Crossing the Halfway Point
I went into a library for the first time in 15 months. Before the pandemic, I went to the library probably three times per week. So it was a bit of a mental adjustment to go from three times per week to zero times per week for 15 months.
I went to five different libraries this weekend, part of an ongoing, pre-pandemic project. Things got paused in the first part of the project with one-third of it complete. Restarting things took me over the halfway mark, and it made me feel like my life was moving forward again.
I stayed by the front desk in the first library, speaking with the librarian, turning my head slightly as she answered me so I could look back at the stacks of books. So many books. All in one place. Like… a library.
The second library wasn’t really open—just the front hall. The third library was super high-tech. They had hands-free temperature devices and the library was fully open. The fourth library was the only one where all the patrons were masked and the library staff was mask-free. The fifth library felt the most normal. Everyone was masked, and they were moving about the rooms, looking at books. I mean, yes, there were masks, but other than having something over our nose and mouth, it felt like old times. I felt super emotional about it.
I miss travel, and I miss family and friends. I miss restaurants. But I really really really miss libraries. It felt good to be back.
5 comments
I miss libraries too. Our library has been partially open for a bit now. They have recently announced that they are extending hours, increasing capacity, and adding access to more services. Still, one of the three branches (the one geographically closest to my front door) remains shuttered.
We have had curbside service for the past year—you order books online then pick them up outside at a window. I’m not ready to go back inside…our library is supposed to open next month, I hope they keep the curbside service.
I recently went back inside my local public library, too. They require an appointment to limit capacity, and they also have high-tech temperature scanners at the entrance. Otherwise, it’s just like pre-pandemic, and yes, it was odd to just wander freely among so many books!
I visit the library in person much less frequently than you — maybe once every month or two — but it was still nice to be back inside.
Yay! How lovely for you.
Our library has been open-ish since last summer. They’ve gone back and forth between actually being open (albeit with reduced hours) or curbside only (where you have to order your books online or via phone), but they’ve been open. Once again, I cannot say enough good things about my library system. They make my life so much better.