It all started with a library card

“Why would you do that?” was the response I received from a (well-meaning) friend when I announced that after retiring from the school district, I would be working at the local public library.

“Why wouldn’t I? I’ll be surrounded by books. Who wouldn’t love that?”

I really couldn’t quite wrap my head around who WOULDN’T love that.

My road to independence all started with a library card at age 10. I could walk to the library ALL BY MYSELF and look at all the books. You couldn’t talk without being LOUDLY shushed. And the THOUGHT of toys in the library for little ones? Nope. That type of idea was as far fetched as watching Captain Kirk talking into his watch on Star Trek.

Libraries have certainly changed since then. The library was and IS a central part of the community for young and old alike. Library programming exists for every age group. Littles have “1000 books before Kindergarten,” Wee Read and Bilingual Story Hour. Tweens and Teens have Lego, STEM, Pokemon Clubs and weekly after school programming on early out Fridays. Adults have various book clubs and vintage movie viewings. Online help for just about anything you want or need.

Want to learn a new language? Mango Languages

Need help with homework or help with post-service life? Brainfuse

Read or listen to a book online? Libby

The bimonthly music concerts incorporate local musicians and partner with schools so the community teens can practice performing in front of smaller crowds.

Libraries have indeed rolled with the times.

Washington Public Library’s new MakeIT Place for adults and specialized kids’ programming is where you can come and embrace your creativity ranging from 3D printers, to laser printing to graphic design to pottery and transferring precious memories from VHS, reel to reel and picture albums to a flash drive… for free.

Even though he had been to the library countless times since he was a baby, I was more than excited to show my (then) eight year old grandson all the things the library had to offer. A little ahead of himself, he couldn’t believe “all this” was free as we checked out a couple books and a movie.

“Really? For free, Nana? And I just promise to bring it back…are you really, REALLY sure?” (eyeing me quizzically)

“Yep. You only pay if you lose or damage something you borrowed.”

“And the library card …how much for that?” (smiling like he thought he had me)

“Free, as well.”

“Wow…who knew?” (as he skipped out the door with his treasures)

And to think… It all started with a library card.