At the library: Leaving a mystical place

Call me cheesy, but the library is a mystical place. From the hundreds or thousands of books propped on towering bookcases, the tall windows featuring designs of the latest summer reading season, the skylight pouring sunlight onto the first and second floor, the massive globe on the second floor, and people helping people with their day.

From the mother showing her kids around to find books they like, the people talking animatedly about an author or series they love, the clacking of keyboards, and the newly plastic-wrapped books lined together on shelves. The library is a city within a city. I sometimes feel books are alive despite how mundane and blocky they appear at first. As an avid reader, the characters and worlds I acquaint myself within the books feel as real as the world around me. I believe the world sleeps but books are awake and their truths live forever.

The library has gone through drastic changes over the months, but nothing has lowered the spirits and hopes the staff spreads. Every day, librarians greet patrons with smiles (even if they don't see it under the masks) as they help them with computers and bring them books and movies! I'm glad for having had the opportunity to work with a great team, especially one that shares and supports my love for reading and writing. This made work all the better despite these past months.

The next stage in my life will be gargantuan compared to what I have experienced thus far but the memories and lessons are nothing short of unforgettable. College classes are drawing near and my last day as a library page is just around the corner.

Though things are not like how they were before, I will miss the library and its staff. The library continues to go through stages of reopening and I deeply respect how hardworking the staff is to accommodate patrons around circumstances, even going out of their way in doing so. Their dedication in providing quality service is something I look up to and am proud to have been a part of. I'm excited to study in a career field where I can further help people. The work ethic and skills I acquired through being a library page will be carried in my college field and future endeavors.