Letter to the Editor: Honoring all libraries, staff and volunteers

April 6 is National Library Day. All libraries are about adding quality to your life. Consider how your local library helps so many. All library staff and volunteers work hard to make your life better. For many of us libraries bring good memories. The library system has progressed through the years. At first the public library brought all kinds of knowledge through books and pamphlets to the rich and poor. They still do that — so you can bury yourself in a book of fiction while learning about other people and their cultures, etc. Jean Little said, “Books are windows to the world.”

Libraries are places for all kinds of research. Google may be faster, but not half the fun. The journey of researching multiple sources is that one fact leads to so many others along the way.

Today’s library has multiple resources to meet both practical and entertainment needs. It allows families to go on adventures with passes to the zoo, and other places. It provides a computer for practical needs such as creating an application. You can read a newspaper or magazine or work on a puzzle in a quiet place. You can take advantage of monthly mystery bags and crafts. There is memory lab, story time, STEAM kits, audio books, e-books, DVDs and so much more.

In Newton, all these happen because the library staff of thirteen with the regular help of three-five volunteers keep the library rejuvenated, prepare books and other materials, help you find what you need, provide learning programs for both children, teens and adults as well as entertaining media. It even provides a charging station, water, and facilities. You don’t have to make an appointment to go and browse or ask questions. The more information you want, the more you can get. Sign up for the many newsletters.

Take time to thank a library staff member, a library volunteer, a friend of the library member, a foundation member or a library board member. They make things happen, all for the good. They touch lives without charging fees.

If you’ve never been in a public library or used one of its many services, take time to go and see and find out what you are missing — YOU WILL BE SURPRISED!

Christine Pauley

Newton