So lovely! I grew up in the libraries -- in the days before computers existed -- and they were the most magical gathering spots for other introverted, world-curious, book-hungry souls. I miss those days and am glad they live on in my cells!
What a wonderful, vivid essay that transported me to that library with all the characters within. And this "When we are always connected, how much do we truly connect?" really resonated with me and the concept of space and what we miss when we don't have it. Thank you Caroline x
If you don't write a murder mystery involving all of you in the library (clearly, the four of you would be solving the mystery), I don't know what I'll do with myself. Too much character, comedy and cleverness not to. Thank you for sharing that, Caroline. xo
Loved this. I went to our small local library often as a child. Wonderful memories of just browsing and reading and browsing some more. I can smell that book smell.
Libraries are just the best! When we were growing up (in a tiny country town) my mum was part of a group called ‘Friends of the Library’. Such a terrific group of people 💛
So many lovely references in here Caroline - werther's, the smells, AOL instant messenger!
I've recently re-discovered my love for libraries as my kids are 6 and 4 and love exploring the kid's corners in different libraries around Madison. They really are magical places/spaces.
Libraries are magical places for kids. I didn't include it here, because this post would've been 3000 years long if I'd let it, but my earliest years at the town library were spent going to the weekly children's story hour. The librarian would read to us, and then we'd do a seasonal craft. I wish there were something similar for adults! I'd sign up in a heartbeat.
Of course I love the NYPL's main branch (including the Rose reading room, in the second photo here), and the Brooklyn Public Library near Grand Army Plaza, with its golden facade, truly looks like a temple of knowledge!
Rose reading room and golden facade, will bookmark it for my next trip to NYC! Although my last trip there was in 2018 to go to the US Open after I took my boards (already 7 years ago!!)
As the daughter of a Librarian who spent numerous Saturday mornings hanging out in the stacks while my Mum worked, and begging to order the card catalogue as a special treat, this really took me back. Thank you!
Loved your imagery of the computer station ("swollen plastic blocks, like glowing LEGOs")! I miss those days, when they were so mysterious and full of wonder. And I agree, the Library is that third space where you're safe to meet, discover, or just find space, as you say. A wonderful tribute to what we all need more of today.
Love this homage to libraries!! They are such special places and every phase of my youth can be linked to a special library. This just took me back to all those places.
I'm a librarian and I can't thank you enough for this beautiful post.
Thank you, both for the comment and for doing your wonderful work.
Thank God for Dorita!!! I love her. This was hilarious and I could read a whole book on your adventures at the library 💗
Thank you, Jenovia! 💗
So lovely! I grew up in the libraries -- in the days before computers existed -- and they were the most magical gathering spots for other introverted, world-curious, book-hungry souls. I miss those days and am glad they live on in my cells!
What a wonderful, vivid essay that transported me to that library with all the characters within. And this "When we are always connected, how much do we truly connect?" really resonated with me and the concept of space and what we miss when we don't have it. Thank you Caroline x
If you don't write a murder mystery involving all of you in the library (clearly, the four of you would be solving the mystery), I don't know what I'll do with myself. Too much character, comedy and cleverness not to. Thank you for sharing that, Caroline. xo
This was pure Heaven with a belly laugh thrown in as a bonus. Thank you.
Thank you so much. I'm very glad to hear it!
Loved this. I went to our small local library often as a child. Wonderful memories of just browsing and reading and browsing some more. I can smell that book smell.
It stays with you forever. (The memories...and the smell!)
I echo Jenovia…your vivid recollection makes your library feel like an old friend!
This was a wonderful read, Caroline✨
Libraries are just the best! When we were growing up (in a tiny country town) my mum was part of a group called ‘Friends of the Library’. Such a terrific group of people 💛
So many lovely references in here Caroline - werther's, the smells, AOL instant messenger!
I've recently re-discovered my love for libraries as my kids are 6 and 4 and love exploring the kid's corners in different libraries around Madison. They really are magical places/spaces.
Do you have a fav library in NYC?
Libraries are magical places for kids. I didn't include it here, because this post would've been 3000 years long if I'd let it, but my earliest years at the town library were spent going to the weekly children's story hour. The librarian would read to us, and then we'd do a seasonal craft. I wish there were something similar for adults! I'd sign up in a heartbeat.
Of course I love the NYPL's main branch (including the Rose reading room, in the second photo here), and the Brooklyn Public Library near Grand Army Plaza, with its golden facade, truly looks like a temple of knowledge!
Thank you, Istiaq!
Rose reading room and golden facade, will bookmark it for my next trip to NYC! Although my last trip there was in 2018 to go to the US Open after I took my boards (already 7 years ago!!)
Loved this tribute to your old library. Loved the detail of the Werther wrappers on the swamp-colored carpet.
The women you worked with sound absolutely brilliant, how vividly you described them. The man following you sounds... Less ideal. Eek!
“Without space, we lose track of the shape of things.” What a gorgeous string of words 💙
As the daughter of a Librarian who spent numerous Saturday mornings hanging out in the stacks while my Mum worked, and begging to order the card catalogue as a special treat, this really took me back. Thank you!
Loved your imagery of the computer station ("swollen plastic blocks, like glowing LEGOs")! I miss those days, when they were so mysterious and full of wonder. And I agree, the Library is that third space where you're safe to meet, discover, or just find space, as you say. A wonderful tribute to what we all need more of today.
Love this homage to libraries!! They are such special places and every phase of my youth can be linked to a special library. This just took me back to all those places.