Saturday, July 7, 2012

The library. What's that?

In my free time, what little of it I have left thanks to 2 small people (kids, not midgets), you can find me doing one thing: reading. My kids take about 78% of my time; my husband, oh, 20%; the remaining 2%, I split between my mom and dad and my grandparents, an occasional tennis ball toss to the dog, or visit with the neighbor. (You'll notice a shower doesn't get much percentage there. Not an accidental omission.) Otherwise, if I had my druthers, I'd be behind book. You know, a bound item with pages covered in words.



Yes, I have an I Pad (that nifty thing brought to us by a little company called Apple). Do I read on it? No. Why not? Because the library is down the street. It is teaching my daughter responsibility by ensuring due dates. It is teaching respect for older things like books and puzzles. You don't just throw them out, another person can enjoy them.  I run into my grandpa there (He's 87 and goes there weekly.) It smells old and feels smart. In order to find what you are looking for, you actually have to search and use your brain. I like to read magazines, books, and newspapers. Geez, I'll read the neighborhood flyer. I like paper and I respect local journalism. I don't mind black ink on my fingers. So, as long as I am around, I'll be visiting the local library once a week.




Am I preaching from my soapbox? Maybe. Is this some kind of lecture? Not really. Is it a challenge? Most definitely. Refrain from ordering that book for your I Pad, Kindle, or Space-machine. Instead, hit up your local library. It might take longer than hitting "Send" or "Return," but you should feel better about it. "Should" being the key word.

4 comments:

GreenMom said...

I've also become a fan of the DPL's e-book lending program. It helps when I can't get there as often as I like or don't have as much time to look for myself!

Jen Mckenzie Frazier said...

I didn't know there even was an e-book lending program! A. That thrills me. B. I need to do a bit more research or get out more often. Clearly. So glad you commented!

A said...

I remember Cat telling me on my first day as a Travel intern that I should totally take lunch and not feel like I had to eat at my desk. You were out on maternity leave, but she pointed to your desk and said, "Jen, you'll like Jen, she likes to read books during her lunch hour." Stuck with me. :)
Love,
A fellow library lover

Jen Mckenzie Frazier said...

More like, "That Jen, she's a total pain!" Bu thank you. I always wondered what was going on at my desk when I was on maternity leave. Looks like people were pointing to it...

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