A Typical Day in Utopia

Lately, there has been some talk about why the library is important to the community.  There are people who believe that since digital books are readily available for purchase, why have a building filled with paper books?  I can see that side of the argument, I’m an avid reader and purchase books on-line to read on my phone.  It’s convenient.  However, I still visit the library regularly because it provides so much more to the community than just books.  

To illustrate why a library is still important and relevant in a digital age, let me tell you about my last visit to the library at the end of December.  My grandson likes dragons, so we came to the library so he could check out Dragonriders of Pern by Anne McCaffery, a series I read when I was his age, 50 years ago.  Walking into the building we passed a Bible study group having a discussion outside.  After finding the book, I used the free internet to get some work done.  I reserved a James Baldwin book I was interested in, and then we had lunch at the café.  As we were eating, two groups of seniors were having quiet conversations and toddlers getting snacks after playing and reading in the children’s section were having some not-so-quiet conversations.

Before we left, I checked out the seed catalog and picked up some herbs to plant this spring.  On the way out, we passed a couple of unhoused people getting some rest and a break from the elements.  Although it didn’t happen on this day, my wife has used the teen space to tutor non-English speaking middle school students on Math and English.  On some occasions I’ve gone to the library to listen to live music, lectures, movies and to view art.  I plan on using the tax preparation service when it starts.  And finally, the library satisfies the human need to be around other humans, even if I don’t interact with all of them.

I’ve always been told the utopias are impossible fantasies.  And I will admit that coming to a library does not solve all of the problems people can face.  But I believe it is a glimpse into what a community can be. At the beginning of a new year, I would like to thank the staff and the friends for helping me imagine a better world.

Chuck Collins
FOL President