Someone has been circulating a frequently-"liked" picture of a sign over on Facebook. It says, "Closing libraries during hard economic times is like closing hospitals during a plague epidemic." That makes sense - depressing sense, perhaps, but sense nonetheless.
Which is by way of saying, we have a couple of days left this week to celebrate National Library Week. And I would be remiss in my general literary duties as a book blogger (and risk grave disharmony with my spouse, a school librarian) not to call your attention to the festivities and suggest that you take a moment to honor these houses of books.
After all, as one of my friends reminds me almost weekly, the public libraries of my home state, New Jersey, have some very good (if sadly spotty) selections of classic mysteries, still available to be read and enjoyed by anyone with a library card. I'm pretty sure the same is true for libraries in other states. I know that my home-town library has many shelves devoted to every conceivable type of mystery and crime story. What's not to like?
If you can, visit your library this weekend, check out a couple of books - and take a moment to thank the librarians for being there. Believe me, they have to love the job; it's certainly not the high pay which keeps them there. If you can't make it in this weekend, make it a point to get there soon. There are a lot of good books waiting for you.
Love classic mysteries and am now following your blog. Love libraries too (work there part-time). I love being able to match readers with mysteries.
Posted by: Donna | April 14, 2012 at 10:43 PM
Thanks, Donna - glad you enjoy it. And thank you for your work with your library!
Posted by: Les Blatt | April 15, 2012 at 12:07 PM
I'm a librarian, a volunteer librarian. I love what I do in the library. Reading books, assisting students, and helping them with their research. Library closing is a thing I never thought would happen. It's like taking the right to acquire knowledge. It's sad yet everything has to end. I love books, I love libraries. This is the best place and the place where I want to stay forever.
Posted by: dissertation | September 04, 2012 at 07:49 AM