Local Saturday-A Library Valentine

Last Saturday, I visited the local Johnson City, New York public library.

February 2017

Two years ago I blogged about this library and admitted that I rarely visited it.  It's small, and it isn't (sorry) in the best location.  I did visit a couple of other libraries in our area - we are fortunate to have several,

Times change.  Needs change.

When my developmentally disabled brother in law moved up here later in 2015, we found Your Home library was a good fit for him.  We took him there for a few months.  Then, I found it is just the right size for me when I want to find some good things to read without a lot of effort.

Like last Saturday.

One thing this library has is a beautiful sun room, where they display books recommended by librarians and others. Can you resist this room?  Be honest.

See that display in the middle?  Here is part of it, close up.  Even full size, I know it is hard to read.  But you can see a display of "mystery books", each described on a Valentine cut out. (Sorry, I can't make it bigger.)

A sign invited readers to choose a book, so I did.

I took my wrapped choice, and my other selections, to the circulation desk.  I received a surprise there.

My other books were checked out.  Then, still in the wrapper, the clerk handed the wrapped book back to me.

"It's yours to keep", the checkout clerk said.  "Take all the time you want.  If you like it, keep it.  If you don't want to keep it, feel free to donate it back to the library."

Wasn't that sweet?  This small Your Home Library gave ME a Valentine!  The best kind, too (next to chocolate - spouse, don't get any strange ideas.)

From the description on the Valentine of my book, I suspect I know what book it is.  I don't own it, and I haven't read it in a long time (if it is the book I think it is) but it was the book that turned me on to alternate history.  If so, what a gift.

It also reminded me that it's been a while since my brother in law with autism, "B", asked to go to the library.

Now, if you have a public library in your area, it's your turn.  It's easy to give a library a Valentine back.

Take books, DVD's, audiobook, or other items they lend out (our local libraries' funding somewhat depends on the volume of use). Return them on time, without damage.  Take advantage of their programs-if yu have children or grandchildren, take them to story time.  It's one of the best gifts you can give a young person.  Shop at their library book sales.

Also know that libraries do so much more than lend books.  They help people look for work.  They provide databases that would cost money if we subscribed to them ourselves.  They provide Internet to people who can't afford it otherwise.  Some even lend seeds (although ours no longer does).

Support your local library.  It's always there for you, but that may not be true one day.

What was your most memorable gift book?