"Tis the season to be jolly. . .fa la la la la!" The sights and sounds of the holidays have permeated the library as we hang our politically correct decorations and put out treats for all. We dress in cheery colors and exchange tales of past holiday memories with staff and friends. Our patrons get involved with our holiday plans and and want to know where we are going and what we are cooking and what we have ordered from Santa. For a few days some pressure is off the librarians as class assignments wind down and people are researching the latest novel or turkey recipe. Quiet music fills the air and paper crafted artwork litters the floor of the library.
But, at some point, each librarian takes a step back and realizes that for many of our patrons the holiday will be lonely. Our visitors watch the signs carefully to see which days the library will close down, and express their sadness that we will not be open. Not for the first time we realize that not only is the library a warming or cooling center, but it also the hub of the social needs of many.
When I first experienced the pangs of guilt that comes from working in an inner city library, I started to quiet down and not really answer when asked about my holiday plans. I realized however, that those asking sincerely wanted to hear about my family and its gatherings. And, by answering them, I was accepting a great gift from my patrons -- a realization of how fortunate I was in life (no matter how troubled I might be) and how loved I truly was. I wanted to return that gift in some fashion, outside of the normal offerings of the library, but knew from a professional standpoint that I was a bit limited and must be cautious.
Today, however, I would encourage all to take the time to look beyond the walls of your library and see what you might personally be able to contribute back to your community. Perhaps it is a bag of warm gloves, a basket of food, an hour of your time, a smile as you leave the building for the night. Do not think of anything you give as charity, think of it as a return gift -- I know that all of you have learned life lessons from those we try and serve daily and would like to say a special holiday thanks.
Don't Lose These Links!!
To Inspire Contributions
The Text of "A Christmas Carol"
http://www.stormfax.com/dickens.htm
Review of the new kid's version of "It's A Wonderful Life"
http://www.amazon.com/Its-Wonderful-Life-Kids-Too/dp/0525477675
For Responsible Giving
http://www.give.org/
http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm/bay/content.view/cpid/518.htm
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