbury.
In 2004, I needed someplace that was secure, comfortable and afforded structure for my recovery. A lot has changed in the ten years since I started working there, but the stabilizing effect and the gratitude of the opportunity has not been lost nor forgotten. And I met some wonderful people.
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Glenn Slaby Blog