A time to celebrate libraries and poetry

Woodbury Bulletin - 04/16/2008

April 13 to 19 is “National Library Week” this year.

Since 1958, this unique event has been annually observed in the second full week of April.

Sponsored by the American Library Association and libraries across the country, National Library Week is a time to celebrate the contributions of libraries and librarians and to promote library use and support.

I love libraries. They are often called the “People’s University.”

A library is the center and the heart of community. It serves as the engine of community education and transformation.

As I wrote in a previous column titled “There is no place like library,” the library has changed my life and therefore holds a special place in my heart.

April is also “National Poetry Month.”

I don’t read and write many poems, but I do occasionally.

One year ago, I shared three poems in this column. I repeat what I said then: I believe poetry is the language of the soul. Poetry flows out of you when you quiet your mind, open your heart and listen to your soul.

I can’t think of a better way to celebrate both library and poetry at the same time than sharing my two library poems this week.

LIVRARY IS

Library is
Where learning begins
And the world, near and far, is explored.

Library is
Where knowledge grows
And generations benefit from it.

Library is
Where unknown becomes known
And mysteries are solved.

Library is
Where you can lose yourself
And also find yourself.

Library is
Where you can be detained
And still go everywhere imaginable.

Library is
Where you can be alone
And still meet others from past and present.

Library is
Where relationships are built
And communities are strengthened.

Library is
Where the hunger of the mind is filled
And food for the soul nourishes.

Library is
Where minds are opened
And opportunities knock.

Library is
Where dreams begin
And lives are changed.


WHAT HAPPENS IN THE LIBRARY

What happens in the library
Can be put on hold.

What happens in the library
Can be checked out.

What happens in the library
Can be recalled.

What happens in the library
Provides access points.

What happens in the library
Provides portals to the world.

What happens in the library
Provides food for thought.

What happens in the library
Provides a window to the soul.

What happens in the library
Is often overdue.

What happens in the library
Is often out of order.

What happens in the library
Is often weeded.

What happens in the library
Is often hushed & shushed away.

What happens in the library
Is classified information.

What happens in the library
Is referenced everywhere.

What happens in the library
Is resource sharing.

What happens in the library
Is done with authority.

What happens in the library
Is periodically perfect.

What happens in the library
stays in circulation.

What happens in the library
stays in the catalog.

What happens in the library
stays in the archive.

What happens in the library
stays in the mind.

What happens in the library
Is reMARCable.

What happens in the library
leaves us dewey-eyed.


A note and acknowledgement for the second poem:

I would like to thank my former supervisor Jerry Baldwin for the inspiration. He initiated the idea and gave me the chance to continue what he started.

Some words used in this poem have special meanings in the library. You would understand and appreciate it more if you know more about library functions and services.