Happy National Libraries Day!

"Libraries will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no libraries." - Anne Herbert

"Libraries are anything but quiet: they resound with centuries of knowledge and human experience -- and I can think of no more perfect music!" - Kristen Kittscher

Today is a day to say "I ♥ libraries!" Aren't they awesome? Not only as a haven for readers but also as a community hub, bringing together people from all walks of life through a common love. As the cost of living (and reading!) increases, libraries, and the free access to books and information they offer, are as relevant now as they have ever been. And with many libraries currently under treat of closure, now is a critical time to get behind your local library and give them your support.

In the last 6 months I have started using the library more and more and it has been a joy to rediscover what my local library service has to offer. I enjoy browsing the shelves and looking at staff recommendations, which has encouraged me to diversify my reading hobbits habits (i.e. reading fewer books with dragons in!). My library service also has a great online catalogue that allows me to search for and reserve the books I stumble across while internetting.

Using my local library more has also helped me develop a healthier emotional relationship with books. The simple act of borrowing, reading and returning library books has lessened my materialistic urge to own lots and lots of books. Instead, I have come to cherish the feeling of community reading a library book invokes, and of sharing... not only the sharing of the book itself, but the experience. (Did the person who read this book before me love it or hate it? Did they like the same characters as me? Feel moved by the same quotes?) I enjoy knowing that those pages, of that very book, have been read by many others, and will in turn be read by even more still, instead of being hoarded on my bookshelves!

I now also have a second library card, this one for Brighton and Hove Libraries, which means I can frequent the wonderful Jubilee Library in Brighton after work. Jubilee library is an absolute paradise. It is contemporary and welcoming, with really friendly and helpful staff. It has a very large and diverse collection of books to browse and borrow, including a fantastic graphic novels section, loads of CDs, DVDs etc. too, and inspiring displays. When I popped in earlier in the week, I was delighted to see they had a "Blind Date With a Book" display :) (Although being irrational shy, I felt too self-conscious to choose one and take it to the desk to borrow).

I hope you are having a wonderful National Libraries Day. Don't forget to give your library lots of love and metaphorical hugs, and encourage your friend and family to forget what they think they know about libraries. I'm off to read my library book now (with a nice cup of tea), but will leave you with this great video, which perfectly sums up my feeling today. (Edit: Bother. Video doesn't seem to show up on my iPad. Click here for the video if you can't see it either, and please accept my humble apologies for being technologically clumsy!)

(P.S. Read this story too.)