Why Libraries Matter
And how losing them sucks
I was watching Only Murders in the Building (Martin Short is fantastic) before sleeping during my off-watch and they mentioned going to the library and it got me musing about how I used to love going to my local library. Walking around the shelves, seeing what books would take my fancy. Asking the librarian what new books the library might have received. It was magical place, full of wonder, a place that transported me to so many different worlds, conjured up from the imaginations of all these different authors. This was amazing for a young lad (8-14) who loved fantasy realms and sci-fi settings. You just never knew what book would jump out at you next. How often have we watched a film where our beautiful heroine or handsome hero walk down the different aisles, running her or his finger over the spines of the books on the shelves? One of my more fond memories is getting to the library early one summers morning where I discovered “Magician” by Raymond E Feist. I took that book to the beach (I know, I know. sacrilege), which is about 5 minutes from the library, settled myself down on the sand and just devoured that book.
There was a quote I used in a previous article which I’ll repeat here. “A man who doesn’t read lives but one life. A man that does read, lives thousands.” I googled that quote this time and I discovered that I got it wrong. Shocker. Here’s the proper quote. “A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies. The man who never reads lives but one.” It was by George R.R. Martin in A Dance with Dragons. I love that quote because I believe that it’s so true. I’ve been a wizard, a hero, a necromancer, a knight, a rogue, a warrior, a smuggler, a Jedi, a Sith a Primarch, a superhero, a villain.
Anyways, a few year ago, esteemed newspapers like The Guardian (I’m joking of course) and the BBC (I don’t pay the licence) and others pushed out articles (1) (2) about the closures of almost 800 libraries in the UK since 2010. Now they were very correct in the matter that it is not a good thing for these libraries to close. Unfortunately they dedicated most of their articles to bashing the Conservative Party about it (rightly so) but didn’t seem to want to mention what the loss of these libraries meant to certain groups of people other than those that would lose their jobs.
As a young lad (during the 90’s) I would have been devastated if my local library had been closed. Whilst I had books at home (my mother has first edition Harry Potters which I will steal one day) I had obviously read them all. My monthly trips to the library to collect and return a months’ worth of books was a great way for me and my father to bond. He knew what I would like but would often suggest books out of left field to expand my knowledge. Whilst I was a good swimmer (I swam competitively) I think it pleased him that I loved books so much, especially when It can be so hard to get kids interested in books, what with video games and the like.
I think it’s a true shame that libraries are closing here in the UK. I’m not sure how it is across the pond in the US so if you know then please comment below. Libraries offer so much beyond just books. They’re a place for youngsters like me to escape from the mundane world. I knew a couple of lads and lasses who went to the library, not to read, but to escape a less than ideal home life if you get my meaning. Think about the elderly, who don’t own modern tech like a Kindle but who use the library as a means to talk to other people because they live alone. What about the mums who would take their kids to the Saturday morning book reading club, giving the burnt out and exhausted mums that chance to have a cup of tea and peace and quiet for an hour whilst their little terrors were read Fantastic Mr. Fox or Georges Marvelous Medicine (I’m half joking here lol.) What about the poor, who can’t afford to buy books for their children, so rely on the library to expand their children’s imaginations and knowledge.
None of these groups of people were mentioned by the media. It’s a shame because if it had been highlighted then maybe more people would be inclined to help volunteer their time or donate money to nearby libraries, perhaps richer people would be more inclined to help donate. I swear that if I ever become super rich, I will do everything in my power to refurbish my local library.
I’m ashamed to say that I, in my own small way, have contributed to the decline in libraries. I don’t donate (I give to UK military charities) and own a kindle. The kindle is due to space being a premium on a warship. I have checked and it’s pleasing to hear that the library in my home town is still around, still surviving. When I next return to my hometown then maybe I’ll have a visit. If you read this then please consider the last time you visited your local library. Maybe consider going and taking the time to renew your card.
So why do libraries matter? To you, dear reader, they might not mean a great deal, but please think of the groups I mentioned above. I come to the end of this musing. Briefs to give to officers. I tell you what, I don’t lack for confidence talking in front of a crowd, that’s something the Navy has given me.
I hope I find you all happy and healthy
Vulkan
Janet recommended a poem. It’s a lovely little poem. Here’s the link. https://www.scottishpoetrylibrary.org.uk/poem/i-opened-book/
What a delightful read. Yes, libraries hold a special place in the hearts of those who were born before the Internet age or the smartphone age. This includes the older generations and millennials. Unfortunately, I am curious to see whether children born after 2000s ever got to properly experience a library in the traditional sense as they had their phones and ipads. It' s very sad no doubt to see libraries closing down, as it is such a strong cultural pillar.