Libraries—why do we love them? Let’s start way back with once upon a time. The goddess Seshat exerted a powerful civilizing influence on ancient Egypt. Her name means “female scribe,” and she was known as the mistress of libraries and secretary of heaven.
Over 3,000 years ago Ramses II inscribed his library in Thebes, Egypt with the iconic words Healing – Place of the Soul. This was one of the first things I learned in Dr. McCrossan’s class, as I sought my Master’s Degree in library science years ago. Does it give you a shiver to think of that ancient library and all the sacred texts it must have contained? It certainly does me.
Another name I always remember from library school is Ashurbanipal of those Sumerian descendants, the Assyrians, who amassed a vast library in Nineveh with thousands of tablets in 600 BCE.
Of course the most famous library was in Alexandria, Egypt, and that spectacular institution housed texts from over the known world. What a travesty for all that wisdom to be lost through fire and war. Historically, at high points in culture when learning is valued, libraries are an integral part of the scenario. Today’s public libraries serve as a cornerstone for literacy and education, and thousands of reasons exist to value and use your free library card. Let’s take a cue from Seshat and look at 11.
You want to read the latest offerings by Stephen King and J.K. Rowling , but your budget is tight right now. Best sellers and popular reading are plentiful in the library– print, audio, and eBooks.
Your college reading list includes John Keats’ poems, Aeschylus’ plays, and Notes from the Underground by Dostoyevsky. Classic literature is a key component of the public library.
You want to learn Spanish during your commute to work. Language audios are among the library’s most popular items.
You want to read a book recommended by an out-of-state friend but your library doesn’t have it. There’s a good chance your library can borrow it for you through the interlibrary loan service.
Your daughter gave you a computer, but you are clueless about how to use it. Computer classes are available in the library.
Your child just told you he has a report due tomorrow. Librarians will be glad to help you and your son find what he needs to write the report.
Your cousin needs to get his GED. Library literacy programs can help him prepare.
Your neighbor has always been an avid reader, but now her eyesight is poor. Large print books are an option.
You live alone and are feeling out of touch with people. Numerous groups use the library’s meeting room, including Friends of the Library, artists, and crafters. Library movie nights are good, too.
Your doctor said you need to exercise more. Tai chi is offered in the library.
Your preschooler needs to maintain her reading level over the summer. Summer reading programs may be the answer.
After working in the library for over two decades and as library director for half that, it’s clear the library serves as a community hub. It’s also thanks to the public library that our local writing group, Sunshine State Romance Authors, has a great location to meet each month. This week we are helping celebrate National Library Week. I’ll be at Homosassa Public Library almost all day on Tuesday, April 12, with fellow author Loretta C. Rogers. I have a reading scheduled at 11:30, and Loretta’s is at 1:00. I’ll also be there from 12:30 – 2:30 on Thursday, April 14. Authors will appear all week. Come out and see us if you can! Keeping Seshat in mind, I hope you’ll visit your local library during National Library Week.
More: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC314099/
Cheers & Happy Reading!
Flossie Benton Rogers, Conjuring the Magic with Romance
I haven’t heard of that particular Egyptian goddess before. I wonder how common female scribes were in ancient Egypt? Thanks for the information about ancient libraries!
I wondered that too, Sandra. At least it’s groundbreaking for the ancient Egyptians to assign such cerebral powers to a female.
I loved libraries all my life. My best friends at school were the school librarians!
I wouldn’t mind sleeping in a library also.
Yes, it’s a world in itself. all the knowledge of mankind between the covers of books.
You had a cool job Flossie, I’m sure.
wishing you and your fiend, Loretta a great reading meeting!
That’s so wonderful, Carmen. I’m glad libraries served you in an uplifting and magical way.
Wonderful post, Flossie. I just did a book signing at my local library two weekends ago (along with a number of other local authors). It was a fantastic day of networking, even if I didn’t sell many books. I have been in love with libraries ever since I was a kid and my parents took me there every weekend.
Wishing you and your friend the very best for your programs and thanks for shining a spotlight on libraries. It is well-deserved!
Good for you, Mae! I’m sure the networking made it all worth it.
Great post. I began going to the library as a tween I even worked the children’s groups whe I was a kid myself. I guess I was born reading lol
Born with a book in your hand, Cathy!