Kindness in public libraries abounds

The sissy bar and my pink banana seat made my adventures — a mile down Sterling Avenue in my little village — seem like the yellow brick road to a land of wonder. The library was my destination, where I could discover a million things, from how big outer space was to sleuthing in the suburbs. 

Finding out what books came in the interlibrary loan that week for the children's section was my goal. I loved everything about the library. It welcomed everyone. The librarians always had time to help children who needed more books to read at night with flashlights under the covers. That was me. 

As I moved around the country, now as an adult, I sought out public libraries to find community and sometimes solace. They seemed to be havens for kindhearted souls who read, organized meetings, taught English as a second language, and always welcomed children into a safe space to wonder and explore. They were hubs of activity, with calendars of free upcoming events to support the community.

Recently, at a community meeting of weavers — mostly women of a certain age — a young boy came to the meeting room and said he was interested in learning the craft. He had seen a demonstration loom there and thought it would be fun! We welcomed him in. The librarian ordered some children's weaving books from the interlibrary loan system, and the boy added a splash of orange to our project. The librarian told me that he was a voracious reader who hung out there as much as he could. I wondered if he, too, had a flashlight near his bed. I sure hope so. 

Mary Kramek writes from Gainesville, Florida, having moved there after six wonderful years in Fernandina. Thankfully, libraries are institutions of welcoming and kindness everywhere!

Others in the community are invited to share their stories of kindness and compassion. If you have a story you'd like to share here in the Fernandina Observer - about a neighbor or friend or business that showed you kindness - please contact Peggie Weeks at pegweeks@gmail.com