Libraries Liberate
The Glenroy Library
In Melbourne, they take their public libraries seriously.
There are so many of them dotted around the periphery of the city that, as a resident you don’t have to commute too far to reach your local library.
The Glenroy Library is the one nearest our residence.
Systematically organised, catalogued book shelves and reference sections, dedicated and helpful staff, and designated spaces to access the internet, are probably a characteristic of every library. But what sets this library apart, are the number of ways in which the library tries to cater to EVERY section of society.
For starters, they charge very nominal fees, and one is allowed to borrow thirty books at one time. Thirty Books! Can you beat that! I almost fainted with delight when my son, who is a member, told me that.
Then, they have an entire section of books for older people who have problems reading smaller print and these books are marked as LP, or large print. They have an enclosure catering to kids below the age of two. You can sit there and read aloud to your child: and once every week, you can bring in your infants in arms or in prams, and someone comes in, to read to them for a period of two hours.
They have open mic and poetry writing workshops, lectures and presentations by authors as well as a plan that helps parents borrow and read 100 books to their children, BEFORE the child is one year old They have student-friendly book loan schemes.
And they have complete silence.
To see a three or five-year old child, leaving the library, clutching a stack of books to her chest, looking both earnest, and important, makes me want to dance with joy
‘…and then my heart with pleasure fills, and dances…’ with apologies to William Wordsworth.
It is a place where the reader is welcomed and appreciated, and encouraged to continue a habit that promises many rich and varied dividends.
A society where this kind of value system holds good, and is actively encouraged, is truly an enlightened society.
©️ 2021 Suma Narayan. All Rights Reserved.
