Reading to “Wally” at the Belmont Library.
Dearest Belmont Branch Library,
I have lain awake many a sleepless night trying to conjure up words that might adequately describe the feelings of my heart. But every time I make the attempt, I have failed miserably. Please forgive my poor effort and accept a trite and simple phrase: I love you.
I recall my first visits to you, 2 year old in tow, belly swollen with crazy monster #2. Your heavy front doors would swing open so obligingly at the touch of a button, the air conditioning cooling the sweat from my fevered brow. I knew then that this love was reciprocal. But still I was not ready to melt the frost from my heart. Too many libraries in the past had attempted to seduce me with fragile promises of literary bliss, only to dash my dreams with irregular hours and indifferent librarians. You were the Mr. Darcy to my Elizabeth Bennett. Prickly and yet so perfect for each other.
When you were closed for renovations I felt as though my heart was being ripped out. Yes, I could go to storytime at the Hollywood branch, but it was cold, sterile, full of strangers. I longed for your familiar touch.
But you have won me over, body and soul. When I bring my son in for the “Read to the Dogs” program, I know this is not just puppy love. Wally the dog, you do not fool me while pretending to sleep through the “Star Wars Pop Up Book,” I know your canine heart pants for one more story.
Without you I am incomplete. What would I read? How could I live without the hypnotic caress of the perfect audio book, soothing the crushing boredom of housework. The stacks of crisp Manga to entice my 12 year old into a relaxing stupor. And “Star Trek” DVD sets, how could I exist without the geeky splendor of “Star Trek?!”
It’s not just the thousands of dollars you have saved me in video/ DVD rentals and book purchases. It’s the non-judgmental love that flows between us. I love you Belmont branch library, I love you. Never leave me again.
Fall in love with your library, it’s the easiest relationship you’ll ever have.
-Katy Wolk-Stanley
“Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without.”
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How I miss Portland’s library system! Our San Diego libraries are a travesty. Irregular hours, half-wit staff, books taking 3 weeks to get from one branch to another … ugh!
But… you have inspired me to try again with a fresh and hopeful attitude. I will do my best to expect the best. Maybe that’s what I’ll get this time!
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