Read Any Good Books Lately?
As you may know, I spent much of the past month of April on the road…giving talks in nine different cities, finishing up this past weekend…and about half of those were in public libraries in towns ranging from Tabor to Bondurant, and Lake View to Shenandoah.
And I am happy to note that at least from my viewpoint, the public libraries in our small cities and towns are alive and vibrant…which I think bodes well for the next generation.
Of course, they take on different roles than when I grew up…there aren’t just books there, but also computers and DVDs. They also often have very nice meeting rooms, as these libraries often become the sites of community meetings and events. They have nice kitchen facilities and meeting rooms with the best in technology.
Now I knew all this from my limited sampling of very nice libraries near where I live. But to see it in town after town, in virtually all areas of the state, gave me some hope.
Some served punch, lemonade, and coffee…along with some very tasty cookies and bars made by either the staff or the local friends of the library group. And all the attendees were interested and engaged.
And other than taking a few photos as the visitor spoke…or trying to show me something in conversation afterwards…there was nary a smartphone in sight—audience members turned them off and stowed them away without fail, and without acting like they could not stand being without the device for a second.
So to those who work in an age of diversion coming from all sides, praise for those who keep the good local library going in our great Iowa small towns. Those buildings have always changed lives, particularly of young people…and it’s good to see that tradition continue.
