Let’s celebrate library JOY!
Libraries are more than buildings filled with books, they are places of discovery and connection. They hold stories that shape who we are and who we become. With National Library Week just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to celebrate these welcoming, inclusive spaces where everyone belongs. With this year’s theme focused on JOY, we want to celebrate and acknowledge all the JOY that libraries bring to our communities! More Information about how to celebrate can be found here… https://ilovelibraries.org/national-library-week/
Logliners, what brings you JOY at the library? Is it the books, the people, the librarians, the community, or the silent sacred space to devour other worlds?
Anne: There’s so much to love about the library! The activities (especially the scavenger hunts), the countless opportunities to discover new titles, the vibes, and even the smells (I still remember the scent of the water fountain at my childhood branch). I’m so grateful for spaces where I’m free to ask questions, find answers, explore, learn and relax - all for free!
Robyn: I visit my local library sometimes twice a week. Mostly to pick up holds I’ve been eagerly waiting for. But when I walk through those doors I find it’s this safe space- faces from all walks of life and a community board full of upcoming events for everyone… everywhere. It’s a bustling hub that feels like the whole world is represented right there within its four walls. It brings me great JOY when I spot fellow kidlit authors’ books displayed face out. And of course, spying my books on the shelf is equally joyous. More than anything, the library reminds me why stories matter- connection and belonging! That’s the joy that matters most.
Kari: So many moments of library joy in my life - attending the opening of one of my neighborhood libraries, memories of taking my kids to our local branch, and as Anne mentioned, watching them participate in scavenger hunts around the kids section. One of my favorite things about the library is something I’d like to bring back: I used to reserve spaces in our beautiful, downtown location (for freeee!) and I felt so creative. Then I’d have lunch at the Cookbook Cafe (not sure what it’s named now). It was such a perfectly Austin-y way to be productive and creative.
Lindsay: What brings me joy is the library helps you find yourself. I have the fondest memories of library time at my elementary school, Richland, in Richardson, Texas. There, I found what will forever be my favorite authors: Judy Blume, Beverly Cleary, and Roland Dahl. (I loved strong female characters and the quirkier the better!). I devoured biographies of folks I put on a pedestal: Chris Evert, Martina Navratilova, Buzz Aldrin, Neil Armstrong, etc. (If you can’t tell, I loved sports and space from a young age.) I participated in a theatrical production of The Phantom Tollbooth there. The library was the hub of our school, and it felt so very perfect to me to explore, learn, and figure out more about myself, my interests, and my place in this world.
Meghan: I love that libraries are so much more than books. Libraries are safe havens for people who need a break from the elements, offer free meals for children in the summer, they have internet access, seed libraries, tool libraries, goal-setting workshops, summer reading challenges (which are so close to my heart!), and so many other unique offerings. They’re a community gathering space where information and programs for self-improvement are still free to all, and I’m so grateful. The protection of our libraries (and their funding at all levels) is paramount to the protection of our democracy.
Melissa: Everything—I heart libraries! My first job was at the Brown County local public library, and I’ve said it many times before, but I truly believe librarians should run the world. In addition to the Austin Public Library, we are so fortunate to have multiple amazing library systems nearby. (Westbank, Bee Cave and Lake Travis, I’m looking at you!) It brings me so much JOY to see the wonderful diversity of free(!) programming, activities, classes and special events that enrich, entertain and educate both children and adults. And did I mention they’re FREE? As a frequent visitor, I love chit-chatting with the staff and can’t resist browsing and buying used books to add to my collection in their Friends of the Library bookshops. Please support your local library(ies); they welcome everyone and really are at the heart of our communities.
CALL TO ACTION: Please take 5 minutes…
Readers, we’d love to know: what brings YOU library JOY? Share YOUR story and tell your elected officials that federal funding helps libraries to deliver these essential services and ask them to protect libraries in any way they can.
The Logliner’s Recommended Reads:
News & updates:
WINNER, WINNER! Congratulations to Kathryn A. LeRoy! As a subscriber she won a copy of Anne’s new book in our TLA giveaway. We will be in touch to coordinate!
A quick reminder of all the amazing books on the way:
Meghan P. Browne’s THE EDGE OF FOREVER launches May 12th!
Robyn McGrath’s WIDE OPEN SPACES launches May 12th!
Melissa Coffey’s ONE SPARK launches September 8th!
Libraries forever!