Libraries - "A Cathedral of the Mind"
“A library is a cross between an emergency exit, a life-raft and a festival—a cathedral of the mind; hospital of the soul; theme park of the imagination.” ~ Caitlin Moran
Much of what we read today is online; whether it is a laptop, tablet or phone, we get a lot of our information from a screen. While instant, easy access can be a great time saver, there is something to be said for reading a book, newspaper or magazine.
A trip to the local library can be a great adventure, and although libraries have changed in the last several decades they are still here. Their inventory of books, periodicals, and encyclopedias are now computerized, but as children we used the library card catalogue. These contained individual entries containing bibliographic information, including author's name, book title, and even approximate location. We learned how to research and discover new people, places and things on those index cards.
Looking at old editions of local newspapers can teach us much about history in our communities. We can look back and see what was taking place in terms of politics, education, health issues, or arts when our parents or grandparents were young. Encyclopedias contain a wealth of information to guide us in completing school reports and college research papers, while periodicals share information on most any topic or subject of the day.
From the time I was a child I have enjoyed reading. Holding a book in your hands, the smell of the printed pages, and the anticipation of what will happen next is a gift. Books will take us on an adventure to other countries or universes where we will get lost and perhaps even become part of the story. In difficult times a book can take us away from our troubles even if only for a short time. They will spark our imagination, calm our mind and soothe our soul.
One of the greatest gifts we can give children is to encourage the love of reading and to appreciate holding the printed page in their hands. When they enjoy reading the knowledge that they gain will be endless. Their eyes are opened up to how others in the world live, and they become more open and accepting to those who are not like them. Books have the power to inspire and motivate us to become better human beings.
Take a trip to the local library with your children or grandchildren. Help them discover the wonders that are held within their walls. Once again experience the joy of holding a book in your hands and taking a journey to places unknown. Show them what gifts a library has to offer them.
Much of what we read today is online; whether it is a laptop, tablet or phone, we get a lot of our information from a screen. While instant, easy access can be a great time saver, there is something to be said for reading a book, newspaper or magazine.
A trip to the local library can be a great adventure, and although libraries have changed in the last several decades they are still here. Their inventory of books, periodicals, and encyclopedias are now computerized, but as children we used the library card catalogue. These contained individual entries containing bibliographic information, including author's name, book title, and even approximate location. We learned how to research and discover new people, places and things on those index cards.
Looking at old editions of local newspapers can teach us much about history in our communities. We can look back and see what was taking place in terms of politics, education, health issues, or arts when our parents or grandparents were young. Encyclopedias contain a wealth of information to guide us in completing school reports and college research papers, while periodicals share information on most any topic or subject of the day.
From the time I was a child I have enjoyed reading. Holding a book in your hands, the smell of the printed pages, and the anticipation of what will happen next is a gift. Books will take us on an adventure to other countries or universes where we will get lost and perhaps even become part of the story. In difficult times a book can take us away from our troubles even if only for a short time. They will spark our imagination, calm our mind and soothe our soul.
One of the greatest gifts we can give children is to encourage the love of reading and to appreciate holding the printed page in their hands. When they enjoy reading the knowledge that they gain will be endless. Their eyes are opened up to how others in the world live, and they become more open and accepting to those who are not like them. Books have the power to inspire and motivate us to become better human beings.
Take a trip to the local library with your children or grandchildren. Help them discover the wonders that are held within their walls. Once again experience the joy of holding a book in your hands and taking a journey to places unknown. Show them what gifts a library has to offer them.
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