My absolute favourite place in the world is the library.
I don’t hang out there, I just pick up books I have on hold, but I know plenty of people who do and for a good reason.
The library is a sanctuary for many. Young people go there to escape bad home environments. Street people hole up there to stay warm, dry, safe and unbothered. The lonely find company, and those who want to be left alone, isolation.
The library offers free courses, free books, free education, free programs. You can borrow books, magazines, tapes, CD’s, DVD’s, musical instruments, museum passes, even pedometers! They lend out special players for the visually impaired to listen to books on tape or CD. You can use computers and printers, peruse the internet. There is even a laser cutter and a 3D printer available. You can hold meetings, present a seminar., be part of a knitting group or book club. Bring your children for group play or learning activities.
You can keep up to date on any subject. You can read all the latest books and magazines. See all the new movies. Listen to all the new music. All for free. The library is open eight to ten hours, six to seven days a week.
The librarians are always accommodating and friendly. But if you want to be left alone, there are plenty of little cubby holes to curl up in and read a great book.
What’s even more amazing, is they not only put my books on their shelves, but they also displayed one of my books and helped to promote it.
When I enter the library, I can feel the calm and peace in that room. Being surrounded by walls of books is comforting.
In the library, the world is yours, for free.
You just need to go check it out.