I had a very profound experience this week; I went to the library. It doesn't sound like much, does it? But I think you might be surprised by the magic a library holds. I love books more than most folks and, of course, that is part of the reason why I'm so delighted that libraries exist. But the magic of a library is so much more than just books.
I honestly think libraries are far more important to society than most people think. Perhaps, if you really think about it, one might consider public libraries one of the fundamental pillars of our society. As one of the last remaining places you can access for free - with virtually zero expectations of you but to behave politely - libraries make education, programming, and so much more accessible to those who may not receive it otherwise.
The reason I have this at the forefront of my mind as the week comes to a close is due to a recent trip with one of my daughters to the Halifax Central Library. I had heard wonderful things about this space, had been told that it was a world-class facility, and had been meaning to visit with my children for years, but somehow it always dropped off of the to-do list everytime we visited Nova Scotia. This visit, however, while searching for something fun to do with Violet, I came across the Lou Duggan Creative Studio, just one part of the library's robust programing. As soon as we discovered that this space existed, and had drop-in hours, we hopped in the car, ready to create. The website told us that the space was equipped with art supplies, sewing machines, and even a 3D printer, and drop-in hours open to anyone over the age of twelve. I left with zero expectations of the space, but much excitement at the idea of making art just for fun.
When we first arrived at the library, I was absolutely floored. The building is impressive from outside, but the inside is breathtaking - sprawling spaces filled with shelves, beautiful architecture, art-adorned walls, a reading lounge with a tower garden, even a cafe. We made our way through the many wonders of the library to find the Creative Studio and excitedly peeked through the windows at shelves of art supplies while we waited for the doors to open.
Once the time came, Violet and I got straight to work, her on a watercolour painting and I on a small needle felting project. We created more and more things, and explored the myriad of materials and tools available. As we continued to craft, both moving on to collages of different types, we watched more and more people fill the space, most of which were clearly regulars with a lovely rapport. And that's where I saw the magic.
In that space, there was a collection of people, all there for their own reasons, who art had been made more accessible for. There was one person who spent the entire three hours stamping repeating patterns on paper as a sort of therapeutic mindfulness. It was so heartwarming to see everyone cheering each other on with their projects and helping their fellow crafters along as needed. There were many beautiful things about those hours, but a space where people can come as they are to create, for free, that is a rare and wonderful thing.
And that is the real beauty of the library. I went there to connect with someone I love, and others have their own reasons, but no matter who you are the public library provides a free, safe space to exist; a place where you can learn, grow, and relax; programming and resources that you may not be able to access otherwise.
So, today as I fall asleep thinking about a wonderful day at the library (and how all of my children that didn't make the trip are bow longing to visit), I find myself incredibly grateful for the profound impact that libraries can have and for the magic of these spaces that serve as an invaluable resource to so many.