It's That Simple
Finally some good news! Libraries in the Gulf States that were wiped out or badly damaged by hurricanes Katrina and Rita last year will be made better and stronger, thanks to over $17 million in grants from the Gates Foundation and the Bush-Clinton Katrina Fund. Mobile units will serve many areas while construction proceeds apace. George Bush, Sr.: "Libraries are part of a community's pulse. It's that simple." The head of the Gates Foundation, U.S.A., Allan Golston, also recently noted the role of libraries for the public good: "Library staff helped [refugees and local residents] connect to loved ones, contact FEMA and insurance companies, find new housing and rebuild their lives when other social and civil services were unable to support them."
Libraries are wonderful and I'm very fortunate to be able to work in one with sky lights, air conditioning, a computer lab and lots of books, magazines, and DVDs. The Macomb Library (South) is good for that, too, and during the regular school year features a nice little cafe area. I love that people can come in from anywhere and sign up to use public facilities, search the net, read, or relax. Libraries do serve the public good, and people from any background can enjoy them.
Librarians are also the first to go back to New Orleans for a major convention. The American Library Association opens the ball for the Big Easy's revitalization. One of these days, I'll have to get down there again, too!
It's funny, I became a librarian because working at university facilities was fun and it paid more to earn the extra degree, which was actually an enjoyable process for the most part. Computers and the internet have given libraries and librarians a new jolt of life, too. Certainly much easier to keep things up to speed using online catalogs than it was in the waning days of card catalogs and typing. Since then, I've worked in all sorts of library facilities, including special collections and archives. I also like that Elizabeth McCracken was a librarian, along with some other writers and poets. What's not to love? Makes perfect sense.
Glad to report something positive for a change. Ciao!
6 comments:
Rock on, brother. Paul
For constructions are renewed faster there than here, but for we do not have storms of wind or any type of catastrofe here. What it finishes with the Brazilian people is a corrupt government that pockets the money and it does not create study conditions pra the devoid band of the society. Some governments prefer not to educate to have easinesses to command. I have a friend to blogger librarian, writer, who gives excellent tips to me of reading. Taste very, I very find comfortable to have books to the disposal. I also have a Brazilian friend that he is professor in the university of Tulane that showed in its blog many photos of the result of the Katrina in New Orleans. Very depressing! Beijus
wow thats awesome. I love going to libraries. It's cheaper than buying all the books although I must say I have a weakness for bookstores as well! Love the post today. Glad they are getting back on their feet. Such a tragedy what happened... my dad went down their to help out right after it did.
Very Cool Post. Libraries are sort of like churches, where people gather, learn, read or hear stories about good and evil, take naps, and are generally quiet.
Didn't know about the Gates Foundation and the Bush SR./ Clinton Grant. That is good news.
I've always loved libraries; sounds like a great job, too!
Thanks all for the comments everybody!
Lee, how about "Cathedrals of Books" for the bigger ones? It's fun being a librarian, especially doing refernece work and ordering new stuff. I understand wanting to buy books for your own, too, thugh I've moved so many times that I've cut down on that (all those heavy boxes and all). Beijus!
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